Idiots guide to Levels needed.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Dd was at a junior school which didn't do SATs or give levels. Basically they learnt stuff, had an end of term exam then were given a percentage mark. We were told the class median & they were given A-E for attainment & 1-5 for effort. She usually got a B. she coasted a bit, was told she us bright but she wasn't one of the real high flyers.

So now her new school are talking about levels & I'm lost! She's done done CATS tests this week & i don't kjow the results of these, at her last school she did something similar called INCAS and one year got 129 but last year got 112. they are also giving her levels for each subject.

They've also said she's at a particular level but it could be pushed up to the next level. I'm guessing that's her target for the next year?

Unfortunately I can't make the parent meeting tonight to discuss these things.

[IslaValargeone]

I can't help with the levels, but surely you could request an appointment to discuss your dd at a time convenient for you and her teacher?

[alienbump]

I've just been sent a copy of our local (non-selective/state) High School and that gives percentages of pupils at each level in each subject at the end of KS3. English has 1% at level 3, 7% at 4, 22% at 5, 38% at 6 and 32% at 7. Maths shows 1% at 4, 4% at 4, 14% at 5, 30% at 6, 31% at 7 and 21% at 8. Science almost identical to English. All other subjects shown too if you're interested in any in particular.

[noblegiraffe]

Level 4 is the 'expected' level for end of primary, and would expect to progress to a C at GCSE (very roughly). Level 7 is the top level for most subjects, except maths which goes up to a level 8. A student who gets a level 8 in maths at the end of Y9 would expect to get an A* at GCSE.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Bloody hell - (& I don't swear)

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Her last school was private but non selective

Her new school us non selective academically do those statistics are useful.

[ErrolTheDragon]

You probably won't be given the CAT scores - they're for use internally for working out target grades (in combination with other data) which will then be used for setting/streaming, which is why they do them at this early stage.

Your school will should provide you with current levels and target levels in due course, and hopefully some key as to what they mean. DDs school gave a table of what a level at end of KS9 typically translated to in terms of GCSE grade within that school.

One thing to bear in mind when you do start getting levels is that subjects they've only just started esp MFL will always have current lower levels to begin with - the work simply doesn't test anything that could be awarded a higher level. OTOH sometimes a maths or science test may get a high level early. They tend to even out but not totally for all subjects.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Thanks Errol - that all makes sense.

I really don't want to stealth boast but Level 7 working towards Level 8 in maths is obviously good.

[TheOriginalSteamingNit]

I really don't want to stealth boast

Don't worry - you didn't!