Homework, Phonics and SATs Presentation 2018

Phonics Screening Year 1 Pupils and some Year 2 Pupils will participate in an individual Phonics Screening Check during June. 40 real and nonsense words are provided for the children to read and they will receive a score out of 40. This provides us with information about their progress in reading. All Year 1 pupils and some Year 2 Pupils will take part in daily phonics sessions at a level to suit their needs. This will support them with reading and writing.

What can you do to help? Listen to your child read regularly. Discuss patterns within words such as ‘ing’ and ‘ed’; words within words (such as ‘helper’ has the word ‘help’ within it); or help them to identify families of words (such as would/should/could/wouldn’t/shouldn’t /couldn’t). If possible, make a note of spelling patterns you have discussed with your child in the reading record. This enables us to follow up in school if the pattern is seen again. Read a range of materials - not just the school scheme books! Ensure your child has lots of ‘fun’ opportunities to practise key spellings (see handout); using the school’s chosen handwriting style as much as possible.

Additional support you can provide in Year 1 Practise counting on and back from and to different numbers (see record sheet). Ensure your child has instant recall of all of the number bonds of numbers up to and including 10. Provide lots of opportunities for your child to use real money to buy small items, so that they understand how to get change. Look for and identify common 2D and 3D shapes in the environment.. Use different units of measure (for example: scales or measuring jugs when cooking). Provide opportunities for the development of fine motor skills - such as cutting and gluing, painting or even sewing.

Use ICT for a purpose There are lots of great websites and APPs for children to use to build on their knowledge of number, reading skills and spelling (see handout). Please let us know of any additional activities that you have found useful as there are so many out there!

What are the SATs? The SATs are a series of tests which all pupils in state schools must take in Year 2 and Year 6. 2 maths papers and 2 reading papers are statutory. A spelling, grammar and punctuation test is also available and is used to guide our Teacher Assessment. Extended writing is not formally tested, but teachers are requested to collect evidence throughout the year and across all subjects to support a teacher assessment at the end of Key stage 1.

When will the tests take place? Any suitable time in May.

What are the Maths Papers like? Arithmetic Paper. Questions are ALL number problems. To check pupils’ understanding of, and ability to apply, the four rules of number (+ - x and ÷). Children are encouraged to draw images or show working out to support calculations (no additional equipment can be provided). Approximately 25 minutes.

Reasoning Paper. Enables pupils to show a wider range of skills in maths, such as knowledge of 2D and 3D shapes, telling the time, reading charts and graphs and solving word problems. Adults can read questions to pupils, although no guidance given. At no time will an adult read the symbol (+ - x or ÷). Approximately 35 minutes.

What are the reading papers like? Reading Paper 1 :pupils to read a short piece of text and respond to questions on the same page (approximately 25 mins). Reading Paper 2 : pupils to read an extended text, then answer in a separate booklet (approximately 35 mins).

What is SPAG? Spelling, punctuation and grammar (non-statutory, but completed at Etchells and all of our local cluster Schools) Spelling test : 20 words are tested, to assess understanding of common English spelling rules and patterns (approx. 10 minutes). Punctuation and Grammar : a written test to check knowledge of past and present tense/ parts of speech (nouns, verb, adjectives and adverbs)/ types of sentence (statement/question/exclamation and command)/ grammar and punctuation (approximately 20 minutes). Can be read to pupils.

What happens to the scores? These are used to support teacher assessment (TA) at the end of the year. Total scores are calculated from the 2 maths papers and from the two reading papers. No scores or tests are sent away. Teachers will use the scores to provide the government with a ‘scale’ score (where 100 is the standard that most children will be expected to make, a scale score of below 100 will indicate that a child has not yet met the expected standard for Year 2).

What can you do to help? - maths Boost with number practice. Count on and back in ones and tens from ANY number (through 100). Practise tables (2x 5x 10x) and related division facts. Learn 2D and 3D shape names and find examples around you. Practise telling time to nearest 5 mins (clockwise/anticlockwise turns). Cut objects into halves/quarters/thirds or find examples in and around the house. Ensure your child has lots of opportunities to use real money/get change.

English - reading Read regularly! (5x five minute reads are better than 1 x 30 minute read). Share the reading of a wide range of books (1 page read by the child/1 read by you). Discuss texts/stories you have shared together. Ask specific questions to make pupils skim the text for key words. Ensure your child has lots of opportunities to explain what new vocabulary might mean.

SPAG Learn the 100 high frequency words. Practise common English spelling rules (and common exceptions). When reading: Look at a sentence and ask children to identify nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs. Ask your child to explain why specific pieces of punctuation have been used. Is the text past or present tense? Practise changing a sentence from one tense to the other.

On the weeks of the tests… Do not do additional revision or put pressure on the children, but keep the routines as normal as possible. Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep and has eaten breakfast. Have a calm start to the morning and arrives in school on time. We will not be making a big deal out of the tests, but we would like the children to have a positive attitude towards them, rather than a fear of them.

Are there any questions? Please use parents evening (Wed 7th and Thurs 8th March), or pop in to have a chat if you have any concerns over what will be happening or regarding your child’s progress.