Key Stage 2 SAT Parent Information Evening

1. Key Stage 2 SAT Parent Information Evening

2. What does SAT stand for? • Statutory Assessment Tests • Usually taken at the end of Key Stage 1 (at age 7) and at the end of Key Stage 2 (at age 11).

3. What level should children be at? • Children are expected to achieve Level 4 by the end of Key Stage 2. • Some children will still be at Level 3 and some children will achieve Level 5 or 6.

4. How are the children assessed? • For children working at Level 3 and above, there are two sorts of assessments: tests and teacher assessments. • For pupils to be awarded a Level 6 they need to sit the level 3-5 papers, gain a high level 5 and sit the level 6 papers and gain a level 6.

5. When do the tests take place? • This year it is the week beginning 12th May. All tests take place in that week. Children may not take them earlier or later. • A timetable is issued to schools to tell them when tests should be completed, this is the same nationally. • Usually there is one test per day (with the exception of those pupils sitting the level 6 papers) and it is a busy week for children and staff alike. • Tests are completed in classrooms, with any displays that may help covered over.

6. Reading • English Grammar, punctuation and Spelling English The Assessment of Literacy is covered by two tests:

7. Reading (comprehension) • The texts will not be linked by a theme with questions increasing in difficulty through the booklet. • Children will have a total of one hour to read the booklet and complete the questions. • Short answers: 1 mark; Longer answers up to 3 marks; some answers may involve completing a diagram or drawing arrows. • This test will be sent off to be externally marked.

8. English Grammar, punctuation and spelling • This will focus on four areas: Spelling, punctuation, sentence-grammar and vocabulary. • This test will be sent off to be externally marked.

9. Mental Mathematics • Mathematics test 1 • Mathematics test 2 Mathematics The Assessment of Numeracy is covered by three tests:

10. Mental Mathematics • There are 20 questions which the children hear on tape. • Each question is read twice. • They involve a range of skills. • Working out time is 5, 10 or 15 seconds.

11. Mathematics tests • This year the big change is that calculators are not allowed in any of the level 3-5 tests. • Some questions are worth one mark and therefore accuracy is important. • Other questions are worth two marks and even if the answer is wrong, a mark may be given for correct working. • These tests will be sent off to be externally marked.

12. Science Assessment • Science sampling tests will recommence in June 2014 on a biennial basis • This test will not be taken by whole cohorts but 5 pupils from selected schools will be randomly selected • If our school is selected we will be informed in May and we will let parents know if their child is selected • When the data is published no individual school or child will be identified • Teacher will still give each child a level in Science based on work in class

13. What is the difference between Teacher Assessment and SAT? • Teacher assessment draws together everything the teacher or teachers know about a child, including observations, marked work and school assessments. • Tests are a snapshot’ of a child’s abilities on that day. • There can be a difference between teacher assessment results and test levels.

14. What are we doing to prepare? • Building confidence • Having a go at practice tests • Addressing gaps in learning • Interventions – in class, Homework, Teacher Assistant support • Some children will be offered booster classes after half-term

15. How can parents help? • Don’t try and frighten them into revising – encourage them and tell them they can do well. • Support them with homework. • Make sure they get enough sleep. • Make sure they eat breakfast. • It is important they arrive at school on time. • Please help them not to panic!