At Darland High School, assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. It helps pupils understand what they are doing well, what they need to improve and the next steps they need to take in their learning. Teachers use both ongoing formative assessment and more formal summative assessment to build a clear picture of each pupil’s progress
We want pupils to take pride in their progress, achievements and successes. Pupils are encouraged to share their interests and achievements outside school as well as celebrating success in lessons.
Our rewards system recognises positive attitudes, effort, achievement and contribution to school life. Teachers award positive points through ClassCharts, which contribute towards rewards and prizes throughout the year. We also hold an annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate some of the outstanding achievements of our pupils.
Further information about rewards can be found in our Behaviour Policy.
Assessment takes place throughout the year and is used to help teachers plan the next steps in learning.
This includes:
Our aim is to help pupils understand their own progress and become increasingly independent and confident learners
All pupils receive a Progress Review once each term, giving parents and carers regular information about how their child is progressing.
For pupils in Years 7 to 9, progress is communicated using our Mastery Statements:
Novice → Emerging → Developing → Secure → Exceeding
These provide an indication of how securely pupils are demonstrating the knowledge, understanding and skills expected within their curriculum. Progress Reviews also provide information about pupils’ attitude to learning and the next steps they can take to make further progress.
For pupils in Years 10 and 11, Progress Reviews provide information about current performance alongside predicted outcomes, helping pupils and parents understand the progress being made towards final qualification grades.
Progress Reviews are shared through Go4Schools, allowing pupils and parents to access assessment information online
We believe that effective communication between school and home is an important part of supporting pupil progress.
Each year group has an annual Parents’ Evening, providing an opportunity for parents and carers to discuss their child’s progress directly with teachers. We also provide additional opportunities at important points in a pupil’s education to explain assessment, curriculum expectations and how families can support learning at home.
Parents and carers also receive information about their child’s Attitude to Learning alongside Progress Reviews. An end-of-year report from the form teacher provides a more personal reflection on each pupil’s pastoral progress and development.
We also use ClassCharts to keep parents informed about day-to-day school life. Parents can use ClassCharts to view information including attendance, positive recognition, behaviour points and homework.
Homework forms an important part of learning at Darland High School. It gives pupils opportunities to consolidate knowledge, practise key skills, prepare for future learning and develop the independence and organisation they will need throughout secondary school and beyond.
Homework is set and communicated through ClassCharts, allowing both pupils and parents to see what work has been set and when it is due.
Homework may take a range of forms, including:
Tasks are designed to be appropriate and accessible for pupils. As pupils progress through the school, developing effective independent study habits becomes increasingly important, particularly as they prepare for GCSE courses and examinations.
Further information can be found in our Homework Policy and Assessment and Target Setting Policy.