Y6 SATs May 2015 A Guide for Parents Article 28: All children have the right to an education. Article 29: All children have the right to be the best they can be.

What are SATs? SATs are Standard Assessment Tests SATs are given to children in Y2 and Y6 At the end of KS2 children complete SATs in; Reading Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS) Mathematics Mental mathematics There is not a legal requirement to complete a SAT in science However, schools must still report on attainment in science.

What are SATs? SATs are designed to assess children who are working between NC levels 3 and 5. It is possible that some children will be not be entered for SATs or will be entered at level 6. You will be informed at your child’s next progress meeting if this is going to be the case. Children who are not entered will be given teacher assessments.

When will the SATs happen? KS2 SATs 2015 begin Monday 11th May Monday – Reading Tuesday – Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Wednesday – Maths including Mental Maths Thursday – Maths Friday – school will give a Science test for teacher assessment Level 6 SATs will take place during some afternoons.

How are the SATs marked? Papers are marked by external examiners. Papers are sent away at the end of each day to the markers. The different SATs are marked by different people and then moderated before the school receives the results. The school has no contact with the markers. Science tests will be marked in school.

How will you know how your child has done? Once school has received individual SATs results, they will be passed on to you as soon as is possible. All children are given a target, which you are already familiar with through progress meetings. This target is based upon their achievement in Y2 SATs.

What is done in the English SAT? A reading test focuses on their ability to understand what they are reading. They read a booklet which contains a series of texts and then answer questions based on the texts. Another test focuses on grammar, vocabulary and punctuation. This lasts for 45 minutes. In the spelling test sentences are given with missing words. The missing words are read out and the children have to spell them. Writing is assessed throughout the year and continues after the SATs week.

What is done in the Maths SAT? Two 45 minute tests covering all areas of mathematical understanding, without a calculator Mental test – 20 questions, including 5, 10 and 15 second questions from a CD

How do we get through the week? We have fun during the afternoons! Children are given breakfast (drink and toast when they arrive at school to boost their energy levels) and fruit at break. We have a special treat at the end of the week such as a golden afternoon, a field afternoon etc.

What if my child is absent? If your child is absent, it may be possible for them to take the test up to a week after the date. However, this is only in very special circumstances, so it is very important that they are at school all week. Encourage your child to attend during the week, if they feel slightly unwell - they can go home after the test. Most children do experience some anxiety in the build up to, and during this week, please let us know so that we can help.

What can you do to help? Support homework activities. Make learning part of their everyday life (shopping, trips out). Practise difficult things in the run up to the SATs. Practise times tables. Encourage use of revision materials and work together. Encourage children to attend homework after school on Mondays. Ask them to talk about what they are reading. Use the Internet e.g minutes a day is better than 1hour a week!