Carlton Colville Primary School Information for Parents on end of Key Stage 2 statutory National Curriculum assessments (SATs)

What are the SATs? The SATs are Statutory Assessment Tests for all pupils at the end of Key Stage 2. They cannot be ‘passed’ or ‘failed’ but simply provide an indication of current attainment at that point in time.

Changes to the Attainment System In 2016 the Department for Education overhauled the SATs tests making them more rigorous than under the previous system. In addition, the government also introduced a new system of reporting the results of the tests.

How are children assessed? The SAT tests are taken in Reading, Mathematics and GAPS (Grammar, Punctuation and Spellings). Teacher Assessment is used to assess writing, and this is based on evidence from day-to-day work throughout the year. There are three main possible outcomes as a result of this assessment: -‘Working towards the expected standard.’ -‘Working at the expected standard.’ -‘Working at greater depth within the expected standard.’ The deadline to submit this data isn’t until the end of June and it is therefore important to understand that Year 6 isn’t over after the SATs.

How are children assessed? Teacher assessment judgements are also made in Reading and Maths (in addition to the tests) and in Science although there will only be one standard to assess against, which is ‘Working at the expected standard.’ Teacher assessment draws together everything the teacher or teachers know about a child, including observations, marked work and school assessments.

How is SATs week Organised? A timetable is issued to school, telling us which days tests must be administered. We can determine at what time tests begin. All children must sit the tests at the same time. Schools will not know what the questions are until the packs are opened ready to start the tests. Tests are externally marked.

English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling SATs Timetable Monday 14th May Tuesday 15th May Wednesday 16th May Thursday 17th May Friday 18th May AM English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling 45 minutes Minutes English Reading Test 1 hour Arithmetic Test 30 minutes Maths Reasoning Paper 1 40 Minutes Maths Reasoning Paper 2 PM Your child will need to be in school at 8:30 during SATs week and we will provide a small snack.

How are the SATs conducted? The tests are completed in classrooms, with any displays that may help covered over. Children are divided into groups for test administration to ensure they are properly supported and feel secure.

Following the test there is a short spelling test of 20 words. Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling This test assesses the children’s attainment in these specific areas of English. The test is 45 minutes long and consists of approximately 46 questions. Following the test there is a short spelling test of 20 words. This is a timetable change from previous years.

Reading Comprehension The English Reading Test consists of a reading booklet containing three texts (usually) and a reading answer booklet comprising of approximately 35 questions (totalling 50 marks). Children are given 1 hour to complete the paper and should refer to the texts in the reading booklet throughout. .

Reading Comprehension Give/explain the meaning of words in context. Retrieve and record information/ identify key details from fiction and non-fiction. Summarize the main ideas from more than one paragraph. Make inferences from the text/explain and justify responses with evidence from the text. Predict what might happen from details stated and implied. Explain how meaning is enhanced through the author’s choice of words and phrases. Make comparisons within the text.

Mathematics This test consists of 3 papers: One Arithmetic paper lasting 30 minutes. This consists of a variety of maths calculations to carry out, with no contextual questions. e.g. What is 43 x 23? Two tests of Mathematical Reasoning (no calculators allowed), each lasting 40 minutes. The reasoning papers will test a child’s understanding of mathematical concepts and their ability to apply the maths they have learned in a range of ways and contexts.

e.g.

Mathematics The arithmetic paper replaces the mental arithmetic paper from previous years (audio CD) and requires children to answer 36 questions in 30 minutes. The children’s marks from all three tests are aggregated to calculate their overall mathematics raw score and this will then be converted to the scaled score. Teachers may read questions in both ‘Reasoning’ papers if the children ask.

Reporting System After the tests have been externally marked, children are awarded a scaled score based on the raw score they achieve in the tests. A scaled score of 100 would mean your child’s attainment is at the expected standard for the end of Key Stage 2. However, the raw score needed to achieve this will not be decided by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) until after the tests have been taken and marked.

Greater Depth Some children have previously been entered into an additional higher levelled paper (the level 6 test). This is no longer the case; more able pupils will instead be challenged within the normal test papers by questions with a higher degree of cognitive demand. When the STA establish the raw score which will convert to a scaled score of 100, they will also decide the raw score needed to achieve a scaled score of 110 signifying a pupil working at greater depth.

What if my child is ill? If it is something minor, your child should still come in and sit the test before returning home. In more serious cases, we can apply to the DfE for your child to sit the test on a different day, providing your child does not have contact with any of their peers.

How Parents can help? Ensure 100% attendance for your child. Make sure they get enough sleep. Make sure they eat breakfast and have a drink before they come to school. Don’t try to frighten them into revising. Stories about ending up in the bottom group at high school adds pressure and stress. Encourage them to ask the teacher if they are unsure about anything. Explain that the National Curriculum Tests are a way of showing what they know. Remind them that THEY CAN’T FAIL !

Thank You Please feel free to ask any questions