At Ōpua School, we believe assessment should be meaningful, transparent, and focused on improving student outcomes. We are committed to using high-quality assessment information to clearly identify each learner’s strengths and needs, guide the next steps, and support students, whānau, and teachers in setting purposeful learning goals together. Our goal is to add value to every child’s learning through thoughtful assessment and responsive teaching.

We use a mix of summative (formal) and formative (ongoing) assessments:

Summative Assessments

These provide a snapshot of student achievement and help identify areas for growth. Tools we use include:

• PAT Tests (Years 4–8) – Measure growth in reading and math’s at the start and end of each year.
• Structured Literacy (Years 0–3) – Regular checks track progress in decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Running Records – Assess reading fluency and comprehension using Benchmark or PROBE.
• Phonics Progress Checks (Years 0–2) – Quick checks around 20 and 40 weeks to monitor early literacy skills.
• Writing Assessment: (Years 3-8) From term 2, 2025 we will use the Writers Toolbox as our form of assessment until a new national writing tool is introduced later in 2025.
• PRIME Mathematics (Years 3–8) – Placement tests and reviews track learning and guide next steps.
• JAM (Years 0–2) – Junior Assessment of Mathematics uses modular testing to gauge early math’s development.
  
  

Formative Assessments

Teachers use daily observations, class discussions, and student work to adjust teaching in real time. This includes:

• Listening to students read
• Reviewing written work and set tasks
• Asking questions to check understanding
• Providing immediate feedback
  
  

Tracking and Reporting

Assessment evidence is regularly collected and updated in SPOTLIGHT, our online learning platform each term. It gives a clear, real-time view of your child’s progress across curriculum areas.