Information for Parents on Key Stage 2 SATs

Information for Parents on Key Stage 2 SATs

What does SATs Stand For? 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).

Are they important? The tests measure progress from Key Stage One to Key Stage Two to ensure that the pupil has made adequate progress. It serves as a baseline for Secondary schools – and will help teachers to understand the level your child is working at It is a celebration of successes at the end of their primary career

What level should children be at? The government no longer publishes ‘levels. At the end of the year, the pupils will be classed as: Working towards the expected standard Working at greater depth

How are the children assessed? There are 2 types of assessments: Tests in Reading, Maths and GPS (grammar, punctuation and spelling) Teacher assessments in writing

When do these tests happen? The writing assessment is done over the course of the year and submitted at the end of June.

What do the tests involve?

Reading Comprehension The children are given a reading booklet with three separate texts in it and an answer booklet with comprehension questions. They have a total of one hour to read the texts and complete the questions at their own pace. If the pupil is entitled to extra time, they will have 1 hour and 15 minutes It is important that they look for evidence for their answers in the text to get the marks. The reading test is out of 50. Last year they needed 28 marks to pass and 40 marks for greater depth. 9/9/2020

The reading answer booklet will comprise approximately 35 to 40 questions (totalling 50 marks). The questions are: shorter, closed response items (such as multiple choice and matching questions); shorter, open response items longer, open response items that require children to explain and comment on the texts in order to demonstrate a full understanding. Questions are worth 1, 2 or 3 marks. 9/9/2020

English grammar, punctuation and spelling A new statutory test of English grammar, punctuation and spelling was introduced for children at the end of Key Stage 2 from May 2013.

It assesses children’s abilities in the following technical aspects of English: grammar punctuation spelling vocabulary

The children are required to complete a GPS test, which is a booklet with generally short answer questions. The have a total of 45 minutes to complete the test at their own pace (56 minutes if extra time) They also have to complete a spelling test of 20 spellings. The GPS test is out of 50 and the spelling test is out of 20. The scores are added together. Last year, you needed ______marks to pass and _____ marks for greater depth.

Examples Circle all the adverbs in the sentence below. Open the drawers carefully and quietly when using the filing cabinet. Add a suffix to this word to make an adjective. dread _______

Underline the subordinate clause in each sentence below. One has been done for you. Although his Mum thought they were very smart, Peter disliked his new trousers. Before he could go swimming, Ali packed his towel.

Complete the sentence below with a contraction that makes sense. If you give me the recipe______ buy the ingredients on the way home.

MATHS There are 3 tests in all. Paper 1 Arithmetic (30 minutes/37. 5 minutes) 40 marks This test is calculations only and requires speed and accuracy. Paper 2 Reasoning (40 minutes/50 minutes) 35 marks Paper 3 Reasoning (40 minutes/50 minutes) 35 marks The scores are added together and pupils are given a mark out of 110. Last year, they needed 61 to pass and 96 for greater depth. Teachers may read questions in both written papers to pupils if asked.

How is SATs week organised? 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 must sit the tests at the same time. Test papers can only be opened 1 hour before the tests begin. 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.

What help can children have? In the reading test, children must read the text and questions by themselves, but read the question to an adult if this helps them. In maths and GPS teachers can read questions to any child who asks. It is assessing their maths and GPS – not their reading. Teachers can encourage, but not guide or say that an answer is correct or incorrect. Some children can be given up to 25% extra time if the staff at school have identified learning needs. The children can have questions read (as above). Words on a test paper can be transcribed where a marker may not be able to read a child’s answer.

Scribes Some children are allocated a scribe to write for them during the tests, to help record answers more quickly. In the GPS tests, children must indicate where they would like punctuation, including capital letters, to be written. In maths tests, they must ensure they explain how they would like their working out to be presented. Children to do have to dictate spelling and punctuation during the reading paper as this is not being tested. 9/9/2020

Breakfast! We will be offering a free breakfast on the 4 days of the tests. Please keep an eye out for further details!

2012013 Test Timetable 3 Test 2019 Test Timetable 13 th May 14 th May 15 th May 16 th May GPS test 45 minutes Reading Test 1 hour Maths Paper 1 Arithmetic 30 minutes Maths Paper 3 Reasoning 40 minutes Spelling test roughly 20 minutes Maths Paper 2 Reasoning 40 minutes 17 th May

How and when will the results be reported? Your child will get a scaled score for each test. 100 – is the average mark nationally Your child will get a score below, at or above 100 to show they are performing. Results are normally reported back to schools in early July and will be reported to parents in the end of year reports.

How can parents help? Talking to your child about the tests and what their gaps in learning are. Helping you child have the time and space to revise Supporting your child emotionally – are they too worried – or not worried enough? ! Ensuring children arrive for tests: in good time having had breakfast having gone to bed at a reasonable time Helping your child with the Easter Homework Pack.

Easter Homework Pack Spellings (3/4 and 5/6) GPS Paper GPS Practice Sheets Arithmetic Test Personalised Maths work Maths revision sheet Reading Texts – please get your child to read one text a day out loud to you and discuss it with them. Reading comprehension practice General revision on individual gaps from revision books Homework is not compulsory but will help your child to perform to the best of their ability and keep their brain active over the break.

Thank you so much for supporting us and your children! Any questions?