How We Assess

Assessment at Raise Rochdale  

At Raise Rochdale, assessment is central to how we support, challenge, and re-engage our learners. It helps us understand individual needs, track progress, and ensure every pupil has the opportunity to achieve success. Our approach is guided by our core values: Re-engage, Aspire, Inclusion, Support, and Education. 

For full details, please see our Assessment Policy.  

How We Assess 

We use a range of assessment methods across all key stages: 

• Formative assessment happens every day in lessons through questioning, feedback, quizzes, classwork, and practical tasks. This helps teachers adapt their teaching quickly to address misconceptions and support individual learners. 

• Summative assessment is used to measure progress at key points throughout the year. It includes formal assessments such as topic tests, coursework, and mock exams. 

• All new learners complete baseline assessments, including standardised reading and spelling tests, and diagnostic tools such as SNAP-B and SNAP-SpLD. These help us understand each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs, and inform personalised learning pathways. 

•  Readiness to Mainstream Scale. The scale considers key areas such as emotional regulation, behaviour, engagement in learning, social interaction, and attendance. It ensures that any transition is well-timed, supported, and sustainable, giving learners the best chance of success. More information is available on our website. 

How Often We Assess 

• Formative assessment is ongoing in every lesson. 

• Summative assessment is completed through three whole-school PITA data collections each academic year.  

• We use Point in Time Assessment (PITA) to judge each learner’s current performance in every subject: 

• Phonics assessments (Read Write Inc.) are completed half-termly for primary.  

• Standardised tests in reading, grammar and punctuation, spelling, arithmetic and reasoning are completed termly for primary.  

• Learners at Key Stage 4 follow GCSE and vocational assessment schedules in line with qualification requirements. 

Why We Assess 

We assess to: 

• Identify strengths, needs, and next steps in learning 

• Provide targeted support or stretch and challenge 

• Adapt curriculum delivery to meet learner needs 

• Support decisions around reintegration into mainstream, or transition to post-16 

• Track academic and personal progress over time 

• Accredit learning through recognised qualifications 

How We Report to Families 

We are committed to keeping parents and carers informed and involved. 

• Twice a year, we send home interim reports that include your child’s attendance and PITA stage in each subject. For Primary this will include the national curriculum year your child is accessing learning from.  

• Annual written reports are also provided for every learner, including: 

• Achievement and progress in all subjects 

• General comments on effort and development 

• Attendance information 

• Results of any public exams or vocational qualifications at Ks4 

• For KS2 learners: outcomes of statutory assessments, including teacher judgments and scaled scores