Secondary School
Assessment and Reporting
In the Secondary school, assessment is used to support learning, monitor progress over time, and ensure that all students are appropriately challenged and supported throughout their secondary education.
Years 7 to 9 Assessment
In Years 7 to 9, students are assessed using a standards-based assessment framework rather than examination grades. Attainment and progress are reported using the following descriptors:
- Working towards expectations
- Working at expectations
- Working above expectations
These descriptors indicate how well a student is performing in relation to age-related curriculum expectations and the progress they are making over time. Teacher judgement is informed by a wide range of evidence and reflects both knowledge acquisition and skill development.
This approach ensures that students build strong academic foundations and learning habits in preparation for IGCSEs studied throughout Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 4 Assessment
From Key Stage 4, assessment aligns with external examination grading systems.
GCSE and IGCSE courses are assessed using either the 9-1 grading scale or the A*-U grading scale, depending on the examination board.
- Grade 9 represents the highest level of achievement
- Grade 7 is equivalent to an A
- Grade 5 is equivalent to a high C
- Grade 4 is equivalent to a low C
Grades reported indicate the level at which a student is currently working and the grade they would be most likely to achieve if assessed at that point in time. These grades are reviewed regularly and may change as students continue to develop their understanding and examination skills.
Dubai Heights Academy sets high expectations for all students and 'if challenged' CAT4 targets are used to measure progress alongside ongoing assessments.
Sixth Form
Key Stage 5 Assessment
In Key Stage 5, assessment reflects the requirements of the qualification studied.
A Level courses are graded using either the 9-1 grading scale or the A*-U, depending on the examination board.
BTEC Level 1 and Level 3 qualifications are graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction*.
- • Pass is equivalent to a C
- • Merit is equivalent to a B
- • Distinction is equivalent to an A
- • Distinction* is equivalent to an A*
Assessment information reflects both attainment and progress and supports students in preparing for higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
Continuous
Ongoing Assessment and Monitoring
Assessment at Dubai Heights Academy is continuous and varied. Teachers regularly monitor student progress through:
- • Low stakes quizzes
- • End of topic assessments
- • In-class tasks and extended written work
- • Verbal questioning and discussion
- • Observation of learning and engagement
Reported grades are holistic and reflect performance across a range of topics, skills and assessments rather than a single test.
Standardised Assessments
To support accurate benchmarking and planning, students also complete the following standardised assessments:
CAT4 Assessments
Completed every two years to provide insight into student potential and learning profiles.
GL Assessments
Completed in English, Mathematics and Science at the end of each academic year. (In Year 7, GL assessments are completed in English and Mathematics only).
These assessments are used to inform teaching, intervention and support but are not used in isolation to determine reported grades.
For more information about our Secondary curriculum and programmes, please visit our Secondary page or contact us.
View Secondary
