Assessing students at Key Stage 3 – The Pathway System

The aim of reporting is:

  • To inform parents and students of their progress towards predicted grades or levels at regular intervals during the year.
  • To initiate and support conversations between teaching staff, pupils and parents should a pupil not be making sufficient progress towards her targets.
  • To summarise a student’s pastoral development through attendance, work ethic and a pastoral comment.

What is reported?

The Predicted Grade or Pathways for the end of the current Key Stage.

A student will receive a predicted grade or Pathway at least once a year. Full details of this will be provided on the report itself. Additionally, students will receive progress and work ethic grades, which are described below.

Year 7 to 9

Progress Descriptors

  • Moving towards the next Pathway
  • Making good progress on the Pathway
  • Struggling to stay on the Pathway
  • In danger of being moved onto a lower Pathway

Work Ethic Descriptors

  • Has a an exceptional Work Ethic
  • Has a Good Work Ethic
  • Has a Work Ethic which Lapses Occasionally
  • Has a Work Ethic which Lapses Significantly

Year 10 to 13

Progress Descriptors

  • Good Progress which may exceed the prediction
  • Good Progress
  • Progress slightly below expectations
  • Progress below expectations

Work Ethic Descriptors

  • Has an Exceptional Work Ethic
  • Has a Good Work Ethic
  • Has a Work Ethic which Lapses Occasionally
  • Has a Work Ethic which Lapses Significantly

The Form Comment

This is a 100 – 150 word summative comment about your daughter’s Pastoral progress during the year, which is written in July by her Form Tutor. The Form Tutor’s comment might include:

  • Attendance and punctuality
  • Appearance and uniform
  • Personal organisation
  • Participation in school and class activities
  • Relationships with peers/teachers
  • Notable achievements
  • Personal qualities