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Assessment & Progress

At Nexus School we believe that Assessment should be carried out regularly to recognise and celebrate student achievement as well as ensure that teaching addresses the next steps.

Assessments at Nexus can take place in many forms ranging from formative assessments in lessons, to observations of students, to photos and videos and summative assessments through written, verbal testing or practical testing. We believe the key objectives of assessment are:

To actively involve students in their own learning.
To address the need for students to be able to assess themselves and understand how they can improve.
To adjust teaching to take into account the results of assessment.
To recognise the profound influence that assessment has on the motivation and self-esteem of students.
To allow teachers to evaluate and respond to their teaching and students’ learning.
To track student progress and coordinate intervention where appropriate.
To record, recognise and celebrate student achievement

Assessments Implementation

In Nexus School we use B Squared to track academic subjects and guide and support teachers for planning non-academic development. We also use Evidence for Learning (EFL) to measure progress towards your child’s EHCP outcomes.

B squared is our online assessment tool that is used to measure the individual progress of our students, in a range of academic areas. B squared also has a range of frameworks to support teachers planning and guide them towards suitable targets for the target tower and EHCP targets. Each pathway follows a bespoke assessment framework, which is designed to meet the assessment needs of the pupils. The frameworks are split into multiple levels and each level is broken down into many individual learning requirements. The program is designed to show and measure small steps of progress. We can also use the Communication and Interaction framework to inform and develop the Target Towers all of the students use.

Evidence for Learning is our assessment tool to measure the progress of your child’s EHCP outcomes. The targets can be personalised by the teachers to match the targets found on their Target Towers. The teaching team will collect evidence towards achieving their Targets. Photos, videos and notes can be submitted by the teaching team and shared with home as well as allowing you to submit the same back to school, to help us all recognise the progress of your child.

Students following the sense and experience and discover and explore pathway also use the engagement model to support their teaching in school. This methodology allows teachers to measure a student’s engagement in learning. By making adaptions and changes the teacher will find methods of increasing engagement and thus increase the pace of learning. This is all measured through evidence for learning.

Target towers allow us to share and plan our students progress towards their EHCP target. Each child has interim targets set twice a year to help them work towards and achieve their EHCP outcome. These are shared with home and the progress towards the targets will then be collected and measured using Evidence for Learning. The EHCP outcomes are discussed and planned in annual reviews and parent consultations.

Each teacher uses the information gathered from B Squared, EFL and the target towers to plans and deliver the curriculum needs for each child. They will monitor progress and use this to continue to deliver and engage your child in their learning. The timetable can be found on the school website.

Data Expectations The expectations of what you assessments you will see depends on which pathway your child is in. A student following The Bridge Pathway will mostly be using B Squared. As a posed to the child on the Sense and Experience Pathway will mostly be using Evidence for Learning and tracking their progress towards EHCP outcomes.

Assessments Impact

At Nexus school will measure and record your child’s progress throughout the school year. Reporting of child’s progress should happen regularly throughout the year.

Assessment Books will be sent home two times a year, this is a record of the progress they have made in EFL and B Squared.
Learning Journal is a record of a child’s learning and activities over time
Annual Review once per year
Parent consultations 3 times per year

A learning Journal is a booklet created on evidence for learning showcasing your child’s progress at school. It includes samples of their work, photos, teacher observations, and notes about the skills they are developing. The purpose is to give you a clear, meaningful picture of what your child can do, how they learn, and what their next steps are. It helps teachers, students, and parents work together to support learning in a positive, personalised way.

An Assessment Book is a report written by your child’s teacher detailing progress towards your child’s target tower targets. It identifies what your child has been doing and what skills they have developed. It identifies if they have met their target or require some more time to embed the skills. The assessment book is also then used by teachers to help identify next steps and new targets for their next target tower.

Progress of your child will be compared to other similar students within the school, to ensure that each pupil within the school is making the correct amount of progress. Support will be provided for the students not making the required amount of progress through the Pupil Intervention Team (PIT) or individual intervention plans.

