Next week I have asked parents of years 6 and 8 students if they would like to come into school to discuss the recent assessment taken by their children. To some people testing and assessment is not the most exciting part of school life but I must be in the right place as I find it really interesting. 

The purpose of this particular test is not to see how well our students have learnt their subject material but to analyse their underlying strengths and weaknesses as a learner. Analysing the results of these tests gives us a window into a few aspects of how your child works and learns. We can then be better informed about our students to develop and personalise our teaching methods. 

Tests cannot describe a person. They are a measurement of specific aspects and we must be careful not to over-rely on simplistic ways of knowing a unique character. They are however a useful tool in our toolkit. Compare this to how deeply the Lord knows his children in the Psalm below:

The CAT4 assessment tests do, however, contain a rather significant idea. They give an indication of likely potential in terms of IGCSE grades; likely potential, not certain. 

I like that even this test acknowledges that outcomes are not fixed. Our students, your children, have amazing potential; they are unique and complex individuals and human measurements cannot fully capture who they are. Potential gives us the idea that problems can be overcome, circumstances can change, skills develop and understanding improves. 

This summer when I was home catching up with friends, I heard wonderful stories about what some of my ex-students were now doing. Their tests many years ago could not begin to describe the fullness of who they were then, nor who they are now.

Thank you for entrusting your children to HOPE school so that we can partner with you, your children and the LORD and see that potential develop.

Cath Kershaw

The Graduating Class of 2020 … Year 12s!