Value added is not a measure of pupil achievement, but of progress – it measures the journey taken by the student and the difference made by a school, rather than the destination. That is why very selective schools are silent when it comes to measures of value added – some are so academically selective that it becomes impossible for them to add value.
The Dixie takes part in a statistical project operated by the University of Durham. Students new to the Dixie in Years 7 and 9 are given an adaptive computer test (the questions adapt to the ability of respondent) and from this, predictions regarding GCSE outcomes are made. ‘Residuals’ measure the difference between this prediction and the actual GCSE grade achieved.
It is gratifying that the value added by the Dixie is on average more than one grade for every GCSE taken compared to all schools nationally. Taking individual students’ ability alone, their success at GCSE, regardless of gender or need, is more than one grade higher than predicted. Compared to just independent schools, the value added to every GCSE taken is on average one third of a grade.
Academic value added is just one part of the Dixie Difference – just one part of the value we add. Responsibility, integrity, self-discipline, honesty and good manners, respect for others and commitment to the community are central to the Dixie’s Aims and Values – qualities we see emerging in our students and in the impressive young men and women in our Sixth Form.
Richard Lynn 3 Jan 2021
Headmaster @ Dixie Blog 