The National Union of Teachers NUT has praised the use of sample tests in the recent publication of Key Stage 2 test results for science.
According to Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, sample tests represent a superior means of assessing childrens progress in science educations than Key Stage 2 tests, which she describes as being about school accountability .
Praising the introduction of National Curriculum Science in primary schools as one of the great success stories of recent years , Ms Blower called for the government to consider putting a sampling system in place for maths and English education as well.
She suggested that this will help to counteract a misleading focus on using English and maths test results to judge schools.
All in all, the sample tests point the way forward, said Ms Blower.
Last month, exams regulator Ofqual raised concerns about the current system of science testing at GCSE level, suggesting that exams are not currently hard enough to allow gifted students to show their ability.
