How are we doing?

What does the latest release of Key Stage 1 data tell us about how well we are doing, the challenges we face, the things we need to rethink and the things we need to do better?
The percentages of children achieving Level 2 or above, the 'expected level, in 2011 were:

1. 85 per cent in reading 
2. 81 per cent in writing 
3. 87 per cent in speaking and listening 
4. 90 per cent in mathematics 
5. 89 per cent in science. 

These figures look impressive and we should all congratulate the army of people working in the early years who have achieved such great outcomes for so many children.

Other issues emerging from the data:

• A higher proportion of girls than boys achieved Level 3 or above in speaking and listening, reading and writing.
• A higher proportion of boys than girls achieved Level 3 or above in mathematics and science. 
• Children of Indian origin had the highest percentage achieving the expected level in all subjects with the exception of science where Irish children performed the highest. 
• A higher percentage of children whose first language is English achieved the expected level in reading, writing, mathematics and science when compared to children for whom English is not their first language. 
• Children known to be eligible for FSM continue to perform lower than all other children in reading, writing, mathematics and science and the gap is largest in reading and writing. 
• Children with no identified SEN continue to outperform children with SEN and the gap is largest in writing.

So there is more to do to close the gap and ensure every child achieves to their potential!

Chris