What does key stage 3 national curriculum assessment consist of?
At the end of key stage 3, normally when pupils are in year 9, schools have to report teacher assessment outcomes to parents/carers. The requirement for all pupils to sit tests in English, mathematics and science at the end of key stage 3 was removed in October 2008. Teacher assessment of pupils remains a statutory requirement. At the end of key stage 3, teachers summarise their judgements for each eligible pupil, taking into account the pupil’s progress and performance throughout the key stage. They need to determine: • a level for each attainment target in English, mathematics, science and modern foreign languages • an overall subject level in each of the core and non-core subjects. Teachers should base their judgements on the level descriptions in the national curriculum. Further information on the statutory requirements for schools can be found in the Key stage 3 Teacher assessment and reporting arrangements. National sampling at key stage 3 will be introduced in due course.
