Parents and Learners
Progress and Performance
How is progress and performance monitored at Red Balloon of the Air?
Progress and performance management at RBAir involves systematically monitoring and assessing each learner’s academic progress and performance. Social, emotional and mental health development are integral to our provision. We monitor engagement and attendance through our Individual Provision Plan (IPP) system, which aligns with EHCP outcomes.
RBAir uses Arbor, a Management Information System, to centralise, manage and analyse data such as exams, internal assessments, termly reports, attendance and profile data for all learners and staff (please see ‘Online Learning Tools’ for more information about Arbor).
The RBAir Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Department closely monitor and use learner and school data to inform provision delivery. Progress and performance management at RBAir is inclusive, with all tracking systems used consistently for all learners. Monitoring is essential for providing targeted support to learners, enhancing educational and pastoral outcomes, and informing school improvement strategies.
Education Reporting
RBAir provides termly reports for learners three times each academic year which are shared with families and commissioners. Each report card provides a comprehensive overview of a learner’s progress and achievements across their educational provision. RBAir’s reports include the following:
- Attendance: An overall statistic of attendance to date for the current academic year.
- Academic Performance and Targets: Current and End of Year Target grades or marks for each subject, reflecting how well the learner has understood the material and met the learning objectives.
- Behaviour and Participation: Using an ABC grading scale, teachers provide an insight into the learner’s active participation, engagement and independent learning.
- Teacher Comments: Personalised feedback from teachers that may address the learner’s strengths, areas for improvement, and general attitude towards learning.
Individual Provision Plans (IPPs)
On admission, a learner’s needs will be assessed by the SEND Team and an up-to-date Individual Provision Plan (IPP) will be formulated. This is based on: information gleaned during the process of admission; a detailed appraisal of the EHCP; and through relationship building with the learner and their family.
All learners will receive an IPP in relation to the provision offer agreed on admission, which will be managed by the SEND team.
IPPs include EHCP outcomes and short-term aims across Health, Independence, Social Communication and Relationships as well as Education, Employment and Training.
Exams
We pride ourselves on offering a calm and quiet exams experience, designed to reduce stress compared to traditional mainstream schools. RBAir’s Centre in Milton, Cambridge, and RBET’s Learning Hub in Danbury, Essex, are JCQ registered examination centres. Both are approved by all the main UK exam boards, including AQA, Pearson/Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC/Eduqas, guaranteeing a seamless and accessible exams process for every candidate.
We offer GCSE exams in the summer, as well as November retakes for English and Maths. Additionally, we provide Functional Skills English and Maths exams throughout the year, including during the summer session. To best prepare our candidates for their actual exams and to help them reach their academic potential, we run a set of mock exams in January and March. These sessions are designed to build confidence, improve exam techniques, and ensure learners are fully equipped for future opportunities.
You can find details on our exam results for the last two academic years here.
