Setting and Assessment at NDHS

Setting at NDHS takes place as follows:

Year Seven: Setting in Maths and MFL only.

Years Eight and Nine: Setting in Maths, MFL and Science only

Years Ten and Eleven: Setting in Maths, MFL and Science only

Settings are used in Maths, Science and MFL because these subjects eventually reach a tiered exam where students are entered at GCSE for Higher or Foundation. In these three subjects, we continually review the progress of students using assessments in all its forms.

In MFL an initial aptitude test helps determine early setting and subsequent end of unit assessments inform adjustments.

In Maths, SATS results and early NDHS assessments inform initial setting and ongoing assessments inform adjustments.

In Science, we postpone setting until year eight in order that students have opportunity to encounter enough of the new curriculum content before decisions are made and so that teachers of Science can assess students across a range of areas before finalising initial sets in year eight (after that, ongoing Science assessment informs review and adjustments).

For all other subjects that do not lead towards tiered exam entry, we teach students in mixed ability.

Our approach to setting is informed by educational Research. A useful summary can be read here: Setting and streaming | EEF