CAT Conference London: Thursday 8th October

Welcome and Introduction
David Vincent, GL Assessment

Why do we still have “IQ testing” in schools?
Professor Steve Strand will consider the criticisms made against the use of reasoning tests in primary and secondary schools. Critics argue that reasoning tests: claim (falsely) to measure innate ability; are redundant in an age of comprehensive schooling; are biased against various ethnic and social groups; provide no guide to action for teachers; and duplicate the results of national testing. Are these criticisms justified?

Workshops / CAT training
Please choose Option 1 or Option 2
Delegates have the opportunity to attend either two workshops or the Introductory CAT Training Course.

OPTION 1 – Workshops
11.30 – 12.15
Using CAT to understand potential
John McGuinness, the Headteacher at Grainville School in Jersey, explains how schools can use CAT to better understand the potential of each new cohort and develop systems that enable student progress to be tracked and supported.

12.15 – 13.00
Digital assessment – the present and future
Claire Moss talks about
GL Assessment’s vision of online testing and the practicalities of delivering CAT digitally.

OPTION 2 – CAT Training
11.30 – 13.00
Introductory CAT Training Course
Phil Wileman
GL Assessment Consultant

This introductory session is ideal for new users and anyone interested in finding out more about CAT.

Scoring and analysis
David Vincent, the sales director at GL Assessment, will give a practical session on the interpretation of CAT data and how CAT scores can be used to impact classroom teaching and organisation.

Practitioner sessions
Please choose Option 1 or Option 2

OPTION 1 – Primary session
Improving thinking skills - what does the research evidence tell us?
Dr Steve Strand will discuss the relationship between reasoning, thinking skills and learning to learn.

OPTION 2 – Secondary session
John McGuinness will provide delegates with an open and honest dialogue on how CAT results can be actively shared with parents, students and staff; and how progress is tracked and value-added measures calculated.