At Sherborne Prep we have adopted an assessment model that has, at its heart, the development of the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required for children to succeed and flourish in an ever-changing world.
This approach is underpinned by a skills-based framework that enhances our curriculum and reflects our commitment to nurturing motivated and curious learners. It shifts the focus from simply covering content to actively equipping pupils with the tools they need to thrive.
Through this framework, we:
- Anchor our robust curriculum in a clear and purposeful structure
- Close the skills gap that can exist in purely content-driven learning
- Shine a light on essential qualities, helping pupils make implicit skills more visible and meaningful
- Embed six core skills into daily teaching, feedback, and reporting:
Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Independence, Thinking & Learning, Reviewing & Improving
By focusing on skills development alongside knowledge acquisition, we ensure pupils leave us with a well-rounded education that equips them with a toolbox of lifelong learning skills—not just a briefcase of grades.
Teaching insights and educational research have shown that children need a curriculum that values core skills as much as academic content. Children must learn not only how to succeed in exams, but also how to develop character traits that make them effective communicators, flexible thinkers and resilient individuals. These attributes empower them to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
Year 8 Extended Project
The Year 8 Extended Project is an in-depth, self-directed inquiry project inspired by pupils' own interests and values. Pupils undertake independent research and maintain a comprehensive logbook to track their learning and skills development. The culmination of their efforts is presented either as an academic essay or a creative project. A final exhibition event offers our Year 8 cohort a platform to showcase their final pieces to parents and visiting staff from senior schools, as well as giving them an opportunity to talk through the journey they have undertaken along the way. The project is a crucial part of the Year 8 portfolio and allows our pupils to demonstrate their proficiency in our six core skills: Communication, Collaboration, Leadership, Independence, Reviewing & Improving, and Thinking & Learning.
Assessment
Our flexible and adaptable assessment model moves away from rigid, traditional exams and allows for a more comprehensive view of each child’s progress and achievements.
Pupils leave Sherborne Prep with a well-rounded and cumulative record of achievement across all areas of school life. A blend of assessments—including exams, end-of-topic tests, projects, debates, presentations and in-class teacher evaluations—contributes to this holistic profile.