KS5 Reports: Grade Analysis

This article aims to explain which figures are shown in the Grade Analysis reports and how these are calculated. The report views available at the time of writing are: On Track, Grade Summary, and Grade List.

Introduction

Throughout this guide, you may find column headers that appear differently in your reports, depending on how these have been set up by a Sisra Administrator at your school. These are:

AtL Category Columns: AtL columns, highlighted orange throughout this guide, will display the names of Attitude to Learning categories set up by a Sisra Administrator at your school. For example, Effort, Homework, Behaviour, etc. If no AtL categories have been set up for the cohort, these columns will not be displayed.

EAP Columns: EAP column headers, highlighted blue throughout this guide, will only be populated if a Sisra Administrator at your school has populated your EAPs with expected grades.

Grade Analysis Report

To access the Grade Analysis reports, click REPORTS > KS5 > select a cohort. Then, select the DATA SET in the dropdown and click ‘Grade Analysis’.

Once in the reports, you can switch to a different report, view, or group at the top of the page, or use the DATA SET dropdown to switch to a different data set or assessment.

Column Headings

There are a number of options on specific column headers in the KS5 reports, allowing you to view more information on a specific figure. For example, click the chart icon to view the figures within selected columns in chart format. Click the 'i' icon to view information on how the figures in that column are calculated. Click the blue or red triangle icons for key information. 

On Track View

The On Track report view displays an overview of how each group, faculty, qualification, class, or student has performed. If a Sisra Administrator at your school has entered expected grades within the EAPs for the cohort, this will display whether students in each group are above, on, or below track to achieve those grades.

• Total Grades: Count of all grades uploaded into this data set for each group.
  
  The summary row shows the count of all grades uploaded into this data set for the cohort.

• Average Pts per Entry: Average points for each group, calculated by the total points of the grades uploaded into this data set divided by the total entries. This is available for L3 or Tech Cert qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average points for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all grade points of the grades uploaded into this data set for each qualification divided by the number of entries.
  
  

• Average Challenge Points: Average challenge points for each group, calculated by the total challenge points of the grades uploaded into this data set divided by the total entries. This is available for GCSE/Other qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average challenge points for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all challenge points of the grades uploaded into this data set for each qualification divided by the number of entries.
  
  

• Average Grade: Average grade for each group, calculated by taking the average points value for said group and using the Average Grade tables, referenced in our article here - KS5 - Average Grade Boundaries used in Reports. This is available for Level 3 and Tech Cert qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average grade points for the cohort, calculated by taking the average points value for said group and using the Average Grade tables found in the above 'Average Grade Boundaries used in Reports' article.
  
  

• VA: Average Value Added Points score for each group, calculated by the total of the weighted VA Points scores in this group divided by the total weighted qualification sizes in said group. This is currently available for L3 qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average value added score for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all weighted VA scores of the grades uploaded into this data set for each qualification divided by the total size of the qualification/s.
  
  

• Residual: Average residual for each group, faculty, qualification, or class, calculated by the sum of each student’s residual divided by the number of students in that group. This is available for L3 or Tech Cert qualifications.
  
  This compares the relative performance of a group, showing how well these students have performed in comparison with how the same students have performed across all qualifications they have taken in that data set. This column will be colour coded to indicate a positive or negative residual.
  
  Residuals are calculated by a student’s standardised point score in a qualification (grade points divided by entries) minus that student’s average point score across each qualification they have taken.
  
  The summary row displays the overall average residual, calculated from the sum of all residuals across all qualifications divided by the number of students.
  
  

• Average Points (AtL): Average points for each group, calculated by the sum of points for all valid judgements divided by the count of valid judgements with a corresponding grade in that qualification.
  
  The summary row displays the average points in that AtL category for the cohort, rounded to 2 decimal places. This is calculated by the sum of points for all valid judgements, divided by the count of valid judgements with a corresponding grade in that qualification.
  
  
• Total Points (AtL): Sum of points for all valid judgements with a corresponding grade in this data set for each group.
  
  The summary row displays the sum of all points for judgements imported into this data set for the cohort in that AtL category.
  
  
• Average Judgement (AtL): Average judgement for each group, calculated using the average points to find the equivalent judgement.
  
