At Silverwood, assessment is an ongoing process, which enables us to celebrate the wide range of successes of our pupils. Regular assessment and monitoring enables the smallest steps of progress to be captured and celebrated with the pupils themselves and their families, which is an important part of their development.

The main aim of our assessment system is to enhance learning, and inform both pupils and staff of next steps for groups of pupils and individuals. We have developed an assessment system that builds on skills, strengths and interests of our pupils. As well as highlighting what a pupil is able to do, we are able to identify gaps within knowledge and understanding, to guide planning and enable those gaps to be filled. The regular use of good quality assessment also helps identify any barriers to learning and ensure the necessary support is put in place in a timely manner to encourage pupils to achieve their best.
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We use different types of assessment depending on the needs of the learner and stages of development. 

Pupils in Early Years are assessed using the EYFS framework, adapted to suit our pupils, through the assessment tool Evidence for Learning.

Pupils following the pre-formal and semi-formal pathway are assessed against Silverwood Branches (our bespoke assessment system), also via Evidence for Learning. There are five Branches, one for each curriculum area, allowing achievements to be captured at a range of levels as pupils do not always progress in a linear manner.

Pupils following the formal pathway are assessed in subject areas, using Progression Steps within the BSquared assessment package. Alongside Progression Steps, pupils in Key Stage 4 access nationally recognised qualifications and awards at Entry Level.

Pupils following the Preparing for Adulthood pathway through the Post-16 curriculum continue to work on key literacy, numeracy and life skills. They also access nationally recognised qualifications and awards at Entry Level.
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All pupils at Silverwood School have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).  Progress towards the outcomes in the EHCP are monitored, discussed and reported at the annual review.  In order to inform this process, each pupil has up to 8 targets across the four areas of the EHCP which are reviewed 3 times a year.  These are targets which are personalised to each pupil and may also link to the curriculum if this is deemed appropriate.  These targets will be assessed using Evidence for Learning; a tool which will also enable us to gather evidence towards the targets.

Within our delivery of ASDAN at Silverwood, we strive to engage all post-14 pupils through relevant and motivating courses. This enables them to achieve meaningful learning outcomes and lifeskills which can elevate them to go on to having a more autonomous life as well as opportunities for further education, training and work.  We aim to empower them through their preparing for adulthood journey by delivering diverse, enriching and individualised programmes.  Our ambition is that our young people should have the opportunity to discover, develop and make use of their abilities to affirm their identities, contribute to society, and challenge educational and social inequalities through progressive ASDAN accreditation and qualification pathways.

At Silverwood, we believe that all pupils can celebrate success and achievement by following a flexible and inclusive pathway throughout KS4 that aligns with our school values. The pathway chosen for each pupil is at a level that is appropriate, engaging and motivational and encourages students to develop a love of learning combined with skills for success in the wider community.  WJEC Entry Pathways Personal Progress allows pupils to develop their independent skills, knowledge and self-awareness by following an accessible regulated route that offers the widest possible range of quality-assured learner achievements. The qualification and framework is accessible to the all students who follow this pathway at three different levels – award, certificate or diploma. The learner’s needs are extended beyond the outcomes covered in the Personal Progress units and pupils will receive the same aspirational opportunities, learning themes, outcomes and high-quality teaching as their KS4 peers as highlighted in The Silverwood Way.