Spring Term Spelling Assessment and Progress Tests Guidance

The Spring Term Spelling Assessment and Progress Tests for Year 3 (Y3) are meticulously structured tools designed to evaluate and advance pupils' spelling proficiency. The package includes guidance notes, an assessment for term 1, two progress tests with teacher versions, and an analysis grid to pinpoint areas that may require further attention. The initial assessment is intended to be administered at the start of the Spring Term, with a week set aside in the Spelling Programme to address any weaknesses identified. Progress Test 1 is suggested to be conducted after weeks 2 to 6 of the programme, and Progress Test 2 after weeks 8 to 11, both allowing a week for assessment and review within the flexible 12-week programme duration.

Administering the tests requires careful preparation to ensure pupils are fully briefed and understand the test procedures. Instructions for the test, which lasts approximately 15 minutes, include writing names on the answer booklet, the correct method for changing answers, and the importance of working independently. The test involves reading sentences with missing words, giving pupils a clear context for each spelling. Marking is straightforward: one mark for each correct spelling and none for incorrect attempts. Specific guidelines are provided to address common issues such as multiple attempts, the use of upper or lower case letters, and the handling of crossed-out answers. Each test's teacher version provides a list of sentences used to assess the spelling of key words within a contextual framework.