Helpful Hints for SATs A Parents Guide

What are SATs? SATs are Statutory Assessment Tests for all 11 year olds across the country. All school results are made public. These are important tests that are used to sort the children into groups as they enter secondary school. At 11 years old, children are expected to achieve a level 4 in Maths and English

When are the SATs? Monday 12th May to Friday 16th May Monday 12 May English reading test Level 6 Reading test Tuesday 13 May SPAG test am SPAG L6 Long Writing Test Wednesday 14 May Mental mathematics test Mathematics Paper 1 Thursday 15 May Friday 16th May Mathematics Paper 2 Level 6 mathematics Paper 1 & 2 Science Paper Short writing test

The Reading Test One hour Children read through a booklet with different types of texts, unrelated. The texts increase in difficulty. They answer a range of questions carrying different amounts of marks and looking for increasingly complex answers.

How to help with Reading Read regularly with your child and ask lots of questions about the text. Read a range of materials. Eg: Newspapers, magazines, novels, recipes, instructions and fiction. Practice reading for a set amount of time (15 minutes) to increase their concentration. Encourage the children to become ‘Text Detectives’ and keep referring back to the text to obtain the answers to questions.

SPAG test: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar 45 minutes Multiple choice and examples required for answers

The Writing Test: The writing tests consist of 3 tests: Long writing task (10 minutes planning and 45 minutes of writing) Short writing task (5 minutes planning and 15 minutes of writing) Handwriting – only worth 3 marks.

How to help with Writing Encourage the children to keep a diary or journal. Look at a range of different writing genres and identify the features. Stories Formal/informal letters Newsletters Leaflets Interviews Explanations Reports Arguments Instructions Biographies Mention about asking the children to explain the features within each text.

The Maths Test Your child will have 3 tests Mental mathematics test (20 minutes) Mathematics Test A (45 minutes) Mathematics Test B (45 minutes) Remember to use the calculator!!

How to help with the Maths Test Revise times tables Play maths bingo Encourage children to add up the shopping bills Ask quick fire mental maths questions Look at timetables (bus, TV guide & train) Discuss the weights of packets Measure out ingredients if cooking Encourage children to work out cost of items if it has 10, 20 or 50% off or is ½ price. Ensure children are confident with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division Ask your children story number problems Timetables – ask questions about times and how long programmes go on for etc.

How else to help your child? Encourage them to complete Easter Holiday homework Use the internet to play games to reinforce any learning. Have a go at some past papers with your child and allow them to explain what they are doing. Discuss what areas your child is struggling with and then discuss this with the class teacher. Help and encourage them to check their answers as mistakes cost marks. Encourage them to show their working out as working out can still obtain a mark.

And Finally… Ensure that your child is on time for school Attend breakfast club Ensure they have plenty of sleep each night Ensure they complete work set each evening before the tests We will look after them! Promise small groups, lots of encouragement, clear explanations and very calm and quiet surroundings. Questions can be read to the children.