Assessment in primary school is about building a picture over time of a child's learning progress across the curriculum. The class teachers use different ways to gather evidence about how and what the child learns on an ongoing basis. In addition, assessment is used to identify children with specific learning difficulties so that the appropriate steps can be taken to ensure progress is achieved, despite difficulties which exist. This information is used to celebrate the child's current learning and to help make decisions about next steps for future learning.
St. Mary’s College Junior School uses a range of classroom assessment methods which include self-assessment, teacher observation, questioning, concept mapping, classwork and homework, to more formal assessment in the form of teacher-designed tasks and tests, diagnostic tests and standardised tests.
- Weekly tests for Form 2 - Form 6 pupils
- End of term tests for Form 4 - Form 6 pupils
- All pupils from Form 2 to Form 6 are given standardised tests in English, Spellings and Mathematics every May, the results of which are communicated to parents/guardians.
- Junior Infant pupils complete the Belfield Infant Assessment Profile (BIAP) during the second half of Junior Infants.
- Parents receive Christmas and Summer reports.
- Parents receive assessment reports at the October and February midterm breaks.
- Parent/ Teacher Meetings are held each year in November.
- Parents are always welcome to meet with their son's class teacher/learning support team to discuss progress.
Standardised Testing
Standardised Testing falls under the category of formal assessment. At the end of the school year (mid-May), Standardised Tests in English, Spelling and Mathematics take place. These tests are administered by the class teacher in consultation with the Learning Support team.
These tests are designed and standardised for use in Irish Primary Schools and span all classes from 1st to 6th class.
The functions of these tests are to:
- provide teachers with information about how literacy and numeracy performances compare with those of children nationally.
- to assist teachers in identifying those children who would benefit from supplementary teaching.
- to establish the literacy and numeracy levels of advanced pupils and to assist teachers in making decisions regarding appropriate materials and strategies.
The results of these assessments are given as STen Scores (with a verbal descriptor).
Results are communicated to parent on the end of year report.
It is important to note that these tests are not intelligence tests and only measure certain skills and tasks.
Belfield Infant Assessment Profile (BIAP)
The BIAP is a screening instrument designed to assist teachers in identifying the particular strengths and needs of children in the infant classes of primary schools in Ireland. It lays the foundation for a continuing process of structured observation, diagnostic remediation and recording of a child's learning development as he/she progresses through primary school. It is intended a first stage in the continuing dialogue between teachers and parents on the education of the child.