Academic progress

Regular assessment is key to success as this informs the student where they are academically, and what they need to do in order to improve further.

At regular intervals, you will receive a set of Performance Indicators reporting on progress.

Format of Performance Indicators

On entry, all students are allocated a Target Grade in each subject. This is based on their GCSE score.

The Target Grade is the minimum expectation and is the grade against which progress is measured. The Target Grade remains throughout the course.

For A level, it is A to C

For CTEC, it is either Pass, Merit or Distinction

The student is then awarded a current grade in each area studied, alongside an effort grade. 1* is for those who go the extra mile; 1 is the standard expectation; 2 suggests there is an area to be worked on; 3 is a real cause for concern and must be actioned; 4 show that the student is at risk of forfeiting their place on a course.

Grade 1*

Commitment is EXCEPTIONAL – inside and outside the classroom.

Attendance is 100% or work is caught up after an absence.
Behaviour is self-disciplined.
Deadlines are met.
The quantity and quality of work produced – both during school and as homework – go significantly beyond the requirements of the qualification.

The student is working at or beyond their Target Grade.

Grade 1

Commitment is EXCELLENT – inside and outside the classroom.

Attendance is 100% or work is caught up after absence.
Behaviour is self-disciplined.
Deadlines are met.
The quantity and quality of work produced – both during school and as homework – meet fully the requirements of the qualification.

The student is working no more than one grade below their Target Grade.

Grade 2

Commitment is GOOD – inside and outside the classroom.

Attendance is 100% or work is usually caught up after absence.
Behaviour is self-disciplined.
Deadlines are generally met.
The quantity and quality of work produced – both during school and as homework – largely meet the requirements of the qualification.

The student is working no more than one grade below their Target Grade.

Grade 3

The teacher must tick to indicate areas of deficiency

Commitment is UNSATISFACTORY – inside and/or outside the classroom.

Attendance may be below 100% and work is not caught up.
Behaviour may lack self-discipline.
Deadlines may not be met.
The quantity and quality of work produced – both during school and as homework – fail to meet the requirements of the qualification.

The student is working at or below their Target Grade. The student will be allocated Compulsory Study if below target.

Grade 4

The teacher must tick to indicate areas of deficiency

Commitment is POOR – inside and/or outside the classroom.

Attendance may be below 100% and work not caught up.
Behaviour may lack self-discipline.
Deadlines may not be met.
The quantity and quality of work produced – both during school and as homework – fail repeatedly to meet the requirements of the qualification.

The student is making no progress. The Current Grade awarded is U. The student will be allocated Compulsory Study and their place on the course reviewed.

The Assessment Calendar

There are fortnightly checks with regard to homework being completed to a required standard. Should this not be the case, the student will be placed in additional study.

Performance Indicators are published in November, January and March. After every run, the student reviews their progress with their Form Tutor

Year 12 and 13 Parents’ Evening is placed towards the end of November providing the opportunity for feedback and allowing sufficient time to action progress.

Internal A-level exams are in January alongside CTEC external exams

Students who fail the internal exam, or who perform more than one grade below target re-sit the internal exam in February

Internal and External exams usually begin in May and run through to the end of June.

External Exams

To support students in their academic study, a number of strategies are in place.

In addition to lessons, every student is allocated one Private Study period per subject each week.

Subject teachers set this work as success at Level 3 qualifications can only be achieved through active independent learning, constant revision and grappling with complex material.

Each subject teacher will also set a minimum of 90 minutes homework per week. Successful students will actually go beyond this minimum expectation.

Where homework is not being completed to standard, and where the effort grades are poor, students will be allocated additional compulsory study periods

For students who are struggling we also provide additional skills support. For some, this is short-term and for others, the structured programme runs throughout the year.

We also encourage students to develop an interest in the supercurricular activities as this often marks the difference between an A grade student and a D /C grade student.