Benchmarking assessments are being introduced in the session 2015/2016 to replace traditional prelims.  There is an acceptance that a significant assessment at some point in the session is useful in order to gauge pupil progress, and help pupils prepare for the final examinations at the end of the session.  It is also clear that setting some timescale for these assessments benefits both pupils and departments. However, the traditional prelim diet was too inflexible, and due to changing SQA requirements for evidence, some change was appropriate.

• A 'benchmarking assessment' priority period has been put in the calendar (January 25 to February 5).
• During the priority period departments can book time, at least half of which should include time from that department, for pupils to sit a benchmarking assessment.
• Subjects with practical examinations that cannot be broken down will be able to book out more than two hours.
• Benchmarking assessments may be completed outwith the priority period but a deadline of February 26 has been set, and these assessments must take place in class time.
• In order to minimise the assessment burden benchmarking assessments, other than in exceptional circumstances, should be designed to allow for elements of unit assessment to be included.
• In order to give pupils an experience in line with the final exam Maths and English benchmarking assessments will be in the hall.
• Pupils will be informed as to the date and time of their assessments by their classroom teachers.
• During the priority period no other assessments i.e. assignment write-ups, stand-alone unit assessments or class tests will be scheduled
• Benchmarking assessments, in isolation, should not be used to determine presentation levels.

If you have any questions about the above please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

S Ingham