| answer text |
<p>Statutory assessments at Key Stages 1 and 2 are an essential part of ensuring that
children master the basics of reading, writing and mathematics which are key to succeeding
at secondary school and in later life. They help teachers understand how their pupils
are performing against national expectations and enable them to identify where extra
support may be needed. Statutory assessments also allows schools to be held to high
standards and ensures that they offer a high quality education to all pupils. National
curriculum tests undergo a robust three-year development process, taking account of
pupils’ experiences of the tests through large-scale representative trialling and
review by teachers, head teachers and assessment and inclusion experts.</p><p>Statutory
assessments are not meant to cause stress and anxiety to pupils. Schools should encourage
all pupils to work hard and achieve well. The Department trusts teachers to administer
them in a proportionate way that does not put undue pressure on pupils, and certainly
not at the expense of their wellbeing. Schools should provide continuous and appropriate
support as part of a whole school approach to supporting the wellbeing and resilience
of pupils. The Department encourages schools to ensure that any pupil experiencing
high levels of stress speaks to their teachers or school counsellors.</p><p> </p>
|
|
