Ofqual reports on 2009 Key Stage 2 tests
Monday, 19 July 2010 09:23
Ofqual today (Monday, July 19) publishes a monitoring report on the Key Stage 2 Tests in 2009, identifying key successes and making recommendations for improvement.
The report details the outcomes of Ofqual’s work monitoring marker training and the process for setting level boundaries for English, mathematics and science. It also includes a review of the reading and writing materials used in the English tests.
Overall, it concludes that processes worked well and the results should be considered a fair reflection of each pupil’s level of attainment.
Isabel Nisbet, Chief Executive of Ofqual, said: "Developing effective tests and assessing the whole cohort of pupils is a massive exercise, which requires the co-ordination of thousands of people.
"In 2009, this was achieved with considerable success and with the vast majority of results being delivered accurately and on time.
"We looked carefully at the materials used in the English tests after problems were identified with quality assurance early in June 2009. The findings of this work and our monitoring activities were shared with the agencies involved so that appropriate actions could be taken for the 2010 tests.”
The report identifies key successes of the 2009 test cycle:
• A collegiate approach in which team members were encouraged to ask questions of the leaders to check understanding of mark schemes
• Professional approach of support staff, who understood their role in training process
• Good training materials, including key messages about the tests and mark schemes.
It also identifies four areas for improvement:
• The complexity of the English mark scheme
• Ensuring consistent practice and communication through the training process
• Removal of errors from training materials and scripts
• Minimising bias
The report sets out a total of nine recommendations to address the issues identified.
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Notes to editors:
1. The report can be downloaded from this page.
2. National curriculum tests and tasks are used to assess pupils' attainment in English and mathematics at key stages 1 and 2, and science at key stage 2.
3. Ofqual sets out the regulatory framework for national curriculum assessments, which are delivered by the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA).
4. QCDA have published a response to this report.
5. For more information contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342 or 07798 924552 out of hours.
