A series of Assessing Progress in Science toolkits have recently been published by QCA. These professional development toolkits are designed to help teachers assess progress in science at key stages 1,2 and 3.

They have been produced in response to a demand from teachers for training materials they can use on their own, at their own pace and can be used repeatedly.

The toolkits give tailored classroom examples and use video and written evidence to illustrate situations relevant to the specified key stage. Clear instructions enable straightforward delivery of professional development sessions without the need for external trainers. Adaptable modules enable flexible delivery from short 'twilight' sessions to full-day programmes.

Rebecca Edwards, Adviser for Science at QCA said, "These INSET toolkits have already proved popular - in the short time they have been available, a third of all schools have placed an order for them, and many are already being used in schools. By creating these toolkits at the request of teachers, QCA has provided a professional development aid that supports teachers in ensuring that science assessment at key stages 1,2 and 3 remains at a consistently high standard."

Notes to editors

• The following link is to the section on the QCA website about the toolkits and the information for ordering the packs
  
• The toolkits are designed to work alongside QCA's publication, Assessing progress in science, which aids teacher assessment and provides guidance on assessment for learning principles. Further information can be found at QCA projects & publications.
• Schools will only need to acquire one pack per key stage for the entire school.
• Each pack contains a facilitator's guide, participants' booklets for up to eight teachers per session and a multimedia CD-ROM, featuring video clips, handouts, presentation slides and the complete set of 'Assessing Progress in Science' materials.
• For further information please contact QCA media relations on 020 7509 6789 or 07798 924552 outside of office hours.