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FOI publication scheme 2 - National Tests
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2.1 Statutory test and task materials | |
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short description |
The national curriculum statutory test and task materials. QCA produces the following statutory test materials:
Statutory task materials are produced for key stage 1 only. For key stages 2 and 3 the mathematics tests include mental arithmetic. The distribution of these materials to schools includes information leaflets and circulars that reiterate the information provided in the Assessment and Reporting Arrangements booklets (see 2.5 below). |
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format and availability |
printed papers bound up in packs of ten, with separate packs of single papers and mark schemes for teachers - available to the public only after the test period each May (confidential before then) In addition schools may purchase a license from our partners DoubleStruck to use TestBase software, which provides a databank of previous years test questions for practice. |
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date of publication |
annually, each April and May |
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price |
supplied free to schools participating in the tests, further copies can be purchased, pricing details available at the QCA Orderline . |
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2.2 Optional test materials | |
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short description |
The national curriculum optional test and task materials. QCA produces the following optional test materials:
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format and availability |
printed papers bound up in packs of ten, with separate packs of single papers and mark schemes for teachers - available to schools on order from September each year. |
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date of publication |
annually, every Spring |
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price |
all materials are priced, pricing details available at the QCA Orderline |
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2.3 Progress tests | |
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short description |
QCA produces optional progress tests for pupils in year 7 in English and mathematics. These tests are recommended for children that failed to achieve a level 4 in their previous year's end of key stage 2 tests. |
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format and availability |
printed papers bound up in packs of ten, with separate packs of single papers and mark schemes for teachers - available to the public only after the test period each June (confidential before then) |
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date of publication |
annually, every Spring |
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price |
supplied free to schools participating in the tests |
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2.4 Assessment of gifted and talented pupils | |
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short description |
QCA is also responsible for developing World Class Tests. The tests are aimed at gifted and talented 9- to 13-year-olds in mathematics and problem solving. The tests will then be benchmarked against standards in other key countries, who it is hoped will participate in the development and subsequent use of the tests. |
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format and availability |
dedicated website - World Class Arena |
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date of publication |
2000 with ongoing development |
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price |
free |
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2.5 Assessment support and guidance |
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2.5.1 Assessment and Reporting Arrangements | |
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short description |
Guidance for teachers and headteachers - these booklets contain information guidance about the key stage 1, 2 and 3 assessment arrangements for that year, including information about test administration. |
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format and availability |
printed booklets for each key stage are sent to all schools taking part in assessment that year. Also available throught the year for download from the QCA website:
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date of publication |
annually, in October |
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price |
free |
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2.5.2 Reports on standards achieved in the KS1, 2 and 3 tests | |
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short description |
Reports detailing schools performance in that year's tests and explanation of marking decisions and trends, along with each year's test scores indexed against national curriculum levels for key stages 2 and 3. |
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format and availability |
printed booklets for each key stage are sent to all schools taking part in assessment that year. Also available throught the year for download from the QCA website:
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date of publication |
annually, in January (standards reports) and July (level threshold cut off scores) |
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price |
initial copies sent free to schools and LEAs, further copies available to order online from the QCA Orderline (please check individual items for pricing details) |
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2.5.3 Guidance for collection and review of test papers | |
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short description |
Information that schools need in order to arrange with QCA's contracted carrier for the collection of their completed test papers. QCA produces these leaflets and posters separately for key stages 2 and 3 and for year 7 progress tests. It also contains procedures for requesting an additional check or review of marking. |
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format and availability |
printed leaflets and posters, sent to all schools participating in the national tests; further copies available to download from the QCA website |
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date of publication |
annually, in April |
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price |
free (printed materials only sent to schools) |
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2.6 Recruitment literature for external markers | |
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short description |
Recruitment literature for external markers of the tests - consists of a Q&A booklet, an application form a list of markers duties and reference forms. In addition fliers and posters are sent to schools. |
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format and availability |
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date of publication |
annually, in November |
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price |
free |