KS1 SAT’s Information for Parents 2018

National Curriculum In 2014 a New National Curriculum and Objectives became statutory for all primary school pupils in England. The New Objectives are MUCH MORE CHALLENGING than previously and many of the objectives have been ‘brought down’ from ones which have been for older year groups. It is these objectives which we assess children against in all subjects, including Writing, Reading, Maths and Science. We state whether the children have met the objective or not. These are also used to form the ‘Working Towards, Expected and Greater Depth within Expected Standard’ descriptors which your child we be tested and assessed against in their SAT’s tests. The expected standard descriptors you have on your leaflet. To be at expected standard within each area your child has to achieve EVERY DESCRIPTOR within it. It is no longer a best fit model, they MUST ‘tick all of the boxes!’

New SAT’s Tests The New SAT’s tests were introduced two academic years ago. During MAY your child will sit; 2 Maths tests (Arithmetic, 25 questions mixed +, -, x, ÷) (Reasoning, problem solving) 2 Reading Tests (Paper 1, Paper 2 which has 2 parts a Fiction and Non-Fiction) A Grammar Punctuation and Spelling Test (GPS) (Not compulsory for children to sit again in 2018) Writing is Teacher Assessed but evidence must be consistent and evident throughout your child’s English books. Science is also teacher assessed but must be also be evident in books. Some children will also be re-taking the Phonics Screening Check but this will happen in June.

Reading Paper 1 20 marks

Reading Paper 2 20 marks

Maths Arithmetic 25 marks

Maths Reasoning 35 marks

Writing Expected Standard

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Each 20 marks

Organisation for the Test I organise the timetable for the tests (May). Every child has to sit the tests. They can be administered in small groups or as a whole class. In Maths and GPS I can read the tests but not explain how to work out the answer. However, in Reading I am unable to read anything to the children but can encourage. The tests are not timed, however the tests do have suggested times that they should take.

How is performance measured? KS1 tests will be marked within school. From this test your child will be gain a ‘raw score’ based on how many questions they answered correctly. This score is converted to a ‘scaled score’ which is out of 100 (government decided). A score of 100 is required to meet the ‘EXPECTED STANDARD’. ANY score below 100 means that your child is working ‘Towards the EXPECTED STANDARD’ (this includes 99). If your child scores nearer to 115 on their scaled score they are working at ‘GREATER DEPTH WITHIN EXPECTED STANDARD’. The number of children within a cohort achieving greater depth is often no more that 1 or 2 pupils. At the Autumn term parents evening you received information about your child’s end of year target which was set in relation to what they achieved at the end of reception. For example; if your child achieved Expected Standard at the end of Reception (a 2 on the parents evening sheet) then they should at the end of Year 2 achieve expected standard. However, children are not robots and learning happens at different paces for all children. This data is submitted to the government (compared against national data percentages), is used by Ofsted and is used in school to track children’s progress and the overall achievement of class. 2 years ago we had external moderation of our KS1 tests and this could happen this year. Where advisors will come into school to discuss and agree our judgements with us.

What are we doing in preparation? English, Guided Reading, Spelling and Maths lessons teach the children the knowledge that they need for the tests. The children have been undertaking past SAT’s tests in Reading, Maths and GPS so that they are familiar with the format of the tests and what will be expected of them. (You can also view past examples of these using the leaflet)

What can you do at home? Writing – Encourage your child to practise spellings (ones given in homework and the ones given at parents evening in the Autumn term) and practise their handwriting. Children don’t have to join but their handwriting must be cursive, flow and have flicks. Reading – To read as much as possible (fiction, non-fiction and poetry) and ask questions about what they have read (make sure that your child has to point to the text to show where they have found the answer). Encourage them to ask about the meaning of any new vocabulary. Maths – To practise +, - and ÷ by 2, 3, 5 and 10. To learn the 2, 3, 5 and 10 times tables. To look at the Maths booklet with your child and give them some similar questions to answer using the method shown. Science- Encourage your child to ask questions about the world in which they live and investigate. Support your child in completing their homework book task. Encourage your child to use the games on our page (on the leaflet). Make sure that they have slept well, had a good breakfast and are ready to complete the test to the absolute best of their ability.

What information will you receive? Writing Reading Mathematics Science GDS EXS WTS HNM PKF EXS - Expected Standard for a child of their age GDS – Greater Depth within expected standard WTS – Working Towards the expected standard PKF – Foundations for the expected standard As always, you are more than welcome to meet with me to discuss your child’s achievements.

Any Questions? Please remember that… YES these results are important but most of all we want the children to feel confident to do the tests and be proud of their achievements!