Thinking Out of the Exams Box: assessment through talk?

Oral assessment has been used in schools for many years. In nearly every lesson a teacher uses questions, at some point, to establish whether or not the pupils understand the topic or concept being taught. Drama teachers use evaluation of role plays, improvisation and performance to teach their subject. Modern Language and English GCSEs have also assessed the quality of pupil talk. Modern Languages has separate attainment targets for speaking and listening. English assessed speaking and listening as one attainment target at GCSE until the new English Curriculum (DfE, 2013a) was introduced and now, although the curriculum still requires teachers to assess spoken language, the oral grade no longer contributes to the final GCSE English grade.