Understanding Weighted Assessments: How They Shape Learning in Primary and Secondary Schools

In recent years, Singapore’s education landscape has shifted towards a more holistic approach, focusing on learning for understanding rather than rote memorisation. Central to this change is the introduction of weighted assessments, which have been implemented in primary and secondary schools to provide a more balanced and progressive method of evaluating students.

What Are Weighted Assessments?

Unlike traditional examinations that focus heavily on a single point of assessment, weighted assessments (WAs) are bite-sized evaluations conducted throughout the academic term. For students in Primary 1 and 2, there are no weighted assessments or mid-year exams. Instead, qualitative descriptors are used to gauge learning progress.

However, from Primary 3 onwards, WAs are introduced, offering regular feedback on students’ understanding and helping them build confidence in a low-stakes environment.

For instance, a Primary 3 student might face a mini English test focusing solely on Oral or on language use consisting of only certain components of Paper 2. These weighted assessments replace the traditional mid-year exams, providing a steady flow of feedback to both students and teachers.

How will Weighted Assessments Better Support Your Child’s Learning?

1. Reduced Overemphasis on Grades and Exams
   While having weighted assessments may not reduce the stress students face during an assessment e.g. at the end of the year, it is intended to provide a shift away from overemphasis on examinations and academic grades. By spreading evaluations throughout the year, students face the stress of high-stakes exams less frequently than those who had major examinations every half a year. Each WA accounts for a smaller portion of students overall grade, allowing them to approach learning with less fear of failure and with the mindset of better understanding their progress in targeted areas.
2. Better Classroom Engagement, Pace and Feedback
   Another benefit is the greater focus on the overall learning experience. Having Weighted assessments in place to provide assessment in more manageable portions allows teachers more time and flexibility to deliver engaging lessons and tailor the pace of learning. Additionally, teachers are able to pinpoint where students need more support and offer timely intervention. This feedback also allows students to reflect on their learning, giving them opportunities to improve and grow throughout the year.
3. Holistic Development
   With less emphasis on exams, there is more room for activities that strengthen students’ 21st century competencies e.g. creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration etc. and for them to develop as self-directed learners. Weighted assessments encourage this shift, allowing students to engage in a broader spectrum of learning experiences, from group projects to presentations, fostering a well-rounded education and providing increased opportunities for students to explore their interests and identify their strengths.

Examples of Weighted Assessments in Action

In Primary and Secondary schools, weighted assessments take various forms. For example, a Secondary 3 student’s English WA might involve a short situational writing task, while a primary school student might be required to complete a 30-mark mini test on Grammar, Vocabulary and Comprehension. These assessments are designed to be shorter and more focused than traditional exams, providing a clearer insight into a student’s grasp of specific topics.

Here’s an example of how the weightage of WAs might be distributed for a student over a school year:

• Term 1: Weighted Assessment (10%)
• Term 2: Weighted Assessment (10%)
• Term 3: Weighted Assessment (10%)
• Term 4: Semestral Assessment (70%)

The flexibility in the format and frequency of weighted assessments allows for a more targeted approach to student evaluation, helping to identify areas of strength and improvement early on.

Supporting Your Child Through this shift

Some parents might be anxious about how their child will perform at the year-end examination with weighted assessments in place as they feel that they might not get a full picture of the progress of their child. It is therefore important for a partnership between teachers and parents. As a parent, engaging in open communication with your child’s teachers will help you stay informed about their progress and areas needing support.

Setting goals and reminding children of the need for consistent effort to be put in will also help in reinforcing the purpose of weighted assessments – learning from mistakes and viewing challenges as stepping stones. Having bite-sized assessments should not be mistaken to mean that learning should be taken more lightly now. Recognising areas which a child is doing well in and also ensuring that effort is put in to work on identified areas to improve are equally important.

By embracing the change in how students are assessed, both parents and educators can work together to ensure that every child has a positive, enriching learning journey, preparing them for future success.

Simulating Success with Practice and Thematic Tests

At Lil’ but Mighty, we understand the importance of helping students navigate this new educational landscape. Our teaching methods are aligned with the goals of the weighted assessment framework, ensuring that your child not only thrives in school but also develops the skills and mindset necessary for lifelong learning.

We recognise the value of consistent practice in helping students navigate the demands of the weighted assessment system. To support this, we integrate timed practices and revision tests throughout the school year. These tests mirror the format of actual school assessments, giving students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the structure and expectations of each subject.

These independent practices and revision papers not only assess students’ understanding of key concepts but also help them sharpen essential skills such as time management, question analysis, and answering techniques. By practising under timed conditions, students gain the confidence and skills necessary to excel when faced with weighted assessments and the eventual year-end examination in school.

In addition to written practice, our English students benefit from personalised one-on-one oral practice sessions with their teachers. These interactions provide invaluable feedback on spoken communication, which is crucial for oral assessments. By simulating the different components of weighted assessments through a mix of hands-on practice and personalised feedback, we ensure that students are well-prepared, both academically and emotionally, for their school-based evaluations.

Whether it’s through interactive lessons, strategic touchpoints, or tailored feedback, Lil’ but Mighty is here to support your child’s academic journey every step of the way.

Looking for more ways to help your child excel under Singapore’s new weighted assessment system? Contact Lil’ but Mighty today and discover how we can partner with you in nurturing a confident and successful learner.