2. To share important information about SATs. To answer any questions about KS2 SATs. Discuss / share ideas about how you can help your child at home. Aims of the session

3. Standard Assessment Tests (SATs). All children have to be tested before they go to high school. They provide assessment information for high schools (successes and challenges). Purpose – to judge whether each child is working at the expected standard. What are KS2 SATs?

4. What are the children tested on? The children are tested on all key elements of the work they have covered in Year 3-6 (Key Stage 2) in Maths and English. Other assessments take place throughout the year. Some schools are sampled for Science testing too – we will not know about this until nearer the time.

5. Can my child fail a SATs test? NO! It is important that children understand they are not going to 'pass' or 'fail' the test - it will just show what they have learnt and what they can do.

6. What information do high schools want? O SATs results O Teacher assessments O Tests administered by the high schools

7. Teacher assessment draws together everything the teacher or teachers know about a child, including observations, marked work and school assessments. Teacher assessment is not a ‘snapshot’ like tests and is therefore more reliable. There can be a difference between teacher assessment results and test outcomes. What does teacher assessment involve, and is it different from testing?

8. A timetable is issued to all schools, telling us on which days/sessions tests must be administered. All children must sit the tests at the same time. Test papers are opened at the point of administering the papers to the children. Tests will be completed in the Year 6 classroom and other familiar rooms where children require readers or scribes, following the rules set out by the Government. How is SATs week organised?

9. Year 6 SATs Week 9 th – 12 th May 2016

10. During SATs week: Please ensure that your child is in school every day during SATs week. Ensure that they are in school on time. Please don’t book anything during this week e.g. doctor’s appointments, holidays etc. If your child is ill, let us know immediately.

11. English SATs consist of: A reading test A spelling, punctuation and grammar test (sometimes referred to as SPaG / GaPS)

12. 1 hour to read booklet and answer questions. There will be 3 or 4 texts, and sets of questions which are of differing levels of difficulty. There are a variety of different questions to be answered in different ways. Children cannot have any adult help in this test.

13. How can parents help with reading? Ensure your child reads a range of fiction and non-fiction on a regular basis. Try to ask them questions about the text. Help them with the different skills of reading especially ‘skim’ reading where they are looking for key words in the text. Have a go at speed reading

14. 45 minutes to answer 46 questions covering the technical aspects of grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. There will be a separate 15 minute spelling test of 20 words. Words will be read then put into a coherent sentence for meaning then repeated. Teachers may read questions to pupils if asked.

15. Again, reading a variety of texts – the more children read, the more familiar they become with different text types and vocabulary. Encouraging your child to complete all homework and discussing their work with them. Help your child to learn the weekly spellings. How can parents help with SPaG?

16. Mathematics SATs consist of: This is a 30 minute test worth 40 marks. An arithmetic paper. Two written test papers Paper A and Paper B (30 mins each) Each paper is worth 40 marks.

17. Some questions are worth one mark and therefore accuracy is important. Other questions are worth two marks and even if the answer is wrong, a mark may be given for correct working. Teachers may read questions in both written papers to pupils if asked.

18. Support with homework – not just helping with the Maths but reading the question can really help. Rehearse number facts e.g. times tables and also written calculation methods. Help your child to check their work through – this will help them to spot mistakes that can sometimes be easily fixed. How can parents help with Maths?

19. What happens to the papers? After each test the papers are packaged, sealed and sent to external markers. Papers are returned to the school with the results available in July 2016. A copy of your child’s results, together with the Teacher Assessment will be in their annual report.

20. What are we doing? Additional Maths & Literacy support (Mrs Wells, Mr Evans, Mrs Jones) Teaching Assistant support with lots of groups to consolidate learning from lessons. Homework. Test preparation. Encouragement and openness. Mindfulness sessions with Mrs S.

21. The best help is interest taken in learning and progress. and giving encouragement. Help with homework. Help keep a balance between school work and after- school activities. Ensure children get a good night’s sleep and good breakfast. Encourage children to bring in fresh water/fruit. Ensuring attendance at school from now until SATs. How can parents help?

22. Final notes: After Easter, the children are welcome to come into school at 8:30am each day to use recommended KS2 SATs revision websites with my guidance. During the SATs week, all Year 6 children are welcome to arrive in school early (time tbc)to have toast and juice. Please ensure your child has a pair of trainers in school every day, as we will be going outside after the tests. Friday, 13 th May – Year 6 children are welcome to wear home clothes and bring in an item of food/drink to share with the class – PARTY DAY! (Unless asked to sit Science!)