Start of Year Grammar and Punctuation Assessment Guidance

The "Start of Year Grammar and Punctuation Assessment Guidance" is a comprehensive resource designed for Year 6 students to evaluate their understanding of English grammar and punctuation. The assessment pack includes guidance notes, a detailed mark scheme, and an analysis grid to pinpoint areas where students may need further instruction. The test is intended to be administered within the first few weeks of the Autumn term, before commencing the "Y6 Grammar and Punctuation Programme." This timing allows teachers to identify and address any significant weaknesses carried over from Year 5. The domains covered in the assessment are listed in the booklet, ensuring that a wide range of grammatical concepts are tested.

Administering the test requires teachers to provide clear instructions to the students, ensuring they understand how to fill out their answer booklets and handle any changes to their answers. The test duration is set at 30 minutes. The provided marking guidance is extensive, covering various question types such as tick boxes, circling answers, drawing lines for matching, writing or inserting punctuation, and dealing with spelling. The guidance ensures consistency in marking, detailing what is acceptable and what is not, and provides instructions for handling multiple answers, handwriting legibility, sentence structures, capital letters, and crossed-out responses. The assessment tasks include identifying word classes, using modal verbs, matching synonyms, punctuating sentences correctly, and using contracted forms, among others. This structured approach helps to accurately assess and reinforce the grammar and punctuation skills of Year 6 students.