Can someone explain the logic behind target grades pls?

ChocolateWombat, of course it is good to aim high, but don't underestimate the pressure that some children feel under/put themselves under because they are given A targets. And as TheFirst says, it is ridiculous to be given A/A in every subject unless you are clearly an extremely bright student.

On DS1's report, two grades (or more) below target shows up as red / CONCERN!
So if he gets a B, then it's red. If he gets an A then it's orange ('behind target').

Why is it important to exceed the target or have a target which can be exceeded?

Clearly an A* cannot be exceeded! but as a top grade it is something to aim for and a good target for an able student.

The targets are usually based on something which is computer generated (based on SATs, MidYis tests..like IQ tests) but also teacher judgement. So, SATS and Mudyis might pedict that a student should be able to get a B. The teacher will use that as the starting point and decide if based on their knowledge of the child, that is about right. Rarely will teachers lower the target, but they may well raise it. So I have pupils who the computer tells me should get a B, but I know they can do better than that from the fact I have taught them for a couple of years....so I will make the target an A.

Targets should be aspirational but achievable. Those 2 words are very important. The is no point in having something which is impossible, but neither is it worth having something which is too easy either.....some schools call it a Challenge grade for this reason.
In some schools the pupil is involved in agreeing the target/challenge grade....so a discussion might be held as to whether they want to aim for a B or A.

Personally, I think that most students cannot answer this question early on, because they don't know what an A or B looks like or what will be involved. I think the teacher is in amu h better position to know what is possible and likely.

There is a balance to be had. On one hand, pupils should not be out under ridiculous pressure.....so it's important they know that the target IS achievable and not a pipe dream. At the same time, they need to be encouraged to be aspirational and not to settle for less than they could achieve.

It's worth mentioning that many A Level courses will require an A in that subject at GCSE in order to do it at A Level these days. GCSEs go on UCAS forms for Uni entry.....aiming for the the higher grade,will be beneficial in the long term. At the end of the day,they will get what they get, but aiming high is always good.

I have spoken with the head of year about it twice, and then with the head of KS4. No change.

DS1 has exactly the same problem. Every target is an A or an A*. He is able, but not that able, and certainly not in every subject. Very demoralising.

I have heard that some local private schools do not do target grades. They only grade the students on attitude/organisation, etc. Seems a much better system to me - surely if they are working as well as they possibly can, they will get the best grade they possibly can?

Baslidon, this is EXACTLY the problem we have with DD. They have been doing it since the start of Y9 (they do 3yr run up to GCSEs) and the grades have seemed unrealistic all along - until she has done mocks, surely they cannot get an accurate target grade. She is completely paranoid she will not reach the target grades. It is a rubbish system

But if they are capable of getting an A* why would you give them a lower target? Isn't that just encouraging low expectations?

Some schools do not have A* targets for the exact reasons that you give.

They look at the likelihood of a student with your DS's academic profile in a school like the ones he attends achieving certain grades, The target will be the grade he is most likely to achieve. Sometimes there is not much to choose between two grades and therefore it is worth enquiring.

In addition to that schools should use their own data and knowledge of the pupil to adjust those grades. Some students will be motivated by A* targets others will not and the school should use that knowledge.

Common.
Out of order.
Complain and have all the targets dropped to A so that he has a chance of exceeding them.

I had to do this with both DCs as did many of DDs friends parents - particularly with boys as if they think they will waltz an A* they do bugger all extra work