Gl Assessment
at Dwight School Dubai
at Dwight School Dubai
As part of our continuous efforts to enhance assessment practice and support student learning, we have transitioned from NWEA MAP assessments to the GL Assessment Progress Tests in English, Mathematics, and Science. This change has been made to better align with our curriculum framework and to provide richer, more actionable data to inform teaching and learning.
Please join us for an EduTalk on Thursday, 4 September, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m in the Auditorium. We will outline the Assessment Journey at Dwight School Dubai and provide further details about our newly introduced GL assessments. We look forward to your participation.
The GL Progress Tests are standardised, curriculum-based assessments designed to measure students' knowledge, understanding, and application of skills in English, Mathematics (for Grades 1 to 9), and Science (for Grades 2 to 9). They assess both attainment and the depth of learning, with a particular focus on problem-solving, reasoning, and applying knowledge in unfamiliar contexts — skills that closely reflect the inquiry-based, concept-driven nature of the IB curriculum.
Each Progress Test provides:
Detailed reports for teachers at both group and individual levels
Question-level analysis to pinpoint specific areas of strength and development
Comparative age-standardized scores (SAS) to track progress over time against international benchmarks
Students will sit the GL Progress Tests twice a year:
At the beginning of the academic year (September): This will establish a clear baseline of each student’s current knowledge and skills.
At the end of the academic year (June): This will measure progress made across the year, providing valuable evidence of individual and cohort growth.
The results from these assessments will support teachers in tailoring instruction, refining curriculum planning, and providing targeted interventions where needed.
Closer Alignment with the IB Curriculum
The GL Progress Tests assess conceptual understanding and application of knowledge in a way that mirrors the aims of the IB programme, providing a more authentic measure of student learning.
More Detailed, Actionable Feedback for Teachers
The depth of reporting available from GL Progress Tests allows teachers to identify learning gaps and strengths at both a subject and skill level, leading to more effective, responsive teaching.
Integration with Our Existing GL Assessment Suite
This change ensures our assessment data can be effectively triangulated with other GL products we already use, including:
PASS (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School)
NGRT (New Group Reading Test)
CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test)
Together, these tools offer a comprehensive picture of each learner’s abilities, progress, attitudes, and needs.
Assessment and Wellbeing Tools at Our School
As part of our commitment to educational excellence, we utilise comprehensive assessment tools to understand each pupil's unique learning profile and ensure personalised education.
The CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) is one of our key assessment tools, evaluating students' cognitive abilities across four essential areas:
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Spatial Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
This assessment is administered on a two-year cycle, and the current academic year marks our assessment period. All students in Grades 1-11 will complete their CAT4 assessment during Weeks 3 and 4. The detailed timetable is available [here].
For our younger students, we conduct these assessments in a supportive, age-appropriate manner. Rather than formal examination conditions, we present the CAT4 as an engaging "quiz" in a comfortable environment, ensuring we gather valuable insights while maintaining a positive experience.
Please note: No preparation, practice, or revision is required or recommended for the CAT4. The assessment is specifically designed to measure natural cognitive abilities rather than learned content.
In addition to CAT4, we implement PASS, a digital survey that explores students' attitudes toward learning. This tool focuses on:
Motivation
Confidence
Engagement
Wellbeing
PASS is not an assessment but rather a confidential survey that enables students to share their feelings and attitudes toward learning. This valuable feedback helps us enhance student engagement and strengthen their sense of belonging within our school community.
Please join us for an EduTalk on Thursday, 4 September, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m in the Auditorium.
We will outline the Assessment Journey at Dwight School Dubai and provide further details about our newly introduced GL assessments.
We look forward to your participation.