Students are graded for effort and attainment in Geography each half term in line with whole school assessment policy.   In Key Stage 3 students study a specific topic each half term with each topic being part of a theme that is the focus for work during that particular half term in Year 7 and Year 8.

For many of the half term topics grades are awarded based on specific assessment tasks which draw together several strands of the work for that half term to generate a National Curriculum level for attainment in that unit.

Examples of these in Year 7 are the ‘My Special Place’ assignment and the Chesterfield and Winster fieldwork report.   In Year 8 examples are the investigation into how people use the Lower Don Valley, and the Whirlow Farm fieldwork report.

For the remaining topics attainment grades are awarded based on classwork and homework assignments completed during the half term, together with consideration of performance in lessons e.g. contributions to discussion.

Achievement is assessed against descriptions of National Curriculum levels of attainment (levels 3-8), with the level that provides the best fit with student performance being awarded for that half term.  Sublevels are used to indicate if work is at the entry standard for the level (c), secure mid level (b), or top standard for the level (a).