Reporting Progress

 Target Setting

Pupil progress and attainment is measured using a range of assessment tools within The Observatory  School. As of September 2022 the main method used to ascertain pupil progress is ‘BSquared progression steps’. BSquared are a national company which provides assessment software to many special schools and mainstream schools alike to support them with their assessment. They specialise in assessment for learners with SEND.

At The Observatory School we assess our pupils using the B Squared Connecting Steps assessment software. B Squared allows us to show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make and supports teachers to identify next steps. Because of the wide range of needs our pupils have at The Observatory School, we need an assessment system that can track and monitor progress for all.

Baselining

All of our pupils were baselined by teachers when we introduced B squared in 2022. Teachers spent 6 weeks assessing, observing and monitoring pupils to ensure that a secure baseline was recorded and that the right framework tool was identified for each child. 

Progression Steps

Progression Steps are designed for pupils who are engaging with subject-specific learning. This framework covers an ability range from pupils working at pre-key stage standards up to pupils working towards the lower GCSE grades. Pupils assessed using Progression steps are able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in all areas of the curriculum.

Progress

All of the frameworks within B Squared allow us to capture evidence of pupil’s progress. However, one of the most important features of B Squared is that the system allows us not only to track the skills that our pupils have mastered, but also those smaller steps and marginal gains that they make towards these skills.

It also enables us to demonstrate the non‐linear progress that our pupils make. Many of our pupils have a ‘spikey profile’ where progress is not always made in a systematic, step by step way. B Squared allows us to capture this evidence and demonstrate where progress is made across multiple levels. It is based on skills a pupil has achieved. It identifies the pupil’s current level at the start and the attainment on all the levels above. It then identifies the pupil’s current level at the end and the attainment on all the levels above. It calculates the overall progress that has been made across all affected levels. We report the overall progress value (percentage) over the number of levels that progress was made on

Reporting Progress

Parents receive a formal report each term. These reports indicate where a pupil is the level of progress a pupil is making towards their targets and their attitude to learning in each subject. Reports are accessed through ParentApp and email.

Attainment Grade

Pupils recieve a termly report which is taken from their B Squared profile. 

What to do if you have concerns about your child’s progress

Pupils progress at different rates, so please do not be unduly concerned if your child is not making expected progress in all lessons. In most cases, pupils will be clear about what they need to do to improve and may just need time and support to do so. Looking in their school books or discussing their progress with them will often be informative.

Keeping Parents Informed

Parent Group

Half termly informal drop in aiming to offer support and guidance. Sessions range from expert guest speakers to discussions about parents supporting extra curricular activities and events. Find information about dates on the calendar on the home page or via the dates download to the left.

Parent Group

Half termly informal drop in aiming to offer support and guidance. Sessions range from expert guest speakers to discussions about parents supporting extra curricular activities and events. Find information about dates on the calendar on the home page or via the dates download to the left.