§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent assessment she has made of the impact of regular testing upon primary school pupils; and if she will make a statement. [75289]
§ Mr MilibandThere are statutory tests for primary school pupils at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2 as they complete one programme of study and prepare to move on to the next. Each year the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority carries out evaluations of the key stage tests, including questions relating to pupil anxiety. The evidence over several years, including this year, is that teachers generally feel that most children cope well with them. Other recent studies include a review by the EPPI-Centre on the impact of summative assessment and testing on students' motivation for learning. These studies help inform the development of policy.