NCFE Functional Skills Maths (Level 1 and Level 2)

What is Functional Skills Maths

Functional skills maths is designed to equip a student with the maths knowledge needed for everyday life. Functional skills has an emphasis on developing problem solving and equips students to interpret information, plan a method and make decisions based on real life scenarios. Students can access this course at level 1 or level 2 and the choice of level will be dependent on students’ mathematical attainment and confidence.

Content Overview

Content

Level 1

Students taking level 1 will become confident at everyday maths:

Students will study:

handling money,
time,
measurements, converting units,
reading simple charts
working with decimals/fractions

Level 2

Students taking level 2

Students will study:

handling larger numbers
negative numbers
percentages
proportions
ratios
geometry and spatial reasoning
data analysis and probability

Next Steps

Students with Functional skills Maths level 1 will progress to studying level 2 or GCSE English. Level 2 Maths is an access qualification, as it is a generally accepted as a qualification that allows access to further study at higher levels or employment.

NCFE Functional Skills English (Level 1 and Level 2)

What is Functional Skills Maths

Functional skills English is designed to equip a student with the English knowledge needed for everyday life. Students will learn to use English confidently and effectively in everyday life, work, study and different real-world situations. Students can access this course at level 1 or level 2 and the choice of level will be dependent on students’ mathematical attainment and confidence.

Content Overview

Content

Level 1

Students taking level 1 will become confident at everyday English:

Students will study:

Read and understand longer and more complex texts,
Plan and development of their writing
Be actively involved in discussions and present reasoned and short information as part of this discussion
Students will be able to adapt style and meaning depending on context.

Level 2

Students taking level 2

Students will study:

greater emphasis on fluency and effectiveness as a reader
audience-aware when writing, with clear planning and presenting information in longer pieces of multiple paragraphs of writing
Verbally present information and be able to engage audience (e.g. arguments, discussions, reports)
respond critically or reflectively to texts or information

Next Steps

Students with Functional skills English level 1 will progress to studying level 2 or GCSE English. Level 2 English is an access qualification, as it is a generally accepted as a qualification that allows access to further study at higher levels or employment.

AQA Entry Level Maths (Entry 1, 2 or 3)

What is AQA Entry level Maths

Content Overview

	Content
Number	Counting, reading and writing numbers Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Odd/even numbers Fractions (simple) Money skills (adding amounts, giving change)
Measure	Time (reading clocks, sequencing events) Length, weight, capacity (measuring and comparing) Temperature Money and budgeting
Geometry	2D shapes (naming, recognising) 3D shapes (simple recognition) Symmetry Position, direction, movement
Statistics	Reading simple charts, lists and tables Sorting information Bar charts & pictograms Interpreting simple data

Next Steps

Students with Entry level Maths will often progress to further maths study at higher Entry level or Level 1, 2 or GCSE. Some students may benefit from everyday numeracy programs

AQA Entry Level English (Entry 1, 2 or 3)

What is AQA Entry level Maths

Entry level maths enables students to become confident in their use of fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills, and can use this knowledge to solve simple mathematical problems. Students complete 3 reading and writing assignments and two spoken languages. Students can access this qualification at Silver Step (Entry 1 and 2) or Gold Step (Entry 3) the choice of level will be dependent on students’ attainment and confidence.

Content Overview

	Content
Number	Counting, reading and writing numbers Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Odd/even numbers Fractions (simple) Money skills (adding amounts, giving change)
Measure	Time (reading clocks, sequencing events) Length, weight, capacity (measuring and comparing) Temperature Money and budgeting
Geometry	2D shapes (naming, recognising) 3D shapes (simple recognition) Symmetry Position, direction, movement
Statistics	Reading simple charts, lists and tables Sorting information Bar charts & pictograms Interpreting simple data

Next Steps

Students with Entry level English will often progress to further maths study at higher Entry level or Level 1, 2 or GCSE. Some students may benefit from everyday numeracy programs.

AQA Entry Level Science (Entry 1, 2 or 3)

What is AQA Entry level Maths

Entry level Science is a nationally recognised science qualification which enables students to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and skills. The students study six components each one consisting of a short test, which tests the students scientific knowledge and a teacher devised practical assessment, which tests a students ability to carry out a practical experiment.

