What is involved in the Pupil Profile?
The InCAS (Interactive Computerised Assessment System) was developed by the Curriculum, Evaluation and Management Centre at Durham University.
In Northern Ireland, these assessments are:
- In addition to the range of assessments already used;
- Available to all primary schools;
- Regionally standardised;
- Used early in the school year to allow as much time as possible for teachers and parents to work together to support the pupil; and
- Automatically marked and analysed and the outcomes returned to teachers.
General Mathematics and Mental Arithmetic InCAS assessments are available in Irish. An assessment for Irish Literacy is currently being developed.
By 2009, schools will be required to use computer-based assessments with pupils in Years 4-7.
From 2009, parent meetings will be offered to:
- Parents of pupils in Years 4-7 in the autumn term; and
- Parents of other pupils at a time decided by the school.
Annual Pupil Profile Reports will:
- Replace traditional annual school reports;
- Be received by parents before the end of each school year;
- Promote consistency across Northern Ireland; and
- Include special schools, special units attached to mainstream primary schools and Irish Medium schools and units.
The Pupil Profile Summary will:
- Bring together information gathered during the pupil’s time in primary school;
- Be given in the autumn term of Year 7 for pupils transferring to new post-primary school;
- Be received by parents as well as the Annual Pupil Profile Report; and
- Not be necessary for pupils in special schools who are not transferring to another school.