The key function of assessment at Bedford Academy is to contribute to the educational process which helps our students become better learners. Assessment is the vital tool in the determination of levels and tracking progress of students, as well as promoting learning. We assess our students regularly within the classroom through the use of 'Journey Questions' and end of topic tests, as well as through formal exams and pre-public exams.

We assess students' learning in order to:

• Provide students with constructive feedback
• Motivate students
• Identify learning strengths and areas for development
• Identify progress and intervene to ensure the learning process moves forward
• Assist in the evaluation of teaching methods and learning materials
• Provide information for other stakeholders (colleagues and parents)
• Enable students to form a judgement about the quality of their work
• Assist in moderating standards across classes
• Promote learning

Assessment is carried out for two main reasons: to find out how much a student has achieved and to promote learning and understanding. The recording of such information allows us to monitor the progress of students and inform our planning of future teaching.

Reports

At every assessment point, parents receive a brief progress report generated from the central database summarising their child's attainment, target data and attendance. These reports are sent home with students and are emailed out to all parents / carers who have supplied an email address to the school.

The student's academic tutor is the first point of contact for parents. For all year groups, parents will also have an opportunity to meet directly with their child's subject teachers once a year to discuss their progress for each subject in detail.