Achievement at each level is divided into three categories:
Just into this level; meeting some of the criteria, some of the time.
There are three strands to my assessment:
Level 3
Speaking and Listening
In order to achieve Level 3 I need to show that I talk and listen confidently. Sometimes I will need to add detail to interest the listener. I need to speak clearly and to continue widening my vocabulary. I need to usually listen carefully and show I can respond appropriately to what others say. I am beginning to use a more formal vocabulary and tone of voice, when it is appropriate.
Reading
To achieve level 3 I need to be able to read a range of texts fluently and accurately. I will read independently, using different strategies to work out meanings. I can show that I understand the main points in fiction and non-fiction texts. I can use the alphabet to locate books and find information.
Writing
In order to achieve Level 3, my writing need to be organised, imaginative and clear. I show that I can use the main features of different forms of writing and that I adapt my writing according to the audience. I need to sequence sentences logically and choose a variety of interesting words. I will usually use correct grammatical structure. My spelling, even of common polysyllabic words, needs to be usually accurate. I can use full stops, capital letters and question marks accurately. My handwriting is clear and joined up.
Level 4
Speaking and Listening
In order to achieve Level 4 I need to talk and listen confidently in different situations. My talking needs to be appropriate and this includes using standard English words and grammar according to the topic and audience. I need to develop my ideas and opinions clearly and logically. I need to listen to others carefully and ask questions which are appropriate and show my response to what has been said.
Reading
In order to achieve Level 4 I need to be able to understand significant ideas, themes, events and characters in a range of texts. I am beginning to be able to recognise what the writer is implying as well as the straightforward meaning. I must refer to the text to explain my ideas. I am able to find and use ideas and information.
Writing
In order to achieve Level 4 I need to be able to write in a range of forms, in a lively and thoughtful way. I should be able to develop my ideas in interesting ways and organise them according to my purpose and audience. I should be trying to use new vocabulary to create an impact on the reader. I must be able to use complex sentences. My spelling, including longer words that follow spelling rules, must usually be accurate. I must use full stops, capital letters and question marks correctly, and be beginning to use other punctuation marks within my sentences. My handwriting must be fluent, joined and legible.
Level 5
Speaking and Listening
To achieve Level 5 I need to build on the targets I have reached at Level 4 and in addition show that I can talk and listen appropriately in formal situations. I need to make my talk interesting by varying my expression and vocabulary. I should pay close attention to what others say and ask questions which help to move the discussion forward.
Reading
To achieve Level 5 I need to build on the targets I have reached at Level 4 and in addition show that I understand a range of texts, by selecting key points and drawing conclusions about what the writer is implying. When referring to the text to support my view, I am able to quote sentences, phrases and other relevant information to support my views. I must be able to find and organise information from a range of sources.
Writing
In order to achieve a Level 5 you need to build on the targets I have reached in Level 4 and in addition be able to use a more formal style if appropriate. I must be precise and imaginative in my choice of words. I have to organise sentences into paragraphs. I need to show that I can spell complex words with regular patterns accurately. I am able to use a range of punctuation including commas, apostrophes and inverted commas usually accurately.
Level 6
Speaking and Listening
To reach Level 6 I need to build on the targets I have reached at Level 5 and in addition show that I am engaging the interest of my audience by varying my vocabulary and expression. I must show that I can take a leading part in discussion but at the same time take account of the views of others. I must now use standard English fluently in formal situations.
Reading
To reach Level 6 I need to build on the targets I have reached at Level 5 and in addition I need to be able to give my own views about literary texts. I need to comment on the writers use of language, structure and themes to justify my views. I should be able to summarise information gathered from different sources.
Writing
In order to achieve a Level 6 I need to build on the targets I have reached in Level 5 and in addition my writing must also engage and hold my audiences interest. I should be able to adapt my style and tone to different forms, including using a formal style where appropriate. I should use a range of sentence structures and varied vocabulary. My spelling must be generally accurate, including irregular words. My handwriting must be neat and legible. I should be able to use a range of punctuation correctly to make my meaning clear. My ideas should be organised logically into paragraphs.-
Level 7
Speaking and Listening
To reach Level 7 I need to build on the targets I have reached at Level 6 and in addition show that I can independently recognise what style of language would be appropriate in a variety of situations. I must use vocabulary precisely and organise my talk to communicate clearly. I must make considered land important contributions to discussion, demonstrating that I can decide how and when to participate.
Reading
To reach Level 7 I must build on the targets I have reached at Level 6 and in addition I must be able to show understanding of the different techniques that writers may use to convey meaning and information. I must be able to show both a personal and an objective response to poems, plays and novels, showing awareness of their thematic, structural and linguistic features. I should be able to select and combine a range of information from a variety of sources.
Writing
In order to achieve a Level 7 I need to build on the targets I have reached in Level 6 and in addition I should be confident in writing in a range of forms. In narrative writing I should be able to develop characters and settings and in non-fiction my ideas should be organised and coherent. Grammar and vocabulary must be used accurately and effectively. My spelling must be correct and my work legible and attractively presented. I must use paragraphs and correct punctuation to organise my ideas logically and clearly.