Cambridge Checkpoint and Progression Tests
Queen Morta School, based in Vilnius, educates over 750 students (aged 5 to 19), and uses Cambridge Checkpoint and Progression Tests to measure students’ progress as they move through the Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary programmes. We talked to the School’s founder, Dr Austėja Landsbergienė about the value these assessments deliver.
What is Cambridge Checkpoint?
Cambridge Checkpoint and Progression Tests provide a rigorous, standardised performance analysis of individual primary and lower secondary learners.
Cambridge Progression Tests are internal assessments designed for use in the classroom and cover English as a first or second language, maths and science.
The Cambridge Checkpoint tests are used at the end of the Primary or Lower Secondary programmes.
Cambridge Checkpoint is an assessment of performance while also giving learners the experience of taking an external assessment, as the test is marked by Cambridge.
Why is data and analysis so important at Queen Morta School?
We strongly believe in data-led education, with regular assessment playing an important role in our education process. Data on students’ learning experiences, achievements and progress helps us to make informed decisions about the education we provide, and to evaluate student performance – helping us understand if a student is really learning, and also how they feel about the school.
To support this drive for data, we decided to use Cambridge Progression Tests because they are directly relevant to the subjects covered in Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary. We also use Cambridge Checkpoint, which is marked by Cambridge, as this test allow us to assess students’ achievements in an international context, and provide a detailed performance analysis for both school and students.
During the school year when do you use Cambridge Progression Tests and why?
We test students three times – at the beginning, middle and end of the academic year. The first Progression Test tells us what students already know about the upcoming course, allowing us to differentiate learning to meet individual student’s needs.
Our mid-year Progression Tests focus on whether students are achieving their learning goals; teachers analyse data to identify any issues which can be targeted by lesson planning, and also start to monitor those students whose progress may be causing concern. The final Progression Test provides a measure of our students’ progress throughout the year. We encourage students to consider the test an important experience, one which will help them in their future exams and will support general learning skills.
How do you process and use Cambridge Progression Test data?
Our curriculum coordinators and teachers use the Cambridge online analysis tool to review test data and plan next steps, such as changing the curriculum plan, trying out new teaching methods, or putting in place extra student support.
For example, the data may show that we need to differentiate classroom teaching more, perhaps by relearning certain topics, setting up extra learning groups, making more use of teaching assistants or improving teachers’ skills. At the end of the academic year, teachers can also use the data to reflect on whether they have achieved their own learning objectives and plan strategies for future improvement.
How do you present Cambridge Progression Test data to parents?
Students’ mid-year progress reports include Progression Test data, and we also use charts generated by the analysis tool when we talk to parents about their child’s performance. In secondary school, Progression Test data is discussed with the individual student and with the class, and going forward we plan to share the results of the end of the year Progression Tests with parents.
How has the data improved your teaching strategies?
Firstly, teachers say that as the Progression Test mark schemes are very detailed, they gain a better understanding of Cambridge assessment criteria. The data also supports our choice of new teaching resources. In science, for example, to help reduce the use of worksheets we have created a Cambridge Primary Science Lab where students can work on practical experiments each week.
Since the Lab was launched, Progression Test data is starting to show that students’ ‘Thinking and Working Scientifically’ skills are improving, and so we are planning similar initiatives, and hope to create a Language Lab and Maths Studio.
How does Progression Test data support teacher development?
Progression Test data informs our teacher training programme, delivered in our own in-house Teacher’s Academy LearnED. The Tests also help teaching staff become more confident in delivering the Cambridge Pathway, by encouraging new and more active learning methods, and greater collaboration to improve learning outcomes.
For example, recent Test data showed that some students lacked basic maths skills and so our teachers investigated the value of using games to improve engagement and progression. The opportunity for teachers to use Test data to find solutions to specific issues helps them feel stronger and more empowered in the classroom.
How do Progression Tests prepare students for Cambridge Checkpoint?
Systematic and consistent testing, and data analysis, ensures student achievement remains high in all grades up to Cambridge Checkpoint. This helps teachers address major learning gaps and provides a timely warning of any student who may need assistance.
How do you use the Cambridge Checkpoint end of series reports?
Every year, we present Cambridge Checkpoint results to all teachers, discussing strengths and areas for improvement. Our leadership team also continuously monitors results and seeks to improve them with concrete actions.
How do you celebrate your students’ Checkpoint results?
Every September students receive their Cambridge Checkpoint certificates at a special ceremony, where we also pay special tribute to our high achievers. These students give speeches at the ceremony, sharing the secrets of their success, and their photos are displayed around the school and in our social media.