  This column will be colour coded based on the colours set up for each judgement by your SISRA Administrator. Hover over each judgement to view a description for this.
  
  The summary row displays the average judgement in that AtL category for the cohort, calculated using the average points to find the equivalent judgement.
  
  
• Avg EAP Diff (Whole): Average difference between the grades uploaded into this data set and the grades expected to be achieved by each group in whole grades. For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this is calculated by the sum of all whole EAP differences divided by the number of students. When grouped by students, this is calculated by the sum of all whole EAP differences divided by the number of grades.
  
  Avg EAP Diff columns will be colour coded to indicate positive or negative scores.
  
  The summary row displays the overall average difference between the uploaded grades and expected grades in whole grades, calculated from the sum of all EAP differences divided by the number of students.
  
  
• Avg EAP Diff (Sub): Average difference between the grades uploaded into this data set and the grades expected to be achieved by each group in sub grades. For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this is calculated by the sum of all sub EAP differences divided by the number of students. When grouped by students, this is calculated by the sum of all sub EAP differences divided by the number of grades.
  
  Avg EAP Diff columns will be colour coded to indicate positive or negative scores.
  
  The summary row displays the overall average difference between the uploaded grades and expected grades in sub grades, calculated from the sum of all EAP differences divided by the number of students.
  
  
• On/Above Track: For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this is the count or percentage of students that have achieved the same or a higher grade than expected, based on their EAP baseline, in each group. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the students included in the track figures. For students, this is the count or percentage of grades each student has achieved that are the same or higher than expected, based on their EAP baseline. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the qualifications included in the track figures.
  
  The summary row displays the count of students that have achieved the same or a higher grade than expected, based on their EAP baseline.
  
  
• Above Track: For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this is the count or percentage of students that have achieved a higher grade than expected, based on their EAP baseline, in each group. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the students included in the track figures. For students, this is the count or percentage of grades each student has achieved that are higher than expected, based on their EAP baseline. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the qualifications included in the track figures.
  
  The summary row displays the count of students that have achieved a higher grade than expected, based on their EAP baseline.
  
  
• On Track: For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this is the count or percentage of students that have achieved the same grade as expected, based on their EAP baseline, in each group. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the students included in the track figures. For students, this is the count or percentage of grades each student has achieved that are the same as expected, based on their EAP baseline. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the qualifications included in the track figures.
  
  The summary row displays the count of students that have achieved the same grade as expected, based on their EAP baseline.
  
  
• Below Track: For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this is the count or percentage of students that have achieved a lower grade than expected, based on their EAP baseline, in each group. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the students included in the track figures. For students, this is the count or percentage of grades each student has achieved that are lower than expected, based on their EAP baseline. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the qualifications included in the track figures.
  
  The summary row displays the count of students that have achieved a lower grade than expected, based on their EAP baseline.
  
  
• Inc in Track: For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this is the count or percentage of students that are included in the On/Above Track, Above Track, On Track, and Below Track columns for each group, as they have expected grades entered into the associated EAPs for their EAP baseline. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the number of students included in that group. For students, this is the count or percentage of grades each student has that are being included in the On/Above Track, Above Track, On Track, and Below Track columns, as they have expected grades in the associated EAPs for their EAP Baseline. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the qualifications each student has taken.
  
  The summary row displays the count of students included in the On/Above Track, Above Track, On Track, and Below Track columns, as they have expected grades entered into the associated EAPs for their EAP baseline.

> / = / < Compare Columns 

When using ‘Add Compare’, this will add additional columns to the end of the report which will allow you to analyse on, above, and below figures between the two data sets.

For example, if you compared to your ‘Targets’ data set, this would allow you to see the count or percentage of grades that are greater than, equal to, or lower than the target grade.

Grade Summary View

The Grade Summary report view displays a breakdown of each grade achieved by each group, faculty, qualification, class, or student.

* The 'Display Grades As' options allow you to switch between viewing the report by A*-E or DMP grades for L3 qualifications *

• Total Grades: Count of grades uploaded into this data set for each group.
  
  The summary row shows the count of all grades uploaded into this data set for the cohort.
  
