A Parent’s Guide to Key Stage Two SATs A Parent’s Guide to Key Stage Two SATs

Aims Understand what our children will be tested on and the format of the tests The role of Teacher assessment What the levels mean How parents can help and support their children

When are our children assessed at SCPS? Reception – Early Years Foundation Stage Profile KS1 SATs – Year 2 KS2 SATs – Year 6 Assessments take place in all year groups, but these are not statutory

What do SATs tests show? The idea of the SATs is to show what pupils have learnt and retained throughout Key Stage 2. The tests, along with our Teacher Assessments, help with transition and groupings for High School.

Can my child fail a SATs test? It is important that Children understand they are not going to 'pass' or 'fail' the test – it will just show what they have learned and what they can do.

What are the children tested on? The children are assessed on all of the work they have covered in Key Stage Two in English (reading, writing, spelling and grammar) and Mathematics.

What form will the tests take? English Reading 60 mins comprehension paper Writing (teacher assessment) Writing Tasks to be carried out and marked by the teacher Grammar, punctuation and spelling (SPAG) Mental Maths – approximately 20 minutes 2 written papers - 45 minutes each (no calculator)

KS2 Timetable May 2015 AMPM Monday 11 th May Reading test 15 minutes plus 45 minutes Level 6 Reading test 15 minutes plus 45 minutes Tuesday 12 th May SPAGLevel 6 SPAG Wednesday 13 th May Mental Maths 20 minutes Maths Paper A (45 mins) Thursday 14 th May Maths B 45 minutes Level 6 Maths Papers 1 and 2 Friday 15 th May Writing Assessment

English Reading  The children have 60 minutes to read a story or poem and some information writing, all roughly based around a theme such as 'spiders' or 'bicycles'.  They then have to answer questions about the texts. Some are tick-boxes and for others they need to write a few phrases to answer (it doesn't have to be in sentences).  The questions range from the literal (who does what, when) to the deductive (where, for example, they have to work out how someone is feeling from what they say).  Your child will be encouraged to say which parts of the text told them the answer.  Pupils often need to back up their ideas with evidence from the text, to fully support their answer.

Writing The children’s writing is assessed by the teacher over the whole year

Mathematics This involves three papers. The written papers cover lots of calculating skills, understanding of shapes, symmetry and reading charts. The mental paper is on mental skills. Children are played a CD of 20 questions, and given either 5, 10 or 15 seconds to answer them on a prepared sheet..

Gaining full marks! In both of these papers, children are encouraged to show how they got an answer, and can get marks for a sensible try at a question even if they get the answer wrong. Children will also be expected to show an understanding of how to use and apply their mathematical knowledge in a variety of ways or 'to think like a mathematician'.

What is teacher assessment? Teachers are required to summarise their assessments at the end of the key stage, giving a level for each attainment target in English, Mathematics and Science. They must give an overall subject level in Mathematics and Science and English.

How can parents help? Don't worry - the tests are not an eleven plus. A child does not fail SATs. Encourage children to be confident about their ability to do well. Playing is important - children should not be stopped from living their lives as normal during test week. Sleep is also important! Please ensure that there are no late nights this weekend. Lots of fresh air makes lots of sleep!!!! A hearty breakfast helps to feed a working mind. If your child is ill, please try to get them to school as they can always go home after sitting the test. If you are not sure please contact the school as soon as possible on the morning of the test. There will be no homework this weekend, but if you want to do something go on the BBC Bitesize website ( see our Year 6 web pages)

Any questions?