Page 8 - Seaford GCSE Options 2025

How do we set the Challenge Grades?
The Challenge Grades have been assigned on the basis of nationally
benchmarked data from a series of baseline assessments undertaken by
significant numbers of students in the UK. Two main assessments are used:
one from GL Assessments, underpinned by models developed from the
National Foundation for Educational Research, and the other from Durham
Universities CEM Centre, the Middle Year Information System (MidYIS) and the
A Level Information System (ALIS) in the Sixth Form. Predictions about future
performance are made on the basis of how similar students have performed in
the past. Of course, nationally, students of the same ability will achieve different
outcomes dependent on a range of other factors, including the student’s school
attendance, their home situation and – most importantly – the determination
and effort of each individual.
Alongside such benchmarking criteria, Heads of Department and subject
teachers have an input in setting an ambitious but achievable Challenge Grade
based on each student’s engagement with their learning and progress made.
Generally, Challenge Grades at Seaford are set above the benchmarked national
expectations; they are intended to be motivating, ambitious and challenging
– ultimately giving every student the best opportunity to secure academic
personal bests. However, the Challenge Grade is not a prediction because of the
variables mentioned above.
Challenge Grades in Year 10 & 11
Challenge Grades are set in Year 9 using both CAT and MidYIS profiling data to
provide a more accurate assessment of likely GCSE success by subject. Doing
this in Year 9 provides students and parents with a long-term view of of potential
in the subject to support option choices. As well as being reviewed before each
reporting period in Year 9, these Challenge Grades are reviewed again at the
start of the full GCSE course in Year 10 when we are able to incorporate our
understanding of each student, their progress to date, Year 9 summer internal
assessment results, how settled they are within the school as well as any further
relevant information.
Mr Ash Arya
Deputy Head
6