This can be created very quickly in a spreadsheet, and even the simplest set-up can be surprisingly effective. That s because with a bit of thought you can go far beyond the normal adding up and averaging features found in spreadsheets. For example, you can insert a formula that will keep a running total of how many pieces of homework each pupil has done, or failed to do, and take this into account when working out the achievement grade over the term or year. You can also insert a formula that will suggest a grade for a test, for example, according to the score achieved. Or if the test was out of 35, you can insert a formula that will turn it into a percentage and round it up to the nearest whole number.
People sometimes worry about computerised reports looking well, computerised.
But even if you just include pupils names, class and examination grade in the mail-merge, you will save hours. A good rule of thumb when considering improvements in any administration system, and one advocated by the DfEE, is that data should not have to be entered twice. If you think about the examples just given, the original list of pupils names had to be entered only once. Then it could be used on the classroom wall, in an electronic spreadsheet and in a report to parents. And, of course, for many other purposes that present themselves in school.