rthg - i was in the same situation... when i read about their 'methods' as a teacher it was so perscriptive...
after an australian education... this isn't for you.
it is totally product orientated and nothing on the process are their learning.
anmn - all due respect I dont think weekly testing is positive.
the children dont actually retain much knowledge - they just become test machines and is very stressful for them as they constantly assessed on performance and a grade not what they actually did.
it allows little development of the individual and their talents.
think of what you know and your best knowledge probably comes from deep experiences not rote learning facts.
actually i am a dab hand myself at passing exams but in my experience students and my learning has always been more meaningful when there has been a process of assessment like a group project.