Year Six Parents’ SATs Meeting November 2016

Overview Overview What are SATs What is their purpose? What do they tell us? A new system How are the tests scored? What the SATs look like and what type of questions your child will be asked Arrangements for the SATs week Managing potential stress in the build up to SATs How we are supporting learners to be successful in school How you can help at home

What are SATs? SATs Papers (sometimes known as SATs tests) are compulsory national tests that primary school pupils are required to take at the ages of 6-7 (KS1 SATs papers) and 10-11 (KS2 SATs papers). Secondary school pupils take KS3 SATs papers when they are aged between 13 and 14 (Year 9). Both KS1 (Key Stage 1) and KS3 (Key Stage 3) SATs papers are no longer formally examined but are instead internal teaching assessments. The first KS2 SATs paper was in 1995.

What is their purpose? KS2 SATs papers introduced the capability for the government to compare the relative performances of pupils, schools and LEAs over time. From the pupil's perspective, the key purpose behind KS2 SATs papers is to allow them to demonstrate what they have learnt and retained during their education in Years 3-6.

A new system In 2014 the conservative government introduced a new curriculum for primary schools which is significantly more challenging than the previous curriculum particularly for the subjects of Maths and English. From 2015/16 onwards children will be tested against the standards from the new curriculum.

How are the tests marked? A raw score A scaled score Confirmation of whether or not they attained the national standard Mark Description << 100 Below Expected Standard ~ 100 At Expected Standard >> 100 Above Expected Standard

What do SATs look like? Children will sit SATs in three key areas. Maths Reading Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Writing is no longer tested and your child’s grade in writing will be based on moderated teacher assessment.

When are the SATs? Monday 8 May 2017 English reading Tuesday 9 May 2017 English grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 1: questionsEnglish grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 2: spelling Wednesday 10 May 2017 Mathematics Paper 1: arithmeticMathematics Paper 2: reasoning Thursday 11 May 2017 Mathematics Paper 3: reasoning

The Tests Maths: Children will sit three maths papers. Two are reasoning papers asking worded problems and testing problem solving. The other paper is an arithmetic paper focusing solely on number. Reading: Children will sit one test of an hour in which they will need to read a range of short texts and answer comprehension questions about them.

The Tests SPaG: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. This is split into two tests. Children will sit a 20 question spelling test. Children will have a longer paper (45 minutes) in which they have to demonstrate an understanding of a range of grammar and punctuation skills.

Maths

Maths

Maths

Reading

Reading Very specific

Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar and Punctuation

Arrangements for SATs Week We try to keep SATs week as normal as possible for learners in order to minimise stress and anxiety. Children will arrive at school at normal time. Most SATs will probably start at 9.30 giving children time to settle before hand and giving teachers time to remind children of key pointers. In the afternoons there will be a mixture of preparation for the following day and creative based learning opportunities.

Managing Stress Despite our best intentions, the SATs can prove stressful for some learners. Whilst it is important for children to understand the significance of the tests, obviously we want to avoid unnecessary stress.

How we help at school As a school we use regular data analysis and teach to learners gaps and personalised need. We do a lot of work around self-belief and confidence. This helps to make children believe in themselves and that they can achieve. We practise SATs formally and as part of our regular learning. We have a broad and rich curriculum so that children are not over-loaded with SATs and have a full and rounded education. The whole school works to support Y6 children to achieve their potential.

How to help at home The most important things you can do to support your children at home are: Having a positive attitude about school and learning. Ensure that your child has instant recall of all multiplication facts and related division facts. Regular practise of mental maths skills. Reading for at least 10 minutes everyday from an appropriate level text.