continual assessments/tests at secondary school...too much pressure?

[zoopas]

Does anyone out there share my view that the non-stop assessments/tests done at school now can be quite damaging to some children? I can see how they need to be done on a six-monthly basis (or similar) but they seem to have assessments all the time, and have to share their results with their classmates, which can be quite daunting, especially if you have a sensitive child. My mum said to me the other day she wonders how we got by... went to school, had a report at the end of the term, put into sets at the beginning of the year.... that's it! I do think it can knock a child's confidence to continually be put under pressure. I know that I will get people who say they need to know shortcomings/failures in certain things and I'm not denying that, I'm simply saying that some Government bod is sitting in a nice cosy office thinking up how he can stress out our children next. Assessments, homework (sometimes hours of it), it makes you want to consider home-schooling! Sorry to go on, I'm sure some teachers will read this and put justification on it, but I'm afraid my only concern is for my child's well-being and we're the ones who pick up the pieces. Thanks for reading this... will be very interested in your views. Am new to Mumsnet and love the site. Most mums are very tactful in their views and not judgemental at all.. with the odd exception!!!! Thx

Is it a selective school?

I don't have a problem with it at all. Students' work is assessed on a very regular basis, and rightly so. If they stop making progress for any reason it needs to be picked up promptly.

At my son's school most assessment is done on the scale 'above target', 'on target' or 'below target' (each child knows what their target is). They have at least 3 pieces of work per subject assessed on this scale every half term, and they learn to assess their own work and others' work too.

When I was at school we had exams and grades (for achievement and effort) every half term, and reports every term!

I actually think regular/continual assessment is less stressful in the longrun, as students just get used to it and accept it as a way of life; rather than having a huge adjustment to make when they have GCSE exams.

How old is your dd?

Piscesmoon, no it is not a selective school.
Roisin - you obviously have your view and thanks for your comments but my view remains unchanged. We had the mocks to prepare us for our O levels and were assessed, just not to the degree they are now. My argument is more to do with the amount of assessments that are done (far too many, you can gain a good picture over 6 months or so) and whilst I have no problem with the students assessing their own work, I do think that is the teacher's job and certainly not other students. Perhaps we'll just have to agree to disagree! My son is 11 years old and is quite sensitive and although he is bright he is way too hard on himself. Also, when I was at school, you weren't put into "boxes", i.e. above target/below target/grade 1-3 etc.......,/ Anyway, as I said, thanks for your view but I stand by my own view. Having said all of this, my son is generally very happy at his new school and has adjusted well, especially as virtually all his best friends got into another school that they were closer to, so I count my blessings for that. Also, not all children are the same and whilst it will suit some children, it will be stressful for others. We are all different. Signing out now!

I went to school in Sweden where we had continuous assessment (your final mark was not from one exam but from a summning up of all the tests and your performance in class throughout the years). I also spent some time in England and did O-levels so can compare the two. Much less pressure with the continuous system IMO and my Swedish peers were far more relaxed.

Cory, as I've said before, my problem is not with assessments being done, it's the way they're done, the emphasis placed upon them and the pressure they put on some children. The system obviously suited you but it's NOT for everyone. Anyway, I know lots of mums at school who feel the same way as me so I am not alone!!!! Some children just want to go into school, concentrate on the subjects and maybe be tested periodically by all means, but not every damn week!!!! Anyway, am putting the subject to bed now, I remain firm in my view!!! Off to say goodnight to my lovely DSxxxxxxxx.... Bye.