Curriculum >> Assesssment

At Sotogrande International School, assessment is a collaborative process which is varied and continuous. Assessment is used to provide feedback on the learning process and judge the effectiveness of both learning and teaching.

We recognise the importance of assessing the process of learning as well as the outcome of learning and aim to integrate and support both. A variety of formative assessment tools are used including criteria-referenced tests, assignments, practical work, presentations, informal observations and self-evaluation. These are designed to accommodate the different styles of learning that each child possesses. They provide effective means of recording children's responses and performances in valid problem-solving situations. Formative assessment aids learning and is interwoven into daily lessons. It helps teachers and students plan each stage of learning. Formative assessment and teaching are directly linked: neither can function effectively nor purposefully without the other.

We also use summative assessment tools, e.g. formal examinations, exhibitions or performances, at the end of a unit of inquiry or topic to give children opportunities to demonstrate what has been learned. It also helps teachers to analyse the effectiveness of their teaching and of the programme.

We believe that the richest and most rewarding educational experiences a student can have are those which are supported by parents. The school is committed to education as a partnership between home and school. Parental involvement in the school is important and encouraged. We consider it crucial that parents attend school functions as often as they can and in particular that they attend the parent-teacher consultations.

We regard reports and parent consultations as a means of giving feedback to parents/guardians about the progress of their son/daughter and as a part of the process to encourage learning as a home/school partnership.

Our reports and parent consultations celebrate the pupils' achievement and effort, identify targets for improvement and contribute to the entire learning process.