Test results
On Tuesday, 06 July, the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) released 2010 Key Stage 2 National Curriculum test results. We will shortly send home the results for our current Year 6 class – at the moment, it appears our children have done extremely well. This is thanks to their great efforts, and also the exemplary teaching and support we offer at Moortown Primary.
Regarding the results, Education Secretary Michael Gove has said:
I am delighted that all National Curriculum test results were made available to schools today.
Almost three quarters of schools administered the tests this year, showing that the vast majority of headteachers did not support industrial action. It’s unfortunate parents and pupils in the schools that boycotted the tests will not benefit from the information that can be taken from test results.
Rigorous external assessment provides the public and professionals with valuable objective data and plays a vital role in the accountability system.
The best school systems generate rich quantities of information which enable us all to make meaningful comparisons, learn from the best and identify techniques which work.
I do accept there are flaws with the current testing system so I am committed to reviewing National Curriculum tests to ensure they are as rigorous as possible and in the best interests of schools, children, parents and the public.
We want to consider what we can learn from other countries, to compare our tests with standards set elsewhere, and to look at how we can make the tests more useful.
I believe headteachers and teachers will agree the solution to strengthening the tests is to work together and agree on how they can be reformed.
While we work to improve and strengthen the tests, it is crucial that there is no gap in information provided to parents, pupils and teachers next year.
I can therefore confirm that tests in 2011 will take place in the week commencing May 9.
The week of the SAT tests is already noted in our calendar; as are school holidays and training days for next year. More important dates will be added soon.
More information about the 2010 SAT tests, including a list of schools which did not carry out the tests, can be found on the Department for Education website.
SEAL statement 5 July
As changes in school are fast approaching, ‘I know strategies to deal with feelings to do with change’ is the SEAL statement for this week.
- What could you do if you are feeling anxious and nervous about a forthcoming change?
- You may be looking forward to a change that is happening to you – how do you contain your excitement?
SEAL statement 28 June
‘I can make the most of an unwelcome change’ is the SEAL statement for this week. How could you turn an unwelcome change into something positive?
Feedback about our happy and healthy school
At Moortown, people often compliment our happy and healthy school. It was great to recently receive this message from a parent interested in sending her son to our school in September 2011:
I just wanted to email you to pass on my thanks for showing both my son and I around your school on Friday. We really appreciated you taking the time to speak to us.
Both my son and I left with very positive feelings about the school and we would both be happy if he was allocated a place at Moortown.
Thank you to everyone at Moortown Primary for all the kindness and attention they showed us. Everyone we met was extremely kind and friendly, which gave an impression of a welcoming and positive culture. I was very impressed by how well-behaved the children were and how eloquently they expressed themselves and I am still amazed how quickly they answered the maths questions! All the children seemed engaged and interested in what they were doing and they were credit to the school, the staff and themselves.
Everyone is obviously striving to create a nuturing and rewarding evironment for the pupils and it is clearly paying dividends. We will certainly recommend Moortown Primary to others!
That’s great feedback – thanks!
SEAL statement 21 June
‘I can change my behaviour for the better’ is the SEAL statement for this week, continuing our Changes theme. By taking responsibility for your own behaviour this can be a quick and easy change.
Food tasting at Harvester restaurant
Some of the Year 3 and 4 pupils recently visited Harvester restaurant at Colton, Leeds. This was part of our drive to make packed lunches at Moortown Primary even healthier.
The session involved tasting different fruit and vegetables and learning all about how important it is to have these in our diets.
The children came away with a selection of vegetables and lots of knowledge about healthy eating. They were very keen to encourage their family to eat well, too!
We’ve already noticed quite a few with extra portions of fruit and vegetables in their packed lunch. Children tell us they want to try healthier foods – why not try something new and nutritious each week?
Class Assemblies
With only one class assembly left in the year, you might like to read some of the comments parents and carers have made this year so far…
‘We really enjoyed learning lots about how to stay safe.’
‘Fantastic counting in French – it was clear and the accent perfect. I really enjoyed the assembly, as usual.’
‘Entertaining and factual… Very educational.’
‘Fantastic interpretation of Shakespeare into bite size three minutes definitely got all the children switched on and engaged with Shakespeare.’
‘Great assembly, especially when the pupils speak so loudly and clearly.’
SEAL statement 14 June
This week our SEAL statement is ‘I can get better at my learning.’ Which of the following circle time skills could you improve to get better at your learning?
- Looking skills
- Listening skills
- Thinking skills
- Speaking skills
- Body language
- Concentrating
SEAL statement 7 June
Our SEAL theme this half term focuses on Changes and the first weekly statement is ‘I can cope with an unexpected change.’ With the end of the school year approaching, this SEAL theme helps to prepare children to deal with changes they will face at school. These may be a new high school, a new Key Stage or a new classroom and teacher.
Winning at Moortown!
Well done to Theo Raseta in Year 1, who won a prize in the Education Leeds Give it 100% competition. He wins a pair of sledging vouchers for SnoZone in Castleford. In total, 121 pupils from Moortown Primary School achieved 100% attendance rate during March 2010 – that’s fantastic and these people have really helped make a difference to our attendance as well as being happy and healthy learners. All of these pupils earned a certificate. In the authority, there were 27,000 entries from 139 schools.
Also, well done to all our talented tennis players! At a recent tournament between local primary schools, Moortown won due to the great skills and talents of many of our pupils. We already knew Kiran in Y4 is a great tennis player, but Mrs Maver was very impressed with many of the others who took part. Well done to all, and thanks to Mrs Maver for organising this.
Next half-term, we have more competitions and events to look forward to. A sneaky peak at the Year 6 routine suggests we’re in with a good chance of winning the local schools’ competition for best Wake Up Shake Up performance!