Pupils at Horizons Academy are assessed regularly using a combination of formative and summative teacher assessment. This takes place throughout the year and includes ongoing assessment in lessons, review of completed work, pupil voice, EHCP outcomes, intervention progress and termly assessment information.
We also use B Squared progression steps to support our assessment process. This allows staff to assess learners continually against appropriate standards, track small steps of progress and identify next steps in learning.
Horizons Academy is currently open to learners in key stage 2 and key stage 3.
Key stage 2 assessment
Where appropriate, learners in year 6 are supported to prepare for end of key stage 2 statutory assessments. Learners will only be entered for formal SATs where they are able to access the assessments meaningfully and where this is considered appropriate in consultation with parents/carers and relevant professionals.
For learners working below the standard of the key stage 2 assessments, teacher assessment may be made against the pre-key stage standards, where appropriate.
At present, no learners at Horizons Academy have completed formal key stage 2 statutory assessments. As the school continues to grow, learners will be supported and prepared for statutory assessment where this is appropriate to their individual needs.
Key stage 3 assessment
There are no statutory national assessments for learners in key stage 3. Learners in years 7, 8 and 9 are assessed through the school’s internal assessment systems. This includes teacher assessment, B Squared progression steps, progress against curriculum outcomes, EHCP outcomes, personal development targets and wider progress linked to social, emotional and mental health needs.
Key stage 4 development
Horizons Academy is currently developing its key stage 4 curriculum and qualification pathways for the next academic year. This will include appropriate accreditation routes, including GCSEs for learners who are able to access them, alongside alternative qualifications and personalised pathways matched to learner’s needs, abilities and future destinations.