Assessment at Bexton

Knowing our pupils, strengthening their learning

At Bexton, assessment is how we come to understand each child as a learner.

It is not something that happens separately from teaching or only at the end of learning. Instead, it is part of everyday classroom life, woven into lessons, conversations and interactions. Through assessment, we notice what children know, what they can do and what they need next.

This allows us to teach with care, precision and purpose, so that every child can succeed.

Assessment as part of learning

In our classrooms, assessment is not about stopping to test. It is about noticing and responding.

Teachers are constantly checking understanding through:

• questioning

• discussion

• observing pupils at work

• listening to how children explain their thinking

This helps teachers to adapt teaching in the moment (revisiting ideas, providing support or extending learning) so that all pupils can move forward with confidence.

Learning at Bexton is therefore responsive. Children are supported as they learn, not after they have struggled.

What assessment looks like in the classroom

Assessment at Bexton is active, inclusive and part of the flow of lessons.

You might see children:

• sharing their ideas with a partner before feeding back

• using whiteboards to show their thinking

• explaining how they solved a problem

• discussing different answers and approaches

• reflecting on their work and improving it

Teachers use these moments to build a clear picture of understanding across the whole class, ensuring that every child is involved and every voice is heard.

Feedback that moves learning forward

Feedback is an important part of assessment at Bexton.

Rather than focusing on lengthy written marking, teachers carefully review pupils’ work and identify what needs to be strengthened or improved. This is then shared with the class and children are given time to reflect, correct and improve their work.

This means that feedback is:

• clear

• purposeful

• acted upon

Children learn that improvement is a natural and valuable part of learning, helping them to develop confidence and resilience.

Helping children know more and remember more

Assessment helps us to ensure that learning is secure and builds over time.

Teachers regularly revisit previous learning, checking what children remember and helping them to make connections between new and prior knowledge. This supports children to:

• retain what they have learned

• deepen their understanding

• apply knowledge in different contexts

In this way, assessment supports our curriculum by ensuring that learning is not only covered, but truly understood and remembered.

Supporting the whole child

At Bexton, we recognise that success is about more than academic outcomes.

Through The Pathway we value how children:

• work with others

• communicate their ideas

• approach challenges

• develop independence

Assessment helps teachers to understand these aspects of development, ensuring that every child grows not only in knowledge, but in confidence, character and capability.

Inclusion and support for all

Assessment plays a key role in ensuring that every child is supported to succeed.

By carefully observing and understanding pupils’ learning, teachers can:

• identify when a child needs additional support

• recognise potential barriers early

• adapt teaching to meet individual needs

This ensures that support is timely and appropriate, and that all children (including those with additional needs) are able to access the curriculum and make progress.

Understanding progress over time

While day-to-day assessment is central to our approach, teachers also build a broader picture of each child’s progress over time.

This includes:

• reviewing work across a term or year

• using a range of assessment information

• making professional judgements about attainment

Occasionally, children will complete more formal assessments. These are used carefully to support teachers’ understanding but they are only one part of the wider picture.

What matters most is the progress children make, the knowledge they retain and the confidence they develop as learners.

A shared commitment to success

At Bexton, assessment is not about labelling children or comparing them to others.

It is about understanding each child, supporting their next steps and helping them to feel successful in their learning.

Through thoughtful, responsive assessment, we ensure that every child is:

• known

• supported

• and able to achieve their potential