The focus of assessment in an IB Primary Years Programme school is to help students develop the five essential elements of learning:  the understanding of concepts, the acquisition of knowledge, the mastering of skills, the development of attitudes and the decision to take action.  Students, parents, staff and administration must have a clear understanding of what is being assessed, the criteria for success and the method by which the assessment is made.  Active involvement of both students and teachers results in meaningful and accurate assessment.

The Primary Years Program divides assessment into three components:

  • Assessing – ascertain what students have learned
  • Recording – to note of our findings about what students have learned
  • Reporting – to share that information with parents, administration and other parties directly involved in students’ learning

Why do we assess?

  • To promote continuous student learning and growth and celebrate what students can do
  • To guide children through the five essential elements of learning contained in the PYP (concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and action)
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the learning program

What do we assess?

  • Understanding of concepts and students performance in units of Inquiry encompassing Languages; Mathematics; Humanities; Science; The Arts; Personal, Social and Physical Education
  • Mastery of Transdisciplinary Skills
  • Development of Attitudes and Decision to take Action
  • Demonstration of the attributes of the IB learner profile

When does assessment take place in a PYP school?           

Assessment is a continuous process that allows teachers, parents and children to identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement, as well as the effectiveness of the program. For assessment to be fully effective, students, parents, teachers and administrators, all are informed of and involved in e assessment process.

There are two main categories of assessment:

  • Formative Assessment is interwoven with daily learning and helps teachers and students find out what children already know, understand and can do in order to plan for further student learning and growth.
  • Summative Assessment takes place at the end of a learning unit or process. It is a chance for all to evaluate progress and demonstrate what has been learned in that Unit of Inquiry duration..

TIPS Assessment Practices in PYP

Formative: All the forming strategies (PPTs, Information booklets, Discussion Boards, Mind-maps, Debates, Script writing and so on..) are assessed on the rubrics and evidence is put together in the every student’s portfolio. Portfolio is shared with the parents to showcase the journey as well as the performance descriptor.

Summative: Students Led conferences (SLC): they are the unique way to present student learning directly to parents and engage them in the journey of learning by showcasing the process. At TIPS at the end of every Inquiry unit, parents are invited to take part in SLC where the students share their journey and learning with the parents.