Assessment
There are two types of assessment. You can choose which type suits your needs. The two forms complement each other but are completely separate.
Teacher assessment
For an informal and adaptable way of assessing your learners, Asset publishes packs of graded tasks, mapped to the Languages Ladder. The tasks provide short, accessible tests, which are marked by you, in each of the four skill areas.
Once you have bought a ‘Teacher Assessment Pack’, off you go. The tasks in the packs can be photocopied for multiple use. You don’t have to do all the tasks at the same time and they can be adapted to fit with your teaching.
Teacher assessment packs are available at Breakthrough Stage in every language. The Breakthrough packs for French, Spanish, German and Italian are specially written for primary age learners.
The packs can be ordered online. There is also the option of buying motivational graded certificates to celebrate your learners’ success.
External assessment
External assessment is also available in the form of short, externally-marked tests in separate skills. Learners receive nationally recognised OCR qualifications for their success in each skill.
External assessment of languages is slightly more formal than teacher assessment. Because the tests are short, they can easily be taken during normal lesson time in the classroom. Four exam windows in November, March, May and June, lasting several weeks each, give you plenty of flexibility. With Asset, you also have the option of testing children in the skill(s) in which they are most confident first.
Unlike the tasks in Teacher Assessment Packs which are set at the level of individual grades, external assessments cover an entire stage on the Languages Ladder. Asset rewards children for what they can do, so they should only be entered for a Breakthrough test when they are ready.
Whichever type of assessment suits your needs, Asset tests are clearly laid out and all instructions given in English, making them accessible for language learners of any age.
We presented the tests as fun and the Year 6 children were proud to be the focus of attention.
Chris Toye Headteacher at Wyvil Primary School, Lambeth.
