From paper to progress: Reducing primary assessment workload

Too often, KS3 is seen as a warm-up for the 'real' work of KS4. But what if it’s actually the engine room of thinking, curiosity, and confidence? In this session, Mary talks with Steve Willshaw and Alex Fairlamb about the research supporting a more demanding offer for pupils at Key Stage 3.

In the sixth session of the free CODE learning and teaching webinar series , we will explore how we can design assessments that have purpose: to both measure whether students have met their learning outcomes, and also act as a learning opportunity in themselves. We will consider how the purpose of assessment can be to encourage not only learning, but also creativity and criticality, and what this might look like across different disciplines or institutions. How can we do this in the context of GenAI where students might be less motivated to focus on their own thoughts or responses in fear of getting it wrong, or in a situation when they feel too time-poor to successfully complete assessment? This session will explore some answers and approaches to this wicked problem. Purposeful assessment also needs to enable compassion and inclusivity, to ensure that all students feel able to get the most out of assessment opportunity - so these considerations will also be foregrounded during the session. 

Speaker Nashwa Aly Muhammad Session information This practical session addresses the limitations of one-size-fits-all assessments. It explores the positive impact of creating equitable opportunities for all learners, including those with special educational needs, while catering to cultural differences and varied learning preferences. Learn about the key principles of accessible and inclusive assessment and how to integrate these to accommodate diverse needs, by providing alternative testing formats and designing fair and unbiased assessments.

Speaker Paula Asad Session information Have you ever felt overwhelmed by stacks of test papers, questioning whether they truly reflect what your learners know or can do? In this practical webinar, we reimagine traditional testing and explore creative strategies to help learners authentically demonstrate their learning. Discover how to use whiteboards and exit tickets for instant feedback, how to apply teach-back methods to deepen understanding and how to design authentic assessments that foster higher-order thinking.

Join Doug Lemov for an exclusive training event in Bangkok. This one-day professional learning experience offers educators the opportunity to learn directly from one of the world’s most influential voices in teaching and learning. Drawing on the latest research from cognitive science and the principles explored in The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading, this highly practical workshop will unpack how students become powerful readers after phonics, and what great literacy instruction looks like from primary through to secondary education and beyond.

A practical, residential event exploring how AI is changing assessment AI is already changing how assessment is designed, delivered, supported and quality assured. Assessment organisations are now asking urgent questions about authenticity, validity, learner support, staff capability, policy, governance and trust.  Using AI in Assessment - From Theory to Practice is being designed to help assessment professionals move beyond general discussion and into practical understanding. The programme will combine expert insight with demonstrations, clinics, guided experimentation and collaborative discussion.  Across two days, you will be able to take part in: • Practical workshops • Live demonstrations • Expert clinics and peer discussion • Hands-on exploration in the AI Playground • Conversations about validity, integrity, accessibility, governance and human judgement More than a traditional conference, this will be a collaborative learning experience designed to build knowledge, confidence and meaningful connections across the assessment community. Delegates will explore what AI can do, where its limitations lie, and how organisations can make informed, responsible decisions. The residential format gives attendees time to connect, reflect and continue conversations beyond the formal programme.  This event brings together assessment leaders, practitioners, technology specialists, researchers and policy professionals for two days of insight, experimentation and discussion. It is designed for anyone who wants to understand how AI can be used responsibly across the assessment lifecycle.

Join us for a free introduction to our new A Level Business (H436) Hosted by our expert subject advisor, this session will focus on: the highlights of our specification and assessments, including what’s new the benefits of our qualification for you and your students the support and resources available to help you teach with confidence.   There will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.     Please contact ukpartnerships@ocr.org.uk with any questions ahead of the event or if you have any problems joining on the day.

Discover practical curriculum and assessment systems for autistic learners, including Engagement Model approaches. This training is delivered by senior leaders from Phoenix School, a specialist provision in Tower Hamlets supporting over 500 autistic learners. Drawing on expertise in education, communication and speech and language therapy, we will share the curriculum, assessment and moderation approaches developed and refined within our specialist setting.Designed for learners working within Engagement Model and pre-national curriculum pathways, this session will explore how curriculum, assessment and communication provision work together to support meaningful learning. Delegates will gain practical strategies for developing communication-rich classrooms, embedding AAC and other communication supports, and ensuring that assessment captures progress in communication as well as academic learning.Participants will receive practical tools, examples and resources that can be adapted and implemented within their own provision. Delegates will gain access to tried-and-tested systems that support meaningful curriculum planning, robust assessment, effective communication provision and clear evidence of pupil progress. Who is this training for? Suitable for any provision supporting autistic learners of primary age or learning level, including pupils learning at an informal level. This includes alternative provisions, specialist classrooms, resource bases and special schools seeking to strengthen curriculum, assessment and communication practice for learners with complex needs

Join us for a free introduction to our new A Level Business (H436) Hosted by our expert subject advisor, this session will focus on: the highlights of our specification and assessments, including what’s new the benefits of our qualification for you and your students the support and resources available to help you teach with confidence.   There will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.     Please contact ukpartnerships@ocr.org.uk with any questions ahead of the event or if you have any problems joining on the day.

More than a million students in England sit exams each year, equating to over 5 million entries and 7 million results. And those results – more than anything else, rightly or wrongly – open doors to a young person’s future success, providing an entry to further and higher education and into employment. It’s therefore vital that schools get it right and exam invigilators play a crucial role in this process. KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES In this EDUK half day masterclass, educate expert Matt Bromley will explore how invigilators can: Ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities Ensure the security of materials before, during, and after the exam Prevent candidate malpractice and administrative failures FACILITATOR Matt Bromley is an education writer and advisor with over twenty years’ experience in teaching and leadership including as a secondary school headteacher and principal, FE college vice principal, and MAT director. He is a public speaker, trainer, and school improvement lead, and a primary school governor. He remains a practising teacher, currently working in secondary, FE and HE settings. Matt writes for various newspapers and magazines, is the author of numerous best-selling books on education, and co-hosts the award-winning SecEd podcast. He regularly speaks at national and international conferences and events, and he delivers teacher-training

Join Equalitas Early Years Programme Tutors Riina Seinela and Kathryn Dickinson for a free CPD webinar for Early Years practitioners, exploring how meaningful assessment can support a richer understanding of every child’s learning and development. Drawing on practice from our Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme, the session will share approaches to assessment that move beyond paperwork and focus on noticing, understanding and responding to what matters in children’s learning.

The Next Decade Conference is a grassroots event designed to immerse education professionals in a sea of ideas and innovative practice. An education system that champions imagination, freedom of expression, equity and inclusion should be the pathway to success on offer to every young person. The conference programme will be available closer to the event date.  Our latest updates will be posted on https://www.thenextdecade.co.uk and on X @TheNextDecadeUK . Join our conversation with the hashtag #TheNextDecade .