AAIA: Regional meeting (North East)
Minutes of the meeting held at Dryden Centre on 25th February 2009
Present:
Apologies:
Peter Evea, Peter Horsbrough, Richard Moorhouse (QCA), Fay Murray, Sarah Patterson, Julie
Roberts, Steve Robert, George Spoors, Eric Young, Christine Bell
Carol Gater, Maria Hill, Kirsty Larsen, Irene Ross.
1. Welcome and minutes from the previous meeting.
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Thanks to Christine and Julie for hosting the meeting
Minutes accepted as a true account… discussion followed re.
 Possibility of spending some of NE group budget on AAIA publications
 Proposal of AAIA NE group to meet with ‘Assessment community’ in Scotland re. common
purposes, issues and good practice within AfL. Possibility of group attending a session in
Edinburgh or in conjunction with Learning Festival in Glasgow in September
( Julie and Eric to explore options)
2. Introduction by Richard Moorhouse - Field Support Manager (FSM), QCA
Richard outlined his role within QCA as a response to Sutherland Enquiry (report published in Dec.08) which
recommended an immediate review of QCA support at KS2 and to produce a more effective system. The
newly appointed Field Support Managers work within 6 regional areas to liaise and support LA colleagues with
responsibility for KS2 assessment. Their remit, this year, is to ensure the safe delivery of KS2 exams and
restore confidence in the system and QCA. Richard is the FSM for this region which covers 23 LAs. He is to
meet with named individuals within each authority over the coming term.
3. Feedback from the AAIA Executive Meeting
Sarah outlined the main points ( see attached summary)
4. Outline of TIPPs ( Gateshead LA) by George Spoors
TIPPs (Tracking Individual Pupils’ Progress) within Maths and English and a section on SEN. Designed as a
teaching aid to teacher assessment not a substitute. Used by primary schools in Gateshead since September
with a positive response. Advantages of TIPPS are that it is more detailed than APP and addresses some of
the ‘gaps’ in progression of skills.
5. Using ICT and Student Voice to develop peer and self-assessment – Peter Evea (Durham)
Peter outlined some work done with a school using visualisers to develop more effective peer and selfassessment skills. He showed a clip of the process used to engage students in evaluating their learning.
Research project found that using visualisers in this process helped the student recognise good learning and
modelled the process for them to apply in peer and self-assessed opportunities.
6. Latest Issues in Assessment – Primary and Secondary groups
Groups were asked to discuss and review this group’s collective response to Ed Balls’ statement in October
2008 and AAIA’s. Discussion followed on AAIA’s other report on the changes to assessment that was sent to
QCA’s Expert Group on Assessment which took into account the views and opinions of the membership.
7. A Literature Review – Fay Murray (Durham)
Fay reviewed four books which relate to the principles of Assessment for Learning
8. A.O.B.
 Kirsty Larsen is to step down as Treasurer. Anyone interested in this post within the NE group of AAIA is
to contact Sarah Patterson. Sarah expressed her thanks and appreciation of the work Kirsty has done as
Treasurer over the past few years.
 DCSF produce an e bulletin for Assessment for Learning (aflbulletin.mailbox@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk)
 AAIA website – username and passwords to be sent out annually
 AAIA publications – Guidelines for Primary Assessment Leaders / AfL Guide for Governors
 ARIA – produced a recent report on the changing assessment practices – see attachment for summary
 A regional Primary moderation for assessment session is planned for April.
 Next meeting – change in date (see below). Focus on joint working proposal (NE and Scotland).
Next meeting: 17th June 2009 (9:30 – 12:30pm) Stanley Education Centre.