Tracking Progress: A Look at Term 3 Assessments in Primary

As your child journeys through primary education, their growth and development are incredibly important. Regularly assessing their progress helps us identify their strengths and areas where they can shine even brighter. Here at Braeburn International School Arusha (BISA), we use various assessment methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of each student.

Following the half-term break, your child will be participating in the Term 3 Progress Tests. These assessments are designed to give us a clear picture of how your child has progressed throughout the school year, building upon the tests taken in Term 1.

These assessments are all about understanding your child's individual learning journey. They're not about competition or achieving a specific grade. We want to see a true reflection of their current understanding and skills in Maths, English, and Science (using the GL Assessment Progress Tests). This information is invaluable as we prepare for transition conversations about moving to the next year group.

Fitting into the Bigger Picture of Assessment at BISA

At Braeburn International School Arusha (BISA), we believe in a multi-faceted approach to assessment. The Term 3 Progress Tests are one important piece of this puzzle, alongside:

• GL Assessments' CAT-4 and PASS: These assessments, completed earlier in the year, provide insights into your child's cognitive abilities and attitudes towards learning.
• Standardised Assessments (Maths, English, NGRT): These assessments, conducted throughout the year, offer a benchmark of your child's progress compared to their peers.
• Ongoing Classroom-based Teacher Assessments: Our teachers continuously observe and assess your child's performance, providing real-time feedback to guide their learning..

Triangulating Our Assessment Data for a Whole-Child View

Just as a surveyor triangulates data points to get an accurate picture of a landscape, BISA uses a variety of assessment methods to get a complete picture of your child's learning journey. The Term 3 Progress Tests provide valuable data on their current understanding and skills in core subjects. We then combine this information with results from standardized assessments, CAT-4 and PASS tests, and ongoing classroom observations to create a well-rounded picture of your child's strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. While these external exams are not part of primary school, they are a future consideration, and these assessments help us lay the foundation for success. This allows us to tailor our teaching strategies to ensure their continued progress throughout the year and into the next.

Supporting Your Child: No Special Preparation Needed!

The best way to support your child is to encourage a positive and relaxed approach. There's no need for extra studying or test prep. We want them to feel confident and comfortable showing their current abilities. Some tests will be taken online, while others will be written papers. Teachers will be there to guide them through the process.

The results from these assessments will help us identify areas where your child excels and areas where they might benefit from additional support. This allows teachers to tailor their teaching strategies to ensure continued progress throughout the year and into the next. We will, of course, share the results and any specific recommendations with you.

If you have any questions about the Term 3 Progress Tests, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school office. We're always happy to discuss your child's progress and how we can best support them on their learning journey.