User:Sjpowermac

Introduction
Assessing Pupils' Progress (APP) has been introduced as a culmination of AfL (Assessment for Learning) in English and Welsh schools. Work on APP was initially undertaken by the National Strategies and is now overseen by the QCDA. In the early days of APP there was some concern that it would be mainly a box ticking exercise but APP is now becoming increasingly recognised as a valuable aide to informing teachers planning.

APP in Mathematics
At base, APP in Mathematics consists of 208 areas of Assessment Focus ranging across the Attainment Targets (ATs) of Using and Applying Maths, Algebra, Calculation, Shape and Space, Data Handling and Number. The Assessment Foci can be quite specific, such as "plot graphs of quadratic and cubic functions". Some areas are less traditional and have come as something of a surprise to those who have worked with them. For example, at Level 7 pupils are required to "find the locus of a point that moves according to a specific rule, e.g. the vertex of a square as it rolls along a line".

How APP differs from other forms of assessment
APP differs from other forms of assessment in that it is not intended to be administered through formal exams. APP is intended to be assessed using everyday teaching activities. These can include AfL by using mini-whiteboards to assess pupils, by using matching exercises or 'team games' or by more traditional worksheet activities. Teachers can use evidence gathered by talking to pupils to form part of their APP judgement.

Timeline for Deployment of APP
All Primary and Secondary Schools in England and Wales have now had introductory training on APP. The academic year 2009/10 is being used for schools to begin trialling APP, usually with one year group. From September 2010 it is expected that schools will have fully implemented the APP approach to assessment across all core subjects.

References and Sources
TES article on APP at KS3 TES article on APP at KS2 National Strategies APP pamphlet Examples of APP materials