Only one sub-level progress in a year - should I be worried?

[zen1]

Just had my Ds's school report which states that he got a 3a in English, Maths and Science. At the end of last year (when he was in year 3) he got all 3bs. I have read that children are supposed to go through 2 sub-levels a year in order to be considered to be making satisfactory progress. Should I go and see the teacher about this?

It depends on how much progress he made between the end of Year 2 and Year 3. Children are expected to make 3 sublevels progress over 2 years - so if he made 2 levels' progress last year and 1 this year, then he's doing perfectly well. Some schools push for 2 per year but this is asking a lot of the children. 3a at the end of Year 4 is very good.

I wouldn't be worrying. Children don't progress evenly. Plus, I think they are supposed to make 2 full levels over KS2, which is actually 1.5 sub-levels per year.

Thanks for the responses. He did make a lot of progress between yr 2 and yr 3 (4 sublevels in one area and 3 sublevels in the other 2), but after doing very well at the end of year 1, he had a not very good teacher in year 2, so I just thought he was making up for it in yr 3.

Reading this with interest.

DD got given level 3's across the board last year-now on level 3b for maths and literacy - does that mean that she's only gone up one level?

Did they give sublevels on her report last year WhereMyMilk? If she was at 3c last year and is now 3b, then she's gone up one level.

My friend is a teacher and tells me that different teachers mark differently - one teacher could give a 3a and another a 4c for example. I don't think it's an exact science - especially in writing. Her Head has advised them to mark up but this will only be storing problems up for later years as there will be nowhere for kids to progress.

Was she Y2 last year and Y3 this year, WhereMyMilk?
The SATS tests sometimes give a higher level than TA, although most schools aim for consistency it doesn't always happen.

Fallen, yes she was Y2 last year so had SATS. This is year they've done the QCV? Is that right, the optional yearly SATS thing if that makes sense? Her reading went from 3 to a 3a so not worried there.

Just concerned as they seemed to imply in the report that she sometimes struggles in maths, mainly from lack of conviction and confidence, ie always self-scores on Amber, when she has in fact got all correct for example. But then I read that a level 3 is average for a 9year old, so probably shouldn't worry at all-think I've just got this going up 2levels a yr in my head IYSWIM?

I would like to add that sub-levels do not really exist. They have been made up to add more stress to teachers and parents. Level 3 is totally fine for his age given that level 4 is the average for the end of year 6. 3a just means he has spent this year getting right to the top of level 3, he is secure in that level and will be ready to move on to tackling level 4 work next year. This level is above the average for his age so don't over think the minor details like sub levels.

Is it just our school, then, that doesn't describe a child as a level 3 in year 2 unless they are at least a 3b (ie a secure 3)?

The expectation is one full level over two years in KS2

Was it a level 3 or a 3B? Usual problem in my LA is we report our Year 2 level 3Cs as 3 (because that is all the end of KS1 system we use for the report to LA and parents will take), the school based system the rest of the school use then translates a 3 to 3B (when we mean C). Our Year 3 staff always face a year of consolidating 3C, which has been recorded as 3B, and showing progress. If that makes sense?
Also you mentioned QCA optional tests. Year 2 reports teacher assessment based on all the work including SATs. Have you been told teacher assessments at the end of Year 3 or the QCA test results? Tests are just a snapshot of what the child manages on one particular day and may not be a true reflection of your child.

No, our LEA won't allow any 3s unless they are a secure 3B, rabbitstew.

Re: 3 = 3B or 3C discussion. Ours does ... hence the issue. I wish all LAs would do the same thing. It is not surprising parents get confused and worried.

Mine neither.

Allow 3C to be reported as 3 I mean...

Yes, it should be the same across the board, I agree.

The results we have just been given for end of year 3 were combination of teacher assessment and QCA tests. So 3b maths/literacy, 3a reading.

Last yr at end of Y2 she had level 3maths/literacy/reading/science

Thanks OP I understand now. So if it was a 3C at end of Year 2 your child has made 1 sublevel in maths and writing and 2 sublevel in reading. Yes that it totally normal. To be on track they need to make one full level in two years; so one sublevel in one year and two sublevels in another year to make the full level. Totally normal for Year 3 to be the consolidation of 3C and onto 3B, then two sub levels next year. Your child is still on track.

Well, I guess he is probably ok then, but I might see the teacher anyway because compared to his year group his progress seems to have slipped (i.e at the end of year 3, he was in the top 25% of children and now he is is in aboout the top 45%).

Not saying don't speak to your teacher, but your last post. So other children are not allowed to catch up or do well?

Thanks Abigail.

DD is my eldest so never been through it before and didn't fully understand. I fully realise that she is achieving above average, but was concerned she wasn't maintaining her momentum.

Though TBH she has had a difficult year, as school in their wisdom decided that they would move all the children around at the end of KS1 and she was placed without any of her friends. She found this very upsetting and was really unhappy and unsettled for over a term, which I felt really adversely effecting her learning ability.

They move them again at the end of year 4 :(

No, of course other children can catch up / do better. I am not interested in other children's progress, just his. What I am concerned about is that he has not made the progress he has always previously made, so it is out of character for him.

I would not be worried, don't have faith in them being measured that accurately, and kids are not automotoms who reliably learn in a statistically average way.

Wish they would just abolish the SATS, I hate that kids have to be tested in this way at the end of every year, just stresses me out.