The Primary School Assessment Kit is used to assess children's English Language Learning ability in Primary Schools.

This test includes reading, writing, speaking and listening skills which teachers administer to obtain a European recognised standard ranging from A1 to B3.

However this test is not fit for purpose. Published in 2006 it is now 28 years old. It does not align with the new language curriculum. It also takes a huge amount of teaching time to administer and is very subjective. The information gleaned gives you a score and not enough assessment material to set learning targets.

In schools with high numbers of EAL children >70% this test takes up a minimum of 3 weeks of teaching time in the school year and schools are forced to do this test year in, year out to apply for additional EAL teachers. 

Please abolish or update this assessment!

From the  Parents and Primary Teachers of Ireland wanting more meaningful teaching time for their children.