Todmorden News

Top Marks For Calderdale Pupils

The Department for Education has released provisional results for National Curriculum tests and Teacher Assessments for 2010. Yet again, pupils in Calderdale schools have produced some first class results which are above the national average in both English and mathematics.

Many primary schools nationally followed the advice of their professional associations, the National Association of Headteachers and the National Union of Teachers, and did not administer the National Curriculum Key Stage Two tests. However, schools in Calderdale did administer the new single pilot tests which they hope will replace the current tests.

All Calderdale schools carried out robust teacher assessments which grade the pupils’ performance in a subject over the whole year. 82% of pupils reached level 4+ in English, the expected level of achievement at the end of primary education, whilst 34% achieved the higher level 5+, both a 2% improvement on last year. In mathematics, 82% achieved level 4+, a 2% improvement, and 34% achieved the higher level 5+, a 3% improvement.

In comparison to our statistical neighbours Calderdale schools were placed third out of eleven at level 4+ in English and fourth at level 5+. In mathematics, schools were rated second out of eleven at both level 4+ and 5+. In comparison to all primary schools in Yorkshire and the Humber, Calderdale schools were rated third out of fifteen in English at both levels and first out of fifteen in mathematics at both levels.

In the secondary sector teacher assessment at Key Stage 3 showed equally impressive improvements. In English 83% of pupils gained level 5+, a 3% improvement on last year, whilst 82% gained level 5+ in mathematics, a 2% increase.

Councillor Mrs Olwen Jennings, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services, commented:
“I want to congratulate all our pupils and their teachers on improving yet again on the results in Calderdale. It is a result of really hard work and dedication on everyone’ s behalf and provides a bright future for our children and young people.”

Janet Donaldson, Director of Children’s Services added:
“I have visited many primary and secondary schools over the last twelve months and have seen some excellent learning taking place in the classroom, inspired by really good teaching. These results are a credit to both the pupils and their teachers.”