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Teaching Methods

Original answer

Ofsted collects data on the use of streaming and setting in lessons observed during inspections, the latest period for which their data indicate the proportion of lessons in each school year which are set by ability is 2002/03.

Lessons set as observed by Ofsted, 2002/03
	Percentage
Year 7	28
Year 8	38
Year 9	43
Key Stage 3	36
Year 10	37
Year 11	40
Key Stage 4	39
Overall Secondary	38

Until 2002/03, Ofsted recorded lessons observed during inspections as being set, streamed, mixed ability or otherwise organised. For clarity, 'setting' is the term used to describe the organisation of pupils in classes on the basis of their prior attainment in the particular subject being taught. The term 'banding', which is very similar to streaming, is used when the decision as to which pupils are included or not in a class is based on the prior attainment in a range of subjects.From 2003/04 the distinction between streaming and setting was removed and Ofsted now record data on whether classes they observe are mixed ability or set/streamed. They no longer record data on setting alone. It is therefore not possible to provide data on the proportion of lessons which are set for the period from 2003/04 onwards.

It has since been corrected.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

475 c419W (478 11-2MC);475 c419W; 202073

Session

2007-08

Related items

Ministerial corrections
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Written corrections
House of Commons

Notes

Answer corrected on 10 July 2008 at 11-2MC

Subjects

Teaching methods

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk