KS2, KS3, GCSE English levels?

[Niceweather]

I would be very grateful if someone could explain the difference in marks in English for KS2, KS3 and GCSE English.

My son has dyslexia, his spelling and punctuation is poor but his comprehension and content is excellent. He got a 3 for writing and a 5 for reading in his KS2 SATS which combine to make a Level 4. He has just got a 4a (working at grade) in English but I don?t know if this is just for writing. If it?s combined with reading then his reading score will have pulled up his writing score. If it?s just writing then he?s making brilliant progress.

Is there less emphasis on spelling and punctuation and more emphasis in content for KS3 compared to KS2? How does this change again for GCSE?

I seem to remember someone saying at KS2 that unless you are using capitals and full stops, then you are not going to be able to get above a Level 3 even if the content is great. His spelling is atrocious so whatever marks are allocated for spelling will be a total write off.

Thank you

I would be tempted to ask the school for clarification, but in my experience the report would be giving you a combined reading/writing score.

Spelling and punctuation still count in KS3 even if there is greater emphasis on content.

Both KS3 and KS4 have more emphasis on engaging the reader. Spelling is less of a focus, but punctuation will always count as it shapes meaning.
You need to check what assessment was used for the report. In my school, we usually use summative assessment grades (reading, writing and speaking and listening) but also use specific assessments for instance controlled assessment.
The level given would either be for a specific piece of work or an average, based on the term's work.

Thank you for your replies. There was another very recent thread about levels and an English teacher said that KS3 Levels were a nonsense because of the differences between a student's abilities in reading, writing, speaking etc. This would certainly be the case with my son. My son seems to think that the mark was just for writing. I guess he would be aware if they had done a reading/comprehension test.

If the emphasis in KS3 has shifted to "engaging the reader" then I am not surprised he has gone up from the Level 3 he got in his SATS. You have got me thinking that I need to do more work with him on the punctuation, rather than the spelling. Thank you.

How do you mark speaking and listening?

There is an APP (Assessing Pupil Progress) grid for marking speaking and listening. However, it was introduced by the last government, and this new government is still debating. Speaking and listening is very subjective, in my view. A good school will encourage students to speak clearly and confidently; make eye contact; engage the audience through varying voices, pausing etc. A whole range of activities will be assessed, often informally, for instance group discussion and role play.
In terms of punctuation, dyslexic students often struggle with opening sentences with capital letters. Developing proofreading would be a good start. You would be amazed how many students at secondary level, dyslexic or not, forget that sentences begin with capital letters! Good luck.

I hope I can help.

My DS scored a 5c in writing and a 4a in reading on his SATS, he was an overall 5c. (KS2)

If a child has achieved a level 5c+ in English (KS2) the secondary school will take into account the result when setting them in classes. (Most likely the higher set). Normally, schools set Year 7 a 'settling in school test' to determine sets, the KS2 results just help to determine the set for your child along with the Year 7 test.

If your child achieves: (SAT results)

3c- = A Target grade of 5c+ for beginning of KS3.
4c- = A Target grade of 6c+ for beginning of KS3.
5c- = A Target grade of 7c+ for beginning of KS3.

If your child achieves: (KS3 results)

5c- = A Target grade of C for GCSE (KS4).
6c- = A Target grade of B for GCSE (KS4).
7c- = A Target grade of A for GCSE (KS4).
7b+ = A Target grade of A* for GCSE (KS4).

Normally in English, a child is assessed on READING, WRITING and LISTENING, where (from what my ds has seen) Writing seems to be the most important. It would help if your son could try to increase his spelling skills to gain higher levels, paragraph, quote sentences and use good punctuation. If your child can do this, they will most likely be achieving B-A+.

I hope I've helped! See what other people have to say, I should be correct though.