May tests ‘add to transition slump’

26th May 2000, 1:00am

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May tests ‘add to transition slump’

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/may-tests-add-transition-slump
THE two “dead months” after 11-year-olds have finished national tests exacerbate the secondary slump in pupil performance, according to headteachers.

National curriculum tests finish in mid-May, effectively marking the end of key stage 2. Monica Gault, headteacher at Kings Road primary, Manchester, said: “It is a real job motivating children after the intense concentration has finished.”

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said the tests have to take place when they do as there is a statutory requirement to report the reslts to parents by the end of the summer term

John Dunford, general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, said: “We have long argued that the tests should be held at the end of June.”

The Government has identified the transition to secondary as a weak link and has commissioned research, led by Professor Maurice Galton of Homerton College, Cambridge, which is due to be published in 2002.

He said: “The timing of the exams could be a contributory factor although this slump has been identified for many years.”


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