KS3 Assessments, what does it matter?

[lljkk]

We talk so much on MN about KS1, KS2 SATs, and GCSEs. But what do KS3 assessments matter? I don;t think my y9 DS is borderline for being allowed to take any of the GCSEs he wants, so are KS3 results just relevant for target setting, maybe? And who knows what % of kids either exceed or undershoot their targets, anyway?

They don't matter much for your child; it's ks2 and 4 results that count in that sense, although teachers may use them to assist with setting in year 10. They matter to the school though as if ofsted deem that insufficient progress has been made from ks2 to 4, it will put the school in special measures.

Ks2 to 3, sorry.

We use them in maths to set the kids for Y10. The set that they are in for Y10 will determine what grades will be focused on for GCSE and therefore it is important that they are in the right set for their ability. There is some movement between sets post Y10, but obviously being in the right set from the start is preferable.

That is kind of what DS is saying, NobleG. I can't believe how concerned he is about these tests; very out of character!

I would say, Maths and Science are the one that matter most. Maths to get into Higher paper Maths (my son has made the transition but it isn't common) and also to access Triple Science (often you can only do this with a certain year 9 grade). Other subjects appear to have an easier flow between sets at GCSE - although it is not very common for movement. Year 9 tests are certainly a set to take seriously and a great place to start to learn about real revision.

We use them in Geography just to monitor progress really, we don't set as GCSE we have mixed ability so they don't impact on that. We just have to show that pupils have increased by 2 curriculum levels from KS2 to 3.