Information for Parents on Key Stage 2 SATs

1. Information for Parents on Key Stage 2 SATs

2. Statutory Assessment Tasks and Tests (also includes Teacher Assessment). • Usually taken at the end of Key Stage 1 (at age 7) and at the end of Key Stage 2 (at age 11). What does SATs stand For?

3. Depending on the number of correct answers in the tests, the children are given a numerical scaled score. • The expected standard is score of 100, although the average will be slightly higher. • Some children will receive a score significantly below or above 100. GRADING SYSTEM

4. Example: Child A – got a 2B aged 7 in his reading test. Scores 105 aged 11 and so is said to have made better than expected progress • Example: Child B – got a level 1 aged 7 in maths. Scores 95 aged 11 so although isn’t at age expected levels yet, has still made expected progress. What does that mean for my child?

5. For most children there will be two types of assessment – teacher assessment and tests. Teacher assessment takes account of the work the children do in class. The tests are externally set and marked. • For some children it is inappropriate for them to sit the tests and they receive a teacher assessment only. How are the children assessed?

6. This year the tests will take place on the week commencing 13thMay. Children may not take them earlier or later without special permission for extraordinary circumstances. • Usually there are two tests per day and it is a busy week for children and staff alike. When do these tests happen?

7. What do the tests involve?

8. ENGLISH

9. Children have 60 minutes to read and answer questions from 3 or 4 different texts. Children are expected to be able to read fluently. • No help with reading/explaining is allowed, but some children can have support in physically writing answers. • Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not important in this test. • Most marks are for explanations with questions worth 2 or 3 marks expecting more detailed answers. Reading Comprehension

10. Writing is continually assessed through independent short and longer tasks throughout the year. Children are expected to show a variety of sentence forms; accurate grammar and punctuation; appropriate structure and imaginative and interesting ideas and vocabulary, which are appropriate for the reader and task. A sample of work may be externally moderated, to ensure that assessment for writing is consistent across schools nationally. Writing

11. It is assessed in two separate tests. One 45 minute grammar and punctuation test and one spelling test of 20 target words (presented to children orally by a teacher) Words are presented both singularly and in a sentence. Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

12. MATHS

13. Children sit an “arithmetic” paper. This will be a series of written calculations which will test their speed and accuracy of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. • Children will have 30 minutes to complete the test. Paper 1: Arithmetic

14. Two 40 minute written papers, for which calculators are not allowed. • 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 working out. • There is more emphasis on being able to use and apply maths in word problems. • Teachers may read questions in both written papers to pupils if asked. Paper 2 and 3: reasoning

15. A timetable is issued to school, telling us on which days tests must be administered. • We can determine at what time tests begin. • All children usually sit the tests at the same time. • Tests are completed in classrooms, with any displays that may help covered over. • The LA monitor 10% of schools per year. • Children are divided into groups for test administration to ensure they are properly supported and feel secure. How is SATs week organised?

16. In the reading test, children must read the text and questions by themselves, but MAY have help recording their answers, if this is done in a normal classroom situation. • In maths, teachers can read questions to any child who asks. Some children will have the whole paper read to them, on a one to one basis. • Teachers can encourage, but not guide or say that an answer is correct or incorrect. • Words on a test paper can be transcribed where a marker may not be able to read a child’s answer. What help can children have?

17. The best help is interest taken in learning and progress. • Attending meetings and parents evenings. • Supporting homework, with specific focus on their targets. • Not putting children under too much pressure. • Ensuring children arrive for school and tests: - in good time - having gone to bed at a reasonable time How can parents help?

18. Spellings! In your child’s home school book there is the year 5/6 wordlist. Many of the spellings your child will be given will come from this list (these are words that don’t follow the regular rules). Although there are only 20 spellings in the actual test, their score makes a significant difference to their SPAG level and, therefore, their overall English level. How can parents help?

19. 2019 Test Timetable

20. Test papers are sent to external markers after the tests and arrive back in school early in July. • Schools then check the results and papers to ensure there are no errors. Sometimes papers are sent for re-marking. • Schools must inform parents of SATs results by the end of the school year in July. • Parents receive test and teacher assessment scores for English and Maths and teacher assessment only for science. • Your child’s receiving high school will also be informed of his/her results. What information do parents get and when?