Why is assessment important?

Assessment is a central part of the teaching and learning process.  It is required so that you know where pupils are in their learning and how much progress they are making. It also provides evidence about the effectiveness of your lessons in terms of how well pupils are meeting your intended learning outcomes. Examples might include assessing pupil practical performance, questioning  their knowledge and understanding or their attainment in a variety of roles.

Assessment practice has been repeatedly identified by Ofsted (2013) as a weakness in Physical Education, with suggestions that it is the weakest element of teaching and learning.

References, Research and Links

Newton, A. and Bowler, M. (2010) ‘Assessment for and of Learning’ in Capel, S. and Whitehead, M. (Eds) Learning to Teach PE in the Secondary School, 3rd Edition, Abingdon: Routledge, pp 119-133.