1. SATs 2014

2. The tests and Levels
In the summer term 2014, the children in Year 6 will sit a series of SATs tests in the following subjects:
English
Maths
The children will get a level for reading, writing, and Maths.
The National requirement is that children make 2-3 whole levels progress from their KS1 baseline.
2 levels is average and 3 levels is above average progress.

3. Level 6
Some children have been working towards achieving Level 6 in both Numeracy and/or Reading comprehension work and/or Grammar.
We have applied for those children to sit separate Level 6 tests in order to progress their abilities and challenge them even further. These tests will be held in the SATs week in May.

4. Maths The Maths test consists of three parts. Maths A – non-calculator
Maths B – non-calculator
Mental maths
Each test requires the children to demonstrate a range of skills in the following areas:
Number
Shape, space and measures
Data handling
Using and applying – There is now a much greater emphasis on this area

5. Tests A and B last 45 minutes each.
The tests consist of 1 or 2 mark questions. When a box is given, the children are required to show their working out. They can often get 1 mark for showing appropriate working out, even if their final answer is wrong.
The mental maths test consists of 20 questions. The questions are played on a CD. Each question will be said twice, then the children have 5, 10 or 15 seconds to answer.

6. Level 3

7. Level 4

8. Level 5

9. Helping your child
Obviously there will be a wide range of questions. Covering many areas of maths. The best way you can help is to:
Encourage your child to read and interpret the questions independently. If they need help with homework, ask them to explain the task to you rather than you telling them what to do.
Encourage them to show their working out and explain what they did and why.
Give them lots of practise with everyday skills like telling the time, handling money etc.
Keep practising their times tables and number bonds.
Find opportunities to read scales – weighing scales, dial on a cooker, clocks, thermometers etc. Use them as number lines to find differences, count on/back etc.
Finally, encourage them to have the confidence to ‘give it a go’. Many children leave out questions because they are afraid to get it wrong. If one strategy doesn’t work they can always try another one!

10. English Reading comprehension
1 hour for reading and answering the comprehension questions
SPAG test – Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (no level will be provided for this test)
46 grammar and punctuation questions in 45 min
20 spellings read within 20 separate sentences
Writing task (to be sat in late May/early June)
Children are provided with a writing task
10 min planning
45 min writing

11. Reading Comprehension
English
Reading Comprehension
Multiple choice
Short answers – often direct retrieval of information
Several line answers / longer answers
Requires inference from the text or use of understanding

12. What is the English grammar, punctuation
SPAG test
What is the English grammar, punctuation
and spelling test?
The English grammar, punctuation and spelling test assesses children’s English skills in four key areas:
spelling
punctuation
grammar
vocabulary

13. Why do our children have to take this test?
The Department for Education is introduced the test last year because they want to make sure that when children leave primary school they are confident in grammar, punctuation and spelling.
The test will ensure that primary schools place a stronger focus on the teaching of these skills than in previous years.
The test results will provide teachers with useful information about their children’s progress in each of the key areas.
Most children will move to a secondary school the following term, and their new English teachers can use this information to focus their lessons on areas of need.

14. 1. Read the sentence below and circle the preposition.
Brian showed me his new scooter at the park.
2. Look at the table below. Put a tick in each row to show whether each apostrophe is used for omission or possession.
Sentence
Omission
Possession
The teacher’s glasses are missing.
It’s no problem if you want to stay.
There aren’t any sandwiches left.

15. 3. Read the sentences below and circle the article in each one.
I have an apple in my pocket.
The time is half past five.
We have a lunch break after maths.
4. Read the sentence below and circle the connective.
While I went to the dentist, Vlad went to the shops.
5. Read the sentences below.
Find one word that can complete both sentences.
Write the word in the box.
I like to have _________________________ on my toast.
We were stuck in a traffic ________________________.

16. Long Writing Task Sentence structure & punctuation
Vary sentences for clarity, purpose & effect
Technical accuracy & punctuation
Text structure & organisation
Effective sequencing and structuring of information, ideas & events
Use of paragraphs and cohesion between them
Composition and Effect
Imaginative
Text appropriate to task, reader & purpose

17. Handwriting Judged as part of the longer writing task.
Needs to be joined up, legible, clear and consistent.

18. Spelling Test Follows on from the SPAG test Read by the teacher
Children given 20 sentences with words missing
Teacher reads each sentence and pauses at the words needing to be spelled
20 words
taken at random from the current curriculum (including common spelling patterns and tricky words).
Regular practise is the key!

19. English SATS – Help at Home
Read a range of genres
Discuss the text & ask questions
How do you think XXX was feeling?
What clues in the text tell you this?
Time them on their homework
Share their writing with them
Discuss punctuation
Discuss the effect and variety of their sentences
Help them practise their spellings