Assessment of ICT at Key Stage 3

Ministers have asked QCA to develop a test to provide an independent measure of pupils' attainment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Key Stage 3.

This innovative new test will be onscreen and will need to undergo extensive trialling and development.

A limited pilot involving 2% of schools will take place in 2004. There will be further pilots in 2005 and 2006. Any school wishing to take part in these pilots should Email: ks3ict@qca.org.uk.

The test is for use during Year 9. The test will be onscreen and will assess pupils' ICT capability across levels 3-8 of the National Curriculum. The test will be automatically marked and verified by human markers. It will provide summative information in the form of a National Curriculum level for each pupil as well as detailed feedback about pupil performance that could be used formatively to inform future teaching and learning.