At Surbiton High School, adding value to a child’s academic education is paramount. And we don’t leave this to chance. This is achieved through data-driven analysis, rigorous tracking, and a detailed understanding of each pupil’s intellectual aptitude. These approaches ensure every pupil is nurtured with tailored strategies and skills, enabling them to realise their individual potential.
What is Value Added?
“Value-added” measures the difference between a pupil’s predicted grades, based on data from Cambridge’s Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM), and their actual outcomes. For example, if a pupil is predicted a Grade 7 in Science, but achieves a Grade 8, this reflects a positive value-added score of 1. While CEM predictions are highly accurate, even modest improvements reflect significant academic progress in pupils’ attainment.
The value-added scores at Surbiton High provide a positive value-added of over 1 (on average) across GCSEs and 0.5 across A-levels, demonstrating that, on average, our pupils consistently exceed expectations and their baseline academic ability across all subjects.
Establishing Individual Baselines
Baseline assessments are conducted in Years 7, 10, and 12 using Cambridge’s Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) tools. These evaluations assess mathematical, vocabulary, and non-verbal reasoning skills to create a bespoke profile for each pupil that predicts GCSE and A-level performance.
The data provides insights into each pupil’s aptitude and likely academic trajectory, allowing for realistic grade expectations to be set. Importantly, this approach identifies opportunities to surpass these expectations, ensuring positive value-added outcomes.
Quality Teaching and Personalised Support
The exceptional results achieved at Surbiton High School are a testament to the quality of teaching and the personalised support provided by our dedicated staff. Using CEM data, we analyse each pupil’s individual profile and adapt our teaching pedagogy accordingly.
This ensures achievable yet aspirational goals are set, underpinned by innovative and engaging teaching methods. The nurturing environment at Surbiton High School allows pupils to thrive and be supported at every step of their academic journey.
Recognised Excellence
In recent years, Surbiton High School has consistently ranked among the top 10% nationally for A-level value-added scores. In 2023, we proudly achieved 4th place nationally for GCSE value-added. These results underscore the effectiveness of our academic strategies and our dedication to excellence.
Celebrating Success
The positive value-added outcomes achieved at Surbiton High School reflect our commitment to unlocking each pupil’s potential. With continuous monitoring and tailored support, we celebrate the progress of every pupil, ensuring they excel academically and gain the skills and confidence to thrive.
Categories: Blog Leading, Teaching and Learning