CAT4 Information for Parents in Year 2 and Year 4

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Like many international schools and schools across the UK, we use standardised tests as part of our assessment methods. At DBIS, standardised tests are used alongside our more personal and thorough teacher assessments to give us a complete picture of the progress and potential of every child. 

 

We use the GL Assessments suite of standardised tests; these tests are widely used by schools in the UK and by a range of international schools across the world who deliver the UK curriculum. Results from these tests allow us to measure the progress of our students against their peers worldwide. 

 

All students in Years 2 and 4 have recently completed the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4). This test measures the four main types of reasoning ability.

 

What is the Cognitive Abilities Test Fourth Edition (CAT4)?

The CAT4 assesses how well a student can think about tasks and solve problems using a range of different questions. Some tasks involve thinking about shapes and patterns (Non-verbal Reasoning), there are some with words (Verbal Reasoning) or numbers (Quantitative Reasoning) and, finally, some questions were answered by thinking about shape and space together and imagining a shape being changed and moving (Spatial Ability).

 

CAT4 is used in many schools to provide information to teachers, students and parents that forms the basis for discussion about how best an individual can learn and reach his or her potential in school. CAT4 does not require any prior knowledge and you cannot ‘learn’ how to answer the questions. The abilities tested in CAT4, such as spatial ability, may be difficult to demonstrate in the classroom so it is important that teachers know the level of a student’s ability in such areas. CAT4 results will help teachers decide about the pace of learning that is right for an individual and whether additional support or challenge is needed.

 

CAT4, unlike an English or Maths test, is not a test of what the student has learned. It tests how an individual can think in areas that are known to make a difference to learning and achievement.  The report you receive will break down and explain the results, giving important information about the student as a learner and how they can best be supported and challenged both in school and at home. 

 

Why is it only students in Years 2 and 4 that sit the CAT4 assessment?

Year 2 is the first year that students can sit the CAT4 test; it is not an appropriate test for younger learners. As an abilities test rather than an academic test, the results of the test are valid for two years. The results of the Year 2 test are valid until the end of Year 4 and the results of the Year 4 test are valid until the end of the Primary years.

 

What should I do if I’m concerned about the test results?

Firstly, please remember that the test results are a snapshot in time and the main focus of assessment at DBIS is the more personal and robust teacher judgement. Class teachers will be happy to discuss any specific questions you may have about your child’s results. Class teachers may also reach out to you in advance of the results being published should they feel any individual student’s results would benefit from extra explanation.

 

When will I receive the CAT4 results?

The CAT4 results are now published on the Parent Portal. Please ensure you know how to log in to the Parent Portal. To access the report, please click on the following options once you are logged in. 

1. Documents and Files
2. Primary Standardised Tests

If you have any questions, please reach out to our IT team for assistance, using [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to assist. 

 

DBIS values a strengths-based approach towards understanding your child as a learner. We analyse all assessment data by identifying your child’s strengths and deciding how best to support the next steps in their learning journey. We hope you enjoy celebrating your child’s strengths and gaining a more in-depth understanding of your child as a learner.

 

Best wishes,

 

Hannah Tait and Lewis Peck

 

Head of EYFS & Primary and Assistant Head of EYFS & Primary