Using P Scales to Assess Progress

This QCA document describes through case studies and activities how the P scales can be used in a range of educational settings to assess the progress of students.

The P scales were designed, like the programmes of study they relate to, for students from 5 to 16 years of age. They are particularly relevant to students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

They can be used with any student working below level one who has Special Educational Needs (SEN). The P scales support periodic assessment of the national curriculum and a framework that can be used to map the progress of students as part of the cycle of planning, teaching, learning and assessment.

They describe some of the important skills, knowledge and understanding that students may gain from the programmes of study.

The P scales level descriptions identify the kinds of progress a student may make over a year or key stage. However, the P scales operate independently of chronological age. So students should not be expected to reach any given level at a particular age, or to progress through the levels at a predetermined rate.