APP (Assessing Pupils' Progress) is the current 'trend' in education. It began as part of the Primary Framework but has now spread its wings and taken over the Key Stage 3 Secondary curriculum. To me, APP, is essential in both my teaching and tutoring. Here's why....

1. It's clear. At a glance, teachers, pupils and parents can easily see what level the child is working at. Leading on to number 2...

2. This makes it much clearer when identifying strengths and weaknesses for the child. Any areas that the child is underperforming at sticks out like a sore thumb, and that means targets can be set.

3. Clear target setting=clear progress. It's that simple!

4. APP makes my life easier. I start each KS2-KS3 tutoring session by looking at the grid. I translate it to student friendly speak and share it with the pupils and their parents. They can clearly see where their weaknesses lie and by looking at the level above they know what needs to be done to improve. Then in a few weeks or months time, the pupil can return and measure their progress.

5. It's fair. It recognises that a pupils ability is made up of lots of little pieces of knowledge, skills and experience.

Parents interested in their child's progress in English can easily find APP grids on the internet. Here's the links:

http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/primary/assessment/literacy/assessingpupilsprogress (Primary Literacy)

http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/16051 (Secondary English)