Junior Phase

At Portlethen Academy we have our Steps to Success. The aim of these steps is to clearly outline the progress young people are making in their Broad General Education, while also ensuring they understand their next steps in each subject. The Steps to Success categorise a young person’s progress in their learning journey towards the next Curriculum for Excellence Level as Bronze, Silver, or Gold.

The definitions of our Steps are:

Bronze – Young Person is acquiring a basic knowledge of the skills and content required at this Level.

Silver – Young Person is acquiring a good knowledge of the skills and content required at this Level and can apply this to new contexts.

Gold – Young Person has acquired a secure knowledge and understanding of the skills and content required at this Level and consistently applies this to more challenging contexts.

The visual shows how the Steps allow for progression from one Level to the next.

Progress 

The information below explains the over-arching progress statements in the reports.

Progress Statement - Explanation of terms

X     Exceeding Expectations

The pupil has achieved the appropriate Level for their age stage and is moving on to more challenging experiences.

O     On Target

The pupil is on track and will be secure at the appropriate Level at the expected time.

R     Requires support

The pupil is not on track to meet the national expectation in terms of Level by stage, and requires support/intervention to continue to make suitable progress. 

A     Appropriate Progress From the knowledge and assessment of the pupil, and with support/interventions in place, the pupil is making appropriate progress to their ability but is not on target to achieve the national expectation in terms of Level by stage.

Effort, Behaviour and Homework

The table below explains the ratings your young person has been given in relation to effort, behaviour and homework.

Explanation of terms

Effort        

The extent to which a young person is working to the best of their ability.  For example, the young person is:

•     Progressing in line with expectations

•     Working hard

•     Motivated

•     Participating in the lessons

•     Coming to lessons fully prepared 

Behaviour   

The extent to which the pupil behaves in class, is focused, and on task. 

Homework

The extent to which homework is completed on a regular basis and to an acceptable level.

Your young person will be rated as one of four options in relation to this, these ratings are as follows:

•     Excellent

•     Good 

•     Inconsistent

•     Needs Improvement

An expanded explanation of these ratings is contained within the reports.