The Assessment believes that assessment should support the aims and objectives of a broad, balanced and relevant science education for all pupils. Assessment should attempt to measure those qualities which the curriculum seeks to foster, and it should be purposeful and meaningful in the context of each individual's learning programme. This will involve the co-ordination of assessment across the whole curriculum. A wide range of modes of assessment is essential if valid judgements of progress and achievement are to be made. This range will involve what pupils say and do as well as what they put on paper, and should assess what is important, not just what is easy to measure.
Many people are interested in, and have a right to information concerning the results of assessment.
These include parents, employers, governors, school board members, politicians and the media. The Association believes that this right to know brings with it a responsibility to understand exactly what the information means and how to interpret what is said about individuals, groups of individuals and schools. In this respect, the Association will seek to achieve a wider public awareness of the benefits and limitations of assessment.