• Sample materials - Optional tests year 7 and 8
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Last updated: 05 Feb 2009

Optional tests for Year 7 and 8

This section contains updated information and guidance on QCA's optional tests for English and mathematics during years 7 and 8.

The optional tests are fully integrated with the national curriculum and statutory tests. The optional tests allow schools to monitor pupil's year-on-year progress against a national benchmark between the statutory tests at the end of key stages 2 and 3.

The tests remain valid for several years from 2007 and certain elements have been made reusable to reduce costs for schools.

About the year 7 and 8 optional tests

Designed for pupils working within levels 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the national curriculum for mathematics, and levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the national curriculum for English, the tests complement the English and mathematics frameworks of the secondary national strategy.

They provide comprehensive and ready-to-use pupil test materials and teacher’s guides with mark schemes. The test materials can be used flexibly - many of the items are appropriate for use in lessons to assess pupils' understanding.

Pupils' results can easily be incorporated into RAISEonline to provide accurate diagnostic analysis against national standards. RAISEonline is the web-based DCSF system to support school self-evaluation and target setting.

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