Information for Parents on Key Stage 2 SATs

When do these tests happen? Key Stage 2 SATs take place nationally in the week commencing 9th May Children may not take them earlier or later. Statutory tests will be administered in the following subjects: o Reading (60 minutes) o Spelling (approximately 15 minutes) o Punctuation, Vocabulary and Grammar (45 minutes) o Mathematics - Paper 1: Arithmetic (30 minutes) - Paper 2: Reasoning (40 minutes) - Paper 3: Reasoning (40 minutes)

In addition, some schools will be required to take part in Science testing, consisting of three tests in Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Not all schools will take part in this sampling, which takes place on a later date. All tests are externally marked. Writing will be ‘Teacher Assessed’ internally, as in recent years. MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursday Reading TestEnglish Grammar and Punctuation Test Maths Paper 1 Arithmetic Maths Paper 3 Reasoning Spelling TestMaths Paper 2 Reasoning

How is SATs week organised? We can determine at what time tests begin. All children sit the tests at the same time. Test papers can only be opened 1 hour before. Tests are completed in classrooms, the den and the fiction factory with any displays that may help covered over. The LA monitor 10% of schools per year. Children are divided into groups for test administration to ensure they are properly supported and feel secure.

Key Stage 2 SATs Changes In 2015/16 children in all years at Key Stage 1 and 2 are expected to study the new national curriculum. KS1 (Year 2) and KS2 SATs (Year 6) will reflect the new curriculum for the first time this year. Our current Year 6’s will be the first pupils to receive the new tests and the first to receive the new style of reporting results.

Assessment and Reporting ‘Old’ national curriculum levels (e.g. Level 3, 4, 5) have now been abolished, as set out in the government guidelines. From 2016, test scores will be reported as ‘scaled scores’. This means it is very difficult to compare the assessment of a previous year with the current year. The new curriculum is more rigorous and sets high expectations which all schools have had to work hard to meet since the beginning of last year.

Each pupil’s raw test score will therefore be converted into a score on the scale, either at, above or below 100. The scale will have a lower end point somewhere below 100 and an upper end point above 100. A child who achieves the ‘national standard’ (a score of 100) will be judged to have demonstrated sufficient knowledge in the areas assessed by the tests. In July 2016 for the first publication of test results, each pupil will receive: o A raw score (number of raw marks awarded). o A scaled score in each tested subject. o Confirmation of whether or not they attained the national standard. Scaled Scores

Alongside the SATs test results, there will be a teacher assessment. 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 levels. Teacher Assessment

Reading Paper The Reading Test consists of a single test paper with three unrelated reading texts. Children are given 60 minutes in total, which includes reading the texts and answering the questions. A total of 50 marks are available. Questions are designed to assess the comprehension and understanding of a child’s reading. Some questions are multiple choice or selected response, others require short answers and some require an extended response or explanation.

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Paper A Spelling test is administered containing 20 words, lasting approximately 15 minutes. A separate test is given on Punctuation, Vocabulary and Grammar This test lasts for 45 minutes and requires short answer questions, including some multiple choice. Marks for these two tests are added together to give a total for Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. Teachers may read questions to pupils if asked.

Mathematics Paper The Mathematics tests have undergone the biggest change this year. Children will sit three tests: Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. Paper 1 is for ‘Arithmetic’ lasting 30 minutes, covering calculation methods for all operations, including use of fractions, percentages and decimals. Papers 2 and 3 cover ‘Problem Solving and Reasoning’, each lasting for 40 minutes. Pupils will still require calculation skills but will need to answer questions in context and decide what is required to find a solution. Teachers may read questions to pupils if asked.

Mathematics Sample Question Maths Paper 1: Arithmetic

Mathematics Sample Question Maths Paper 2/3: Reasoning

What help can children have? In the reading test, children must read the text and questions by themselves. In thenmaths and grammar and punctuation tests, teachers can read questions to any child who asks. Some children will have the whole paper read to them, on a one to one basis. Teachers can encourage, but not guide or say that an answer is correct or incorrect. Words on a test paper can be transcribed where a marker may not be able to read a child’s answer. Extra time can be requested for children with special educational needs.

How can parents help? First and foremost, support and reassure your child that there is nothing to worry about and they should always just try their best. Praise and encourage! Supporting homework / revision. Reading, spelling and arithmetic (e.g. times tables) are always good to practise Not putting children under too much pressure Ensuring children arrive for tests: -in good time -having had breakfast -having gone to bed at a reasonable time Praise children for working hard and trying their best

What information do parents get and when? Test papers are sent to external markers after the tests and arrive back in school early in July. Schools then check the results and papers to ensure there are no errors. Sometimes papers are sent for re-marking. Schools must inform parents of SATs results by the end of the school year in July. Parents receive test and teacher assessment levels for English and maths and teacher assessment for science.

However, it is worth reminding ourselves that here at Hawley, we aim to raise achievement for all learners and develop well rounded children who are ready for the world beyond- ‘LEARNING FOR LIFE’.