Introduction

These tasks are an optional resource which may be used to inform your assessment of pupils working below level 4 at the end of key stage 3. Tasks may also be used at any point in the school year as part of an assessment for learning framework. The tasks are accessible to pupils performing at level 3 of the national curriculum and will support assessment at this level.

There are three sets of tasks currently available:

• a set on the theme 'Space', which was made available in 2003 [‘Space’ reading task; ‘Space’ writing tasks], and
• a set on the theme of 'Fun or Fear', which was made available in 2004 ['Fun or Fear' reading task; 'Fun or Fear' writing tasks]
• a set on the theme of 'In too deep?' which is new for 2005 ['In too deep?' reading task; 'In too deep?' writing tasks]

Teachers can use any of the three tasks in 2005.

Structure of the tasks

Each set of tasks contains:

• a reading task based on three short passages
• a shorter writing task
• a longer writing task with a planning page.

The reading passages and shorter writing task are based on a theme. The longer writing task is not linked with the theme.

Special educational needs

The text of the tasks may be enlarged, reduced or cut up, photocopied onto coloured paper or adapted in any other way, and pupils may use magnification aids, if this is usual for them. Pupils with sensory or physical disabilities may have the tasks presented to them, and make their responses, in any way that is usual for them.

For pupils who have problems maintaining their attention for extended periods of time or those who experience fatigue, you may wish to administer the different parts of the tasks over a number of sessions, or on different days.

Preparation for the tasks

The tasks are not designed to be tests and can be completed in normal classroom conditions. The tasks can be administered in small groups or on a one-to-one basis.

As the reading passages and shorter writing task are linked by a theme, you may choose to precede work on the tasks with introductory work on the theme, using pictures, texts, or group discussion, to engage pupils with the topic.

Timing

The tasks can be administered separately. The timing of the tasks is flexible, as they are not designed to be used as tests. The following timings are guidelines.

• Reading task - 50 minutes
• Shorter writing task - 30 minutes
• Longer writing task with planning page - 45 minutes

Administering the tasks

The tasks should be completed under normal classroom conditions, either in groups or on a one-to-one basis, with support as required. Pupils should be encouraged to interact with the teacher or a learning support assistant administering the task. The aim should be to ensure the pupils’ engagement with the tasks and to promote their best performance. However, the level and nature of support given should be taken into account when assessing both reading and writing. A pupil requiring substantial amounts of support with reading, understanding or writing may be performing below level 3. This will be a judgement to make with reference to the mark schemes and exemplars which follow.