PIE Assessment Update - Key Stage 3 Assessments & Target Setting

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Tawan

A focused update on Key Stage 3 assessment and target setting, covering national reform drivers and the shift toward tracking pupil progress. The material outlines changes affecting KS4, including the introduction of reformed GCSE grades 9–1, removal of coursework, and the new grading structure led by English and mathematics. It also explains grade descriptors and subject-specific example criteria for English and mathematics, supporting consistent, standardised assessment across years.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

KS3 Assessments & Target Setting - PIE

KS3 National Reforms

KS4 National Changes

Reformed GCSE Grades 9-1

Benefits of using GCSE grades

Grade descriptors

Grade descriptors - English example

Grade descriptors - maths example

# Key Stage 3 Assessments &Target Setting -PIE Jason Breen &Carly Purnell # KS3 National Reforms ·Removed of national curriculum leveldescriptors since September 2014 ·Need to deliver a curriculum relevant to ourpupils ·Need an assessment system to check onprogress ·IGS continued with levels based on 'old'NClevels # KS4 National Changes ·New style GCSEs lead by English andmathematics from September 2015 ·Removal of coursework ·New grading structure ·Focus on 'academic'qualifications ## Reformed GCSE Grades 9-1 Ofqual i Grading new GCSEs from 2017 Current grading structure New grading structure 9 A* 8 7 A 6 GOOD PASS(DfE) B 5and above=top of Cand above 5 AWARDING C 4 4and above=bottom ofC and above D 3 E 2 F 1 G U U ## Grade descriptors ·1-9 equivalent tothe reformedGCSE ## Benefits of using GCSE grades ·Assessment criteria can be used consistentlywithin a subject through the years. ·Standardised assessment measures across allsubjects. ·Ability to track progress within,and across,years. ·Clear assessment criteria. ## Grade descriptors ·1-9 equivalent tothe reformedGCSE ·W (Workingtowards grade 1) ·F(Foundation) ## Grade descriptors -English example Sub-levels used within each grade ·2+:mastery of the grade 2 and working towards the next grade. ·2:secure in the grade. ·2-:grade unsecure. | | Criteria | R E D KIT E
E
ALLIANC | | --- | --- | --- | | Foundation | o Mostly relevant ideas and content,brief comments
o Some appropriate word choices
o Ideas in sections,linked by content
o Sentences usually have capital letters and full stops ABC.
o Mainly simple sentences,some variation in openings
o Usually correct spelling of simple high frequency words | | | Working
towards | o Some appropriate ideas with some attempt to elaborate
o Generally appropriate word choices
o Some links between sentences within paragraphs/sections
o Straightforward sentences usually demarcated with capitals,full stops,exclamation and question marks ABC.!?
o Simple and compound sentences,reliance on simply structures sentences
o Accurate basic spelling | | | simple | o Simple communication of ideas,some clarity
o Simple vocabulary
o Simple structural features with attempt to paragraph
o Evidence of conscious punctuation,commas used to separate clauses(not always accurately)ABC.!?,
o Some variety in sentences with use of some subordinating connectives in complex sentences
o Correct spelling of the majority of words used | | | Vaiey | o Communication of ideas is sometimes successful,attempt to match style/purpose
o Begins to vary vocabulary
o Paragraphs used although not always accurately
o Sentences demarcated accurately,speech marks used ABC.!?,"hello"
o Variety of sentence forms used with some success
o Some accurate spelling of more complex words | | | 3
Success | o Communication of ideas is mainly successful
o Conscious use of vocabulary with some linguistic devices
o Some use of paragraphs and linked ideas
o Begins to use more ambitious punctuation,generally accurate ABC.!?"hello“...(); | | | | | | | | | | Caellad 4 .ei :fan n fr o A ## Grade descriptors-maths example | Grade | Skills | Number | Algebra | Measures &Data
Handing | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 7 | Pupils develop and follow alternative approaches,
performing procedures accurately.They compare
and evaluate representations of a situation,
introducing and using a range of mathematical
techniques.They reflect on their own lines of
enquiry when exploring mathematical tasks.They
communicate mathematical or statistical meaning
to different audiences through precise and
consistent use of symbols that is sustained
throughout the work.The

FAQs

What are the key national reforms affecting KS3 assessment?

The notes highlight removing national curriculum level descriptors from September 2014, delivering a curriculum relevant to pupils, and implementing an assessment system to check on progress. IGS also continued with levels based on older NC levels.

What changed in KS4 from the national reforms?

The document states that new-style GCSEs were introduced from September 2015, led by English and mathematics, coursework was removed, a new grading structure was introduced, and assessment focus moved toward academic qualifications.

How does the reformed GCSE grading system work and what are the benefits?

It outlines grades from 9 down to 1, including standards like DfE ‘good pass’, plus an awarding/working-towards U category. Benefits listed include consistent assessment criteria across subjects and years, standardised measures, and the ability to track progress within and across years.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Tawan