Target Setting

Students in each Key Stage have either 'expected outcomes' or 'Target grades' which are designed to create challenging academic expectations based on prior attainment as judged by end of Key Stage 2 assessments or GCSE results. These are represented differently according to which Key Stage you children are currently in.

Key Stage 3   BASE targets

John Taylor uses an assessment system based on performance in KS2 SATs. This is also referenced against CAT4 test results. Targets are created for each subject and are the outcome that will be expected for each assessment that is completed. Students are not expected to move through the grades.

A: Should be Approaching the age related level of knowledge and understanding

S: Should be Secure in the age related level of knowledge and understanding

E: Should be Exceeding the age related level of knowledge and understanding

Students may also be assessed as ‘Beginning to show the age related level of knowledge and understanding’ (B).  A small number of students may demonstrate exceptional performance and may be graded as Outstanding (O).

Key Stage 4   Target Grades

Minimum expected grades are calculated using Fischer Family Trust estimates (external organisation) who use average Key Stage 2 points. Each student is compared with all other students nationally who achieved the same KS2 average point score and the average GCSE grade they achieved for all subjects. As such, it should be a realistic but challenging grade. Subject teachers then use their professional judgement to decide whether or not the grade is aspirational enough and may choose to increase it. The resulting grade becomes the target grade.

9-1 GCSE grades

GCSE subjects are now assessed using 9-1 grades rather than the old A*-C grades.

The old and new GCSE grading scales do not directly compare but there are three points where they align:

  • The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A;
  • The bottom of grade 4 is aligned with the bottom of grade C; and
  • The bottom of grade 1 is aligned with the bottom of grade G.

Key Stage 5   Target Grades

Minimum expected grades are calculated using each student’s average GCSE points score. Each student is compared with all other students nationally who achieved the same average GCSE points score and the average grade they received in all A level subjects being studied. As such, it should be a realistic but challenging grade. Subject teachers then use their professional judgement to decide whether or not this grade is aspirational enough and may choose to increase it. The resulting grade becomes the target grade.