New Progress in Understanding Mathematics Assessment (PUMA)
The New Progress in Understanding Mathematics Assessment (PUMA) is a series of termly tests that benchmark performance and track progress against national averages in maths. Standardised on over 10,000 pupils in 2019/20, the new PUMA is a revised form of the PUMA, and is a standardised, curriculum-linked series of tests, designed initially for whole-class use with pupils of all abilities.
Separate tests are available for autumn, spring and summer terms for age 5 -11 years. They provide summative, diagnostic and predictive information with standardised scores and reading ages, and a diagnostic profile. Tables include English National Curriculum levels. Users can choose from paper or digital tests.
Age range
Age 5 to 11, with an older age version in development.
Who can use it?
Mainly for teachers using the English Maths curriculum but currently used by teachers in other UK nations as well. A Scottish version is under development.
How is it used?
The tests are quick to administer, taking 30–40 minutes to assess a whole class. Pupils can take the tests digitally, with instant marking and reporting. There is a video tutorial at the start of each test to help children become familiar with the online format.
What can it tell us?
PUMA can digitally generate individual progress predictions and individual reports. A new assessment and reporting kit, My Access and Reporting Kit (MARK), identifies specific gaps in knowledge based on pupil performance in PUMA and suggests learning sequences to address these. Additional intervention activities will be available online in 2021.
Pros
- Is well standardised.
- Recent and up-to-date test.
- Clear, informative charts produced.
Cons
- Some charts are only directly applicable in England as they're linked to the English curriculum.
- It is a group test used by schools for screening, meaning some pupils may have already completed it as a regular class test.
- Expensive for small numbers of children as different test papers are needed for each year group.
Is there a cost?
Yes.