  
• Grade Counts: For groups, faculties, qualifications, or classes, this shows the count or percentage of students with each grade uploaded into this data set for each group. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the total grades for each group. For students, this is the count or percentage of grades each student has uploaded into this data set. As a percentage, this would be calculated out of the total grades for each student.
  
  The summary row displays the count or percentage of students with each grade uploaded within that grade type.
  
  
• Total Entries: Sum of all entries for the grades uploaded into this data set for each group. This is available for L3 or Tech Cert qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the sum of all entries for the grades uploaded into this data set for the cohort.
  
  
• Total Points (Students Level Only): The total points achieved by each student.

The summary row shows the overall total points for the cohort.

• Average Pts Per Entry: Average points for each group, calculated by the total points divided by total entries. This is available for L3 or Tech Cert qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average points for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all grade points across each qualification divided by the number of entries.
  
  
• Average Grade: Average grade for each group, calculated by taking the average points value for said group, and using the Average Grade tables, referenced in our article here - KS5 - Average Grade Boundaries used in Reports. This is available for Level 3 and Tech Cert qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average grade points for the cohort, calculated by taking the average points value for said group, and using the Average Grade tables found in the above 'Average Grade Boundaries used in Reports' article.
  

  X grades and other grades worth 0 entries do not contribute to the average grade.

• VA: Average Value Added Points score for each group, calculated by the total of the weighted VA Points scores in this group divided by the total weighted qualification sizes in said group. This is currently available for L3 qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average value added score for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all weighted VA scores of the grades uploaded into this data set for each qualification divided by the total size of the qualification/s.
  
  
• Average Challenge Points: Average challenge points for each group, calculated by the total challenge points of the grades uploaded into this data set divided by the total entries. This is available for GCSE/Other qualifications.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average challenge points for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all challenge points of the grades uploaded into this data set for each qualification divided by the number of entries.
  
  
• Residual: Average residual for each group, faculty, qualification, or class, calculated by the sum of each student’s residual divided by the number of students in that group. This is available for L3 or Tech Cert qualifications. This compares the relative performance of a group, showing how well these students have performed in comparison with how the same students have performed across all qualifications they have taken in that data set.
  Residuals are calculated by a student’s standardised point score in a qualification (grade points divided by entries) minus that student’s average point score across each qualification they have taken.
  This column will be colour coded to indicate a positive or negative residual.
  
  The summary row displays the overall average residual, calculated from the sum of all Residuals across all qualifications divided by the number of students.
  
  

Grade List View

The Grade List report view can be accessed by grouping data by students, then selecting the Grade List view. 

The Simple and Detailed tabs allow you to switch between different versions of the Grade List view. The tab you choose (simple or detailed) will also be applied to the Student Detail report view, once a student is selected.

The simple Grade List will display a condensed version of the report, providing a brief overview of each student’s grade, AtL (if set up), and EAP grade in the selected qualification.

The detailed Grade List will display additional columns for further analysis, such as Grade Points, Residual, EAP Diff, and EAP Baseline.

• Grade: Grade uploaded for the selected qualification for each student. This will be colour coded to indicate if the student is above, on, or below track to achieve their expected grades, based on their EAP baseline.
  
  

• DfE Equivalent Grade: This column will be displayed if you have selected either the ‘L3 A*-E Grades’, ‘L3 DMP Grades’ or ‘L2 Tech Cert Grades’ option next to 'Display Grades As’. This is available for L3 or Tech Cert qualifications and shows each student’s DfE equivalent grade, based on the grade achieved.
  For more information on the points boundaries used within the DfE Equivalent Grade calculations, see our article here - KS5 - Average Grade Boundaries used in Reports.
  
  

• Challenge Points Band: This column will be displayed if you have selected the ‘Challenge Points Bands’ option next to 'Display Grades As'. This is available for GCSE/Other qualifications and shows each student’s challenge points band, based on the grade achieved.
  For more information on the points boundaries used within the DfE Equivalent Grade calculations, see our article here - KS5 - Average Grade Boundaries used in Reports.
  
  

• Grade Points: The point score awarded for the grade achieved by each student. This is available for L3 and Tech Cert qualifications.
  The summary row shows the average points for the qualification, calculated by the sum of all grade points divided by the number of entries.
  
