A secret about levels

[mummytime]

Just got my DS's summer report, and was proud that in two subjects he had exceeded his target by one sub-level. But then I know a secret so I went back through his old reports (we get one a term) and discovered his targets have been raised, and he actually exceeded both by 2 sub levels (thats a year really isn't it?). I know schools don't like pupils to exceed targets by more than one sub-level and often raise the target.
I thought you MNers would be interested.

I have of course praised him, and he was typical "cool" teenagerish. I think an extra monetary reward is called for.

My DCs obviously don't care by how way off targets are - DS is in year 8 and has a set of identical targets for all his subjects for the end of year 9. He has exceeded some already, is almost there for some and nowhere near for others. They are completely pointless.

Well done to your DS mummytime.

Well done young mummytime!

DS#1 got a postcard from his school to congratulate him on going from a 4A to a 6A in maths this year He was pretending he didn't care.

I think they are all a bit arbitrary TBH. I guess it gives some idea of where the children are in relation to where they should be come GCSE.

Targets often vary and are frequently changed if it seems that a pupilis going to achieve higher than his/her original target. There is nothign secret about this nor any hidden agenda. The truth is targets are set at the beginning of the year based on a number of factors and should be reviewed as the pupil progresses through the year. The last target given by the teacher will be the most accurate and this is the one that should be considered.
4A to 6A in maths is very impressive, well done him!!

i have noticed both my DSs (year 7 and Y9)have had their targets raised during the year.
A little hard on them as I had promised monetary rewards based on targets achieved or exceeded.

My DCs only get a target level for the end of KS3 then a level they will reach based on their current level. DS has not had his targets changed in 3 years.

inthesticks - if the target has been raised it will be because they have achieved it earlier than anticipated so you should still pay them.... ;)