SSitoraAcademy of Excellence

Year 8 Assessment Centre

Measure knowledge.
Reveal the next step.

Six bespoke 100-mark papers, complete marking guidance and authentic project briefs aligned to the Sitora Academy curriculum.

6half terms
100marks each
4domains
Choose assessment pack
Weeks 1–6Knowing yourself and thinking clearly2 hours 15 minutes · 100 marks

Sitora Learning Academy of Excellence · Year 8 · Autumn 1

Half-term assessment

Knowing yourself and thinking clearly
100marks
Name: Date: Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Instructions

  • Answer every question and show all mathematical working.
  • Use complete sentences where an explanation is requested.
  • Complete the paper independently unless an access arrangement is recorded.
  • Check your answers before finishing.
Section A

English

25 marks
SourceThe path narrowed as Mara reached the abandoned glasshouse. Rain tapped against the broken panes, though the trees around her were perfectly still. On the bench lay a warm brass key. She looked back towards the house. One upstairs curtain moved, then stopped.
E1

List two details that make the setting seem unusual.

[4 marks]
E2

How does the writer create tension? Analyse two language or structural choices.

[9 marks]
E3

Continue the mystery for 250–350 words. Control viewpoint, paragraphing and suspense.

[12 marks]
Section B

Mathematics

30 marks
M1

Put −7, 3.5, −2 and 0.4 in ascending order. Then calculate 18 − 3 × 4 + 2.

[8 marks]
M2

A recipe uses flour and oats in the ratio 5:2. It uses 350 g of flour. Find the oats and the total mixture mass.

[10 marks]
M3

A £64 jacket is reduced by 15%. Find the reduction and sale price. Explain one check.

[12 marks]
Section C

Science

25 marks
S1

Name the cell structures that control cell activities, release energy and control movement of substances. Give one specialised-cell adaptation.

[8 marks]
S2

Explain how the digestive and circulatory systems work together after a meal.

[8 marks]
S3

Plan a fair test of how one minute of exercise affects pulse rate.

[9 marks]
Section D

AI, digital and engineering

20 marks
D1

Explain the difference between a rule-based program and a machine-learning system. Give one risk when using generative AI for homework.

[10 marks]
D2

A paper tower falls sideways during testing. Propose two evidence-led design changes and explain how each could improve stability.

[10 marks]
End of paper

Check that you have attempted every question.

Sitora Learning Academy of Excellence · Parent copy · Autumn 1

Answer and marking guide

Knowing yourself and thinking clearly
100marks

Marking principles

Accept equivalent correct reasoning and age-appropriate expression. Award method marks where the route is sound. For extended responses, judge the whole answer against the guidance rather than searching for exact wording.

English

25 marks
E14

Any two supported details, such as rain while the trees are still, a warm key in an abandoned place, or the moving curtain. Award 2 marks per relevant detail.

Score / 4
E29

Credit two developed points using precise evidence and explanation. Strong answers may discuss sound imagery, contrast, the unexplained warmth of the key, the final short action, or delayed revelation.

Score / 9
E312

Use the writing rubric: content/organisation 6; vocabulary/sentence control 4; spelling and punctuation 2.

Score / 12

Mathematics

30 marks
M18

Order: −7, −2, 0.4, 3.5 (4). Calculation: multiplication first, so 18 − 12 + 2 = 8 (4).

Score / 8
M210

One ratio part is 350 ÷ 5 = 70 g. Oats = 2 × 70 = 140 g. Total = 490 g.

Score / 10
M312

10% = £6.40 and 5% = £3.20, so reduction = £9.60 and sale price = £54.40. Check: 85% of £64 = 0.85 × 64 = £54.40.

Score / 12

Science

25 marks
S18

Nucleus; mitochondria; cell membrane. Credit a valid adaptation linked to function, e.g. root hair cell has a large surface area for absorption.

Score / 8
S28

Food is digested into small soluble molecules; nutrients are absorbed through the small intestine into blood; circulation transports them to cells. Credit clear sequencing and named organs.

Score / 8
S39

Include independent variable (exercise/intensity), dependent variable (pulse), controls, repeatable method, before/after measurement, repeats or recovery, and proportionate safety.

Score / 9

AI, digital and engineering

20 marks
D110

Rule-based systems follow explicit programmed instructions; machine learning finds patterns from training data to make predictions/outputs. Risks include false claims, bias, privacy, inappropriate dependence or undisclosed work, with explanation.

Score / 10
D210

Credit plausible changes linked to stability, such as wider base, triangular bracing, lower centre of mass, rolled columns or balanced load. Two developed changes, up to 5 marks each.

Score / 10

Overall interpretation

85–100Mastery

Knowledge is secure and transferred independently. Use extension and deeper application.

70–84Secure

Core learning is secure with minor gaps. Correct errors, then move forward.

50–69Developing

Understanding is present but inconsistent. Reteach the weakest two areas.

0–49Foundation

Rebuild key ideas with models, guided practice and a shorter reassessment.

Total / 100Percentage %Review date

Sitora Learning Academy of Excellence · Authentic outcome · Autumn 1

My Learning Profile and Responsible-AI Charter

Weeks 1–6
project
The challenge

Create an evidence-led guide showing how you learn effectively and how AI will be used safely, honestly and productively during Year 8.

Required evidence

  • One-page learning profile
  • Five-rule responsible-AI charter
  • Evidence from one baseline strength and one priority
  • Three-minute presentation

Milestones

  1. 1Gather baseline evidenceDate
  2. 2Draft the profileDate
  3. 3Test the AI rules against scenariosDate
  4. 4Revise and presentDate

Project planning canvas

Problem, audience or purpose
What I need to find out
Materials, tools and people
Risks, ethics and safeguards
How I will test success
How I will show the evidence

Project rubric

Criterion1 · Beginning2 · Developing3 · Secure4 · ExceptionalUses genuine evidenceLimited evidence or incompleteSome relevant evidence; support neededClear, accurate and independentInsightful, tested and exceptionally well justifiedRules are specific and usableLimited evidence or incompleteSome relevant evidence; support neededClear, accurate and independentInsightful, tested and exceptionally well justifiedExplains choices clearlyLimited evidence or incompleteSome relevant evidence; support neededClear, accurate and independentInsightful, tested and exceptionally well justifiedPresentation is organised and reflectiveLimited evidence or incompleteSome relevant evidence; support neededClear, accurate and independentInsightful, tested and exceptionally well justified

Final review

Strongest evidence:

What changed after feedback or testing:

Learner signature Parent signature Date