  

• Challenge Points: The challenge points awarded for the grade achieved by each student. This is available for GCSE/Other qualifications.
  The summary row shows the average challenge points for the qualification, calculated by the sum of all challenge points divided by the number of entries.
  
  

• KS4 Prior (GCSE): Each student’s KS4 Average Points Score for GCSE qualifications only. This column will be present when an Academic (A Level or Academic) qualification is selected.
  
  The summary row shows the average KS4 Prior Attainment (GCSE), calculated by summing all students’ KS4 Prior Attainment (GCSE) levels and dividing by how many students have valid KS4 Prior Attainment (GCSE) levels.
  
  

• KS4 Prior (All): Each student’s KS4 Average Points Score for all qualifications. This column will be present when an Applied General qualification is selected.
  
  The summary row shows the average KS4 Prior Attainment (All), calculated by summing all students’ KS4 Prior Attainment (All) levels and dividing by how many students have valid KS4 Prior Attainment (All) levels.
  
  

• Prior English/Maths: The challenge points awarded to the grade achieved by each student at the end of KS4. This column will be present when an L2 English/Maths qualification is selected.
  
  The summary row shows the average Prior English/Maths, calculated by summing all students’ Prior English/Maths levels and dividing by how many students have valid Prior English/Maths levels.
  
  

• Uncapped English/Maths Progress: Each student’s English/Maths challenge points value minus their Prior English/Maths challenge points. This shows the uncapped progress the student has made in L2 English/Maths from KS4 to KS5.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average English/Maths uncapped progress score for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all uncapped progress scores of the grades uploaded into this data set for the English/Maths qualification divided by the total number of students.
  
  

• VA Expectation: Each student’s expected attainment in the selected qualification, derived from the Value Added National Data using the student’s KS4 Prior Attainment.
  
  The summary row shows the average VA Expectation, calculated by summing all students’ VA Expectations and dividing by how many students have VA Expectation scores.
  
  

• VA: Each student’s standardised grade points in the selected qualification minus their VA Expectation. This is then divided by 10 in line with DfE methodology to give the difference in number of A Level grades between the student’s attainment and their expected attainment.
  
  The summary row shows the overall average value added score for the cohort, calculated by the sum of all weighted VA scores of the grades uploaded into this data set for each qualification divided by the total size of the qualification/s.
  
  

• Judgement (AtL): Judgement imported for the selected qualification in that AtL category for each student. This column will be colour coded based on the colours set up for each judgement by your Sisra Administrator (hover over each judgement to view a description for this).
  
  The summary row displays the average judgement in that AtL category for the cohort, calculated using the average points to find the equivalent judgement.
  
  

• Residual: Each student’s residual for the selected qualification, calculated by the student’s standardised point score (grade points divided by number of entries) minus that student’s average point score across each qualification they have taken. This compares the relative performance of each student, showing how well they have performed in one qualification compared to all qualifications they have taken in that data set. This column will be colour coded to indicate a positive or negative residual.
  
  The summary row displays the average residual for the selected qualification, calculated from the sum of all residuals for that qualification divided by the number of students.
  
  

• EAP Grade: The student’s expected grade for the selected qualification. This is determined by expected grades entered in the EAPs for the cohort and the student’s EAP baseline.
  
  

• EAP Diff (Whole): Difference between the grade uploaded into this data set and the grade expected to be achieved by each student, in whole grades. Avg EAP Diff columns will be colour coded to indicate positive or negative scores.
  
  The summary row displays the average difference between the uploaded grades and expected grades in whole grades, calculated from the sum of all EAP differences divided by the number of students.
  
  

• EAP Diff (Sub): Difference between the grade uploaded into this data set and the grade expected to be achieved by each student, in sub grades. Avg EAP Diff columns will be colour coded to indicate positive or negative scores.
  
  The summary row displays the average difference between the uploaded grades and expected grades in sub grades, calculated from the sum of all EAP differences divided by the number of students.
  
  

• EAP Baseline: Each student’s starting point within the EAP associated to the qualification, specified by your Sisra Administrator. This determines which EAP pathway they are placed on to select which expected grades are used for EAP Diff calculations.

Thanks for reading!