Mathematics: making a level judgement

Use these steps to formalise your assessments of pupils' mathematics into level judgements.

You will need:

evidence of the pupil's mathematics that shows most independence, for example from work in other subjects as well as in mathematics lessons
other evidence about the pupil as a mathematician, for example notes on plans, the pupil's own reflections, your own recollections of classroom interactions, oral answers given during mental starters
a copy of the assessment guidelines for the level borderline that is your starting point.

Step 1 Making best fit judgements


Within each assessment focus, draw on the pupil's work and other evidence including what you know about the pupil's mathematics. Use the criteria in the assessment guidelines to decide which level provides the best fit.

Step 2 Work through Ma2 Number


Begin with the assessment guidelines for Ma2 Number. Look at the criteria within each AF. Decide which level describes the pupil best. Record the level for each AF in the appropriate box. Record 'insufficient evidence' (IE) if you do not know enough about this aspect of the pupil's mathematics to make a judgement. This has implications for planning. If you feel the pupil is operating below the level, check the criteria on the assessment guidelines for the level below.

Begin with the assessment guidelines for Ma2 Number.

Look at the criteria within each AF. Decide which level describes the pupil best.

Record the level for each AF in the appropriate box.

Record 'insufficient evidence' (IE) if you do not know enough about this aspect of the pupil's mathematics to make a judgement. This has implications for planning.

If you feel the pupil is operating below the level, check the criteria on the assessment guidelines for the level below.

Step 3 Making an overall level judgement for Ma2 Number


Now make your level decision for Ma2 Number. Your AF judgements give an impression of the best fit level for Ma2. Read the complete level descriptions for both levels to confirm your impression of the best fit level for Ma2. Decide whether the level is Low, Secure or High. Do this by thinking about what the pupil demonstrates: how much of the level how consistently how independently in what range of contexts. Tick the relevant Low, Secure or High box for the level.

Now make your level decision for Ma2 Number.

Your AF judgements give an impression of the best fit level for Ma2.
Read the complete level descriptions for both levels to confirm your impression of the best fit level for Ma2.

Decide whether the level is Low, Secure or High. Do this by thinking about what the pupil demonstrates:

how much of the level
how consistently
how independently
in what range of contexts.

Tick the relevant Low, Secure or High box for the level.

Step 4 Repeat the process for Ma3, Ma4 and then Ma1


For the Ma1 judgement, consider how the pupil uses and applies the mathematics of Ma2, Ma3 and Ma4.

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Primary Framework for literacy and mathematics

Mathematics: making a level judgement