Content Overview

	Content
Biology – The Human Body	Basic biology related to humans: how the body works; health; living things; basic life processes.
Biology – Environment, evolution and inheritance	Ecology, environment, relationships between organisms, basic ideas of inheritance, variation and environment
Chemistry – Elements, mixtures and compounds	Materials and matter: elements, mixtures, compounds; properties of materials; simple chemical ideas
Chemistry – Chemistry in our world	Everyday chemistry: chemical reactions, uses of materials, how chemistry affects the world around us
Physics – Energy, forces and structure of matter	Basic physics concepts: energy, forces, matter; properties and behaviour of matter; simple physical phenomena
Physics – Electricity, magnetism and waves	Fundamental physics: electricity, magnetism, basic wave concepts — how energy and forces operate in the real world

Students working at Entry 1 Science will learn to, recall basic scientific ideas, and be able to carry out scientific experiments safely and make scientific observations
Students working at Entry 2 Science will learn to, recall basic scientific ideas and begin to relate to everyday scenarios. Students will be able to plan and carry out simple scientific experiments safely and make scientific observations and measurements
Students working at Entry 3 Science will learn to, recall basic scientific ideas and relate to everyday scenarios. Students will be able to plan and carry out simple scientific experiments safely and make scientific observations and measurements. Draw tables and graphs as well as draw together a conclusion

NCFE Digital Functional Skills (Entry 3, Level 1)

What is Digital Functional Skills

Digital Functional Skills is a qualification focused on developing practical digital skills that learners need to confidently use digital technology in everyday life, education, and work. It is designed to equip learners with the ability to use digital tools and technologies effectively and safely in a range of real-world contexts.

Content Overview

	Content
Using Devices and Applications	Turning on devices, navigating operating systems, using software applications (word processing, spreadsheets, email)
Managing Digital Information	Creating, storing, and organising files and folders; searching for information online.
Online Communication and Collaboration	Using email, instant messaging, video calls, and social media responsibly.
Digital Safety and Security	Understanding privacy settings, recognizing online risks, protecting personal data, and using safe passwords
Problem-Solving with Technology	Troubleshooting basic technical issues and using digital tools to complete tasks efficiently.

Students working at Entry 3 will learn to find a retrieve information from a variety of sources, use a range of applications to present information and solve simple problems.
Students working at level 1 will learn to search, filter and sort digital information. Understand complex privacy issues such as privacy settings and malware a retrieve information from a variety of sources, use a wider range of applications and be able to combine different digital tools to process information that can be used to present information.

AQA Unit Awards

What are AQA Unit Awards

AQA Unit Awards are a flexible, bite-sized way for learners to gain recognition for achieving small units of learning or skills. They’re designed to motivate and reward progress, especially for learners who might benefit from short, manageable steps rather than full qualifications all at once. They are:

Small, focused qualifications made up of individual units.
Each unit covers a specific skill, topic, or area of learning.
Units can be combined or taken separately depending on the learner’s needs.
Often used in vocational, skills-based, or personal development contexts.
Can be a stepping stone toward bigger qualifications like GCSEs, Functional Skills, or vocational certificates.

Arts Award

What are Arts Awards

Arts Award is a nationally recognized qualification in the UK that celebrates young people’s creativity, arts skills, and personal development through engagement with the arts and cultural activities.

A creative qualification designed for young people aged 7 to 25.
Recognizes achievement in any art form—like music, dance, drama, visual arts, media, crafts, or writing.
Supports development of skills like leadership, communication, and project management through arts participation.
Provides a structured way to explore, create, and share art while gaining a qualification.

Duke of Edinburgh

What is Duke of Edinburgh

A popular youth development program that encourages young people (usually aged 14–24) to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and contribute to their communities. Students generally have an increased confidence, resilience and the ability to work in a team. This is widely recognised as evidence of achievement and development of leadership and team work skills by employers and colleges. Participants complete activities in four key areas:

Volunteering — Helping others or the community.
Physical — Improving fitness through sports or physical activities.
Skills — Learning or developing a new skill or hobby.
Expedition — Planning, training for, and completing a challenging journey outdoors (e.g., hiking or camping).
Gold level also requires a residential project — a shared activity or course away from home.