Understanding language is the most important factor in being able to access learning - understanding instructions and explanations - as well as being essential to communicate with others in day-to-day life. The BPVS offers a great way to detect language impairment and to enable us to put measures in place to address any issues straight away.Christine Comber, SENCO at Taylor Road Primary
GL Assessment’s leading vocabulary assessment for standard English, the British Picture Vocabulary Scale: Third Edition (BPVS3), can play an important role in assessing a child’s receptive (hearing) vocabulary, from as young as 3 years right up to 16 years of age. Its simple, appealing format and ease of administration belies the significance of the assessment and how it can help identify any delay in vocabulary development, even before children are in full time education.
BPVS3 is a one-to-one test that assesses a child’s receptive vocabulary; for each question, the teacher says a word and the pupil responds by selecting a picture from four options that best illustrates the word’s meaning.
As no reading is required, BPVS3 can be used to assess language development in non-readers and especially pupils with expressive language impairments. Because no spoken response is required, the assessment may be administered to pupils with autism and other related communication difficulties or those with English as an Additional Language (EAL). To help with administration to pupils who may be colour blind the illustrations have black outlines and the colours are vivid.