What do I need to know about SATS?

1. What do I need to know about SATS?

2. What are SATs? • SATs or Standardised Assessment Tests are formal tests that are carried out at the end of Year 2. • They used to be statutory. They no longer are. • They are used to track both the progress of the child and the trends in learning and attainment nationally, regionally and school by school.

3. Which subjects will my child sit SATs in? • Reading Comprehension • Writing – both a short and long task • Maths – mental and written task. • All children will sit Level 2 papers. • Higher ability children will also sit Level 3 papers.

4. Why does my child have to sit SATs if they are no longer compulsory? • Although the results of SATS tests no longer have to be compulsorily reported to the government, schools are still legally required to provide information on the levels achieved by every child in Reading, Writing and Maths. • Children are also levelled in Speaking and Listening and in Science

5. Methods of Assessment • National Assessment Policy has been undergoing a period of change in the last few years. • Most schools are now using APP (Assessing Pupils’ Progress) – a form of continual assessment. • SATs are carried out under exam conditions and are used to corroborate levels gained through APP.

6. How will I know my child has been given the correct level? • Both APP assessment grids and SATS mark papers give clear descriptors for each level in each subject. • Teacher assessment is corroborated by Senior Management. • The assessment process in schools is moderated by the Royal Borough every 4 years. This year it is the turn of Queen Anne First School.

7. When do SATs take place? • SATs will take place some time between now and June. • Neither you or your child will be told when they are taking place. • They will take place in the morning when your child is fresh.

8. Where and How will SATs be administered? • SATs will take place in a classroom situation to make your child feels comfortable and to ensure s/he can perform to the best of his/her ability. • Invigilators will be members of staff from your child’s class. • Your child has already been practising for SATs with out realising it. S/he will be comfortable with the format of the test and the test paper by the time they sit the real thing!

9. What do the Levels mean? • Most children will receive levels 2c, 2b or 2a. These levels mean that you child is achieving in line with the national expectations for Year 2 • Some children will receive Level 3. Achieving above expectations for Year 2 • Some children will achieve Level 1. Achieving below expectations for Year 2 • Level 3 = Higher achieving • 2a = higher average • 2b = average • 2c = lower average • Level 1 =lower achieving

10. How do SATs levels affect my child? • SATs levels are used to monitor the progress of the child and the school. • Levels will be used in school to differentiate the academic tasks given to your child and to provide any support necessary. • SATs levels do not label your child for life! It is recognised within the teaching profession that all children progress at different rates at different times during their educational careers.

11. What can I do to help my child? • Ensure your child gets enough sleep, fresh air and exercise – No late night parties/sleepovers! • Keep reading to and with them. Ask them questions (literal and deductive) about what they are reading. (Use the laminated questioning sheet sent home this term) • Keep calm and carry on!

12. Any questions?