Dear Parent/Carer
Next week Year 7 students will undertake their CAT tests alongside NGRT Reading tests. All students at UCC do these tests when they start in Year 7. These assessments help us to understand individuals’ strengths and the areas where we can provide additional support, to ensure that students are secondary ready. Furthermore, the data from these assessments provide us with important information for setting aspirational targets for students in Key Stage 4.
The CAT measures the four main types of abilities known to make a difference to learning and achievement; Verbal, Non-verbal, Spatial and Quantitative. We do the CAT to help us determine the potential of students and to identify any areas of support that may be required.
NGRT tests, like the CAT, help us to identify students’ strengths and the areas in which we target early support. Students cannot prepare for these assessments and should not worry about them. Teachers will use the outcomes from these assessments to help plan curriculum and interventions to ensure that students get off to a great start to their learning at UCC.
The range of tests will take place on Monday 11 September and Tuesday 12 September 2023. All tests will be completed online and in lesson time, overseen by a team of UCC staff and invigilators. Please be assured that students should not feel under pressure to undertake any preparation for these assessments.
Students will be using headphones for these tests, which the school will provide. If students would prefer, they can bring their own headphones however, these should have a standard 3.5mm jack plug.
Students will not receive any access arrangements during these tests as they are to assess their current abilities.
A copy of the timetable can be found on our exams page.
Yours faithfully
Mr R Moss
Assistant Headteacher