In 1998 CRIPSAT was contracted to produce The Optional Assessment Materials which would support teachers formative assessment of their pupils of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 in Wales and are published by ACCAC.

210 teachers and their pupils in Wales in Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 contributed to the development of these materials which are available in English and Welsh.

The materials aim to help teachers make judgements about children's achievement prior to and following teaching.

An important aspect of the project is that teachers are helped to assess children's understanding and plan teaching which most effectively matches children's achievement levels.

Each of the assessment modules comprise a learning sequence, a set of formative assessment probes and guidance which aims to help teachers interpret children's response to the probes. Each assessment probe targets part of the learning sequence. Teachers are encouraged to locate children's responses on the learning sequence. At Key Stage 1 and 2 there are suggestions for subsequent teaching which aims to help children make progress through the sequence.

The materials comprise 23 modules of assessment materials across the three Key Stages together with a Teachers' Guide for each Key Stage so that they can provide useful targeted feedback and plan teaching and learning activities.

Key Stage 1

Investigations
Living Things in Their Environment
Changing Materials
Forces
Electricity

Key Stage 2

Investigations
Living Things in Their Environment Changing Materials
Forces
Electricity
Light
Solids, Liquids & Gases
The Human Body

Key Stage 3

Investigations
Living Things in Their Environment
Changing Materials
Forces
Electricity
Light
Solids, Liquids & Gases
The Human Body - digestion and respiration
The Human Body - circulation, breathing and health
Metals and Non-Metals

Read reviews of these materials and find out where you can buy them.