The Grove Junior School SATs Information Evening The KS2 SATs will take place between Monday 9th May and Thursday 12th May 2016.

What are SATs? Statutory Assessment Tests Statutory Assessment Tests A legal A legal requirement SATs tests are marked externally They are one of the measures of a child’s attainment in English and Mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2 They are one of the measures of a child’s attainment in English and Mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2

There are two sorts of assessments: Tests Teacher assessments Result of both will be given to parents during July

What does teacher assessment involve and is it different from testing? Teacher assessment draws together everything the teacher or teachers know about a child, including observations, marked work and school assessments. Teacher assessment is not a ‘snapshot’ like tests and is therefore more reliable. There can be a difference between teacher assessment results and test levels.

Explanation of ‘Levels’ At the expected standard Working towards the expected standard Working in greater depth/above the expected standard ?

English Reading Children are allowed one hour in total, including reading time. 1 hour test with 3 texts Texts are progressively more difficult Questions 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.

English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Introduced for children at the end of Key Stage 2 May Paper 1 45 minutes 40 to 50 short-answer questions covering grammar, punctuation and vocabulary Paper 2 15 minutes (approx.) Spelling test with 20 questions

Maths paper 1 Arithmetic 30 minutes paper 2 Reasoning 40 minutes Paper 3 Reasoning 40 minutes Calculators are no longer permitted in any of these papers. Children are allowed a pencil, ruler, protractor and mirror for Papers 2 & 3

Level 6 There is no level 6 or higher level paper anymore.

Teacher Assessments Writing No longer a ‘one off’ test within the SATs week. This is continuously assessed throughout the year. Science Children will be awarded a level for science based on their teacher's assessment. Although there are no formal science SATs for all, ‘science sampling’ was reintroduced in Science sampling takes place every two years so some schools will be selected for sampling this year.

Administration 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 Most children will sit their tests in their classroom, with any displays that may help covered over A smaller group of children will be supported by the use of readers and applications for extra time. These children will sit the test in a different room e.g. the hall The LA monitor 10% of schools per year Attendance is essential

Special Arrangements In the reading test, children must read the text and questions by themselves, but MAY have help recording their answers (a scribe), if this is done in a normal classroom situation. In the maths and SPAG papers teachers can read questions to any child who asks, some children will have the whole paper read to them, on a one to one. 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 they have identified learning needs. This has to be applied for in advance. Words on a test paper can be transcribed where a marker may not be able to read a child’s answer.

Timetable Monday 9th MayEnglish - reading Tuesday 10 th MayEnglish - grammar, punctuation and spelling English – spelling test Wednesday 11 th May Mathematics Paper 1 Mathematics paper 2 Thursday 14 th MayMathematics Paper 3

How have we been preparing? Mock SATs Mock SATs Continuous Assessment Continuous Assessment Intervention Classes Intervention Classes Focused Maths Lessons Focused Maths Lessons Focused Spelling Lessons Focused Spelling Lessons Focused SPaG Lessons Focused SPaG Lessons Homework Materials Homework Materials Guided / Independent Reading Guided / Independent Reading

How can you help: Please continue reading with your child; reading and understanding the questions is key for these tests and for life Quick mental maths at home, especially of the times tables, is very important Not putting children under too much pressure Ensuring children arrive for tests: -in good time -having had breakfast -having gone to bed at a reasonable time - no electronic gadgets in bedrooms!

Breakfast Club Monday – Thursday 8:15 – 8:45am Volunteers 60p per day

Finally SATs are important and it is a good opportunity to consolidate and apply in the tests all the skills the children have learnt so far. BUT – there is no need for children ( or parents) to worry about the test. The children will do their best. They have been given plenty of opportunities to practise for the tests.