If we want to personalise the curriculum, how is this possible when we have to teach to the SATS? I am taking part in a QCA project for exemplification of standards in the new curriculum at KS3 and we are told to be innovative and creative in our assessments -however, the actual SATS test is very prescriptive. How can we make sure that SATS and personalisation isn't contradictory?
Ideas from other schools - Possibly complete KS3 in Years 7 and 8 OR during Year 9 pupils concentrate on the SATS subjects more (or in one chunk of time) and offer some option choice in other curricular areas at the end of Year 8?
Change to a new timetable straight after the SATS or even earlier to prepare for the SATS? This is in the immediate future as not sure if these tests will be abandoned.
Comments (2)
Peter Westhorpe said
at 8:18 pm on Sep 29, 2008
Thanks Gillian
I've lowered the resolution of your image as it was taking too long to load.
I get the point about the prescriptive SATS - I remember ICT Exam questions which asked children how to set up lap tops and connect them to printers, projectors and speakers! Der! I think there could be a better way to assess this skill !!!!
Anne Horne said
at 5:21 pm on Oct 2, 2008
In truth, the SATs serve no useful educational purpose (for the chlidren that is). They delimit the curriculum and prop up the league tables. If we are going to be innovative and creative, why not campaign to get rid of them altogether, then we could use the SAT related time to get on with the real business of educating our lovely kids more appropriately? The whole curriculum as it stands currently, is very prescriptive and exam orientated. It fails to serve many of our children fully (especially SEN and lower achievers).
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