English teaching standardised in primary schools

The government has introduced a move to standardise learning within English lessons

A move to standardise English assessments and learning across all primary schools has been launched.

The Isle of Man government this month introduced the English Entitlement and Assessment Framework for pupils in Years One to Six.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine said the approach, which is set to expand to Year Seven pupils from next September, came about due to concerns over the consistency of the island's English attainment.

She said the new system was about "fairness, clarity and opportunity for all" adding that it was "one of the biggest positive developments in our education system in recent years".

The framework had been piloted in primary schools across the island over the past 12 months, and aims to set expectations for pupils as well as help learners with key skills and concepts.

It also means each school will have the same end of year English assessments.

'Build confidence'

Caine confirmed there were plans to broaden the new approach to cover mathematics and science in future.

Previously, schools had been responsible for setting their own assessments and learning outcomes.

Caine said that while the framework would standardise the approach, staff would "still have the freedom to teach to their own school community in a way that meets those goals within the assessment framework"

It would also help in the transition from primary to secondary school as children would have the "continuity" of assessment.

She said it meant children were assessed against consistent expectations and it supported the early identification of learning gaps.

A new English lead practitioner would coordinate training and assessment workshops and provide strategic support for schools in the roll out of the framework.

The move would help children "build confidence in their learning, giving parents a clear understanding of expectations, and supporting teachers to share best practice," Caine added.