Assessment, Monitoring and Progression

Assessment and Monitoring 

Success at A Level is a function of several factors: 

• strong prior attainment at GCSE 
• sound and steady study habits 
• thorough preparation for the examination requirements and assessment criteria of their chosen A Level subjects 
• a collaborative and positive approach to relations with teachers and fellow students 
• a real interest and enthusiasm for one’s chosen subjects. 

Regular monitoring of class and homework, formal assessments and close collaboration between teachers, tutors and parents, enable us to identify where the balance of these factors lie at the start of their A Level studies, and to monitor when and what additional support and targeted intervention is required at regular intervals, to ensure that each of our A Level pupils stay firmly on the path to academics success at A Level. 

Assessment Tests 

In each subject, A Level pupils' work is assessed formally via an Assessment Test each half term and an end of term summative examination. 

Lower Sixth Interim Examinations 

Interim examinations take place in early December and early March. These are summative examinations of AS subject content covered to date, and will usually take the form of an AS examination in that subject, although it lies at the discretion of the subject leader whether interim examinations follow an AS or an A2 examination format. 

Upper Sixth Trial Examinations 

Upper Sixth pupils benefit from sitting TWO A Level Trial examinations, in early December of their Upper Sixth, and in early March. As far as possible, these consist of two full A Level examination papers per subject and are marked strictly according to examination board criteria.

Lower Sixth End of Year Examinations 

Pupils take two AS-equivalent summative examinations in each of their A Level subjects. Together with average performance in Assessment Tests and Interim Examinations, the End of Year Examination is usually forms the basis from which Subject teachers make UCAS grade predictions.

Monitoring 

At the end of each assessment cycle, pupil progress is monitored and, where required, meetings with pupils and parents take place in which problems are identified and goals are a agreed as part of an overall plan of targeted intervention. 

Reporting 

Assessment Tests 

Results of assessment tests will be entered on ISAMs as a) a percentage and b) an A Level grade and parents will be notified when an assessment test result has been published on ParentPortal.

Lower Sixth Interim and End of Year Examinations 

The results of interim examinations are posted on ParentPortal as per Assessment Test results. 

End of Year Examination results are sent to parents with a full written school report. 

Assessment and Reporting Calendar 2024-25

(See the Assessment page in the Sixth Form Handbook) 

Parents' Evening 2024-5 (Lower and Upper Sixth Forms)

Michaelmas Term 

7 November 4.15pm 

Hilary Term 

3rd April 4.15pm 

Progression to A2 (Upper Sixth) 

To continue their studies into the Upper Sixth, pupils must achieve as a minimum, a grade D in each of their end of year Lower Sixth examinations. 

In the case of Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics, a grade C will be the usual minimum grade allowing progression to A2. Decisions about progression are made on a case by case basis and mitigating circumstances are taken into account. 

Pupils who do not meet the minimum grade required to progress to A2 in their L6 End of Year examinations may be allowed to re-sit examinations in early September. Permission to do so will be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with parents.