GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS OF YEAR 6 PUPILS END OF KEY STAGE TWO STATUTORY ASSESSMENTS AND YEAR 7 TRANSITION

WHAT ARE ‘SATS’? At the end of Key Stage, 2 statutory testing in reading and mathematics takes place in order to assess pupils’ progress during the Key Stage against nationally agreed criteria It provides a ‘snapshot’ of pupils’ attainment, providing secondary colleagues with comparative data on each Year 7 pupil. The SATs tests must be administered to all Year 6 pupils who meet certain criteria (based on prior attainment).

WHAT DO THE TESTS CONSIST OF? In mathematics, pupils sit 3 separate test papers: Paper 1 – 45 minutes Paper 2 – 45 minutes Mental Mathematics Paper – 20 questions, rapid response. The mathematics tests are conducted in ‘test conditions’ meaning that pupils will not be allowed to communicate with one another during the test period. They will be provided with a range of equipment that they are used to accessing during mathematics lessons, in order to support them. The tests are designed to evaluate attainment in all areas of the mathematics curriculum; not just number and calculation.

WHAT DO THE TESTS CONSIST OF? In English, pupils sit 2 papers: Reading Test (1 hour) Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Test (1 hour). Conducted in test conditions. The school will be responsible for awarding a level for the compositional elements of writing, based on progress throughout the year. This will be reached through close analysis of pupils’ work against level descriptors and moderated by senior leaders.

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS If necessary, specific access arrangements for pupils who would normally receive additional support to access the curriculum have already been arranged with the authority. This includes: Additional Time to complete tests Designated ‘readers’ for all tests Testing in 1:1 situations, if appropriate Use of short ‘rest breaks’ In order to access these specific arrangements, pupils must currently hold a statement of educational needs or currently receive such support, as evidenced by official reports etc.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY I cannot stress the importance of pupils’ attendance and punctuality during the week of testing enough. Non-attendance or poor punctuality during the week may disadvantage pupils. They will be expected to sit the tests upon their return and will need to be kept completely separate from their classmates until testing is complete. Please ensure children arrive at school promptly, having had a good breakfast and an early night!

PREPARING FOR THE TESTS Pupils in Year 6 have already experienced test conditions during ‘mock tests’ in class. They have discussed strategies for tackling certain question types and addressed any shared concerns or confusions. Pupils will be involved in the marking of their own tests so they are more aware of what is expected of them. The tests are designed to assess knowledge and skills taught throughout Key Stage 2 and should not require any specific or ‘out of the ordinary’ preparation.

SUPPORT FROM HOME Without doubt, pupils who achieve best in these tests are those who have had support and opportunity to prepare for the tests at home as well as at school. Accessing past test papers. Additional reading and responding to texts of different types. Practise of mathematical skills and concepts, including times tables, calculations, basic conversions of measurements etc. Working to specific, timed deadlines.

REPORTING TEST RESULTS Additionally to the attainment of pupils during these tests, teacher assessment is also submitted to sit alongside the test results. Both of these assessments will be available to secondary colleagues. You will be informed of pupils’ tests results and teacher assessments within the end of year report to parents

USEFUL LINKS (All previous test papers and mark schemes, downloadable in PDF. Google: Past Test Papers) (Useful, interactive revision activities for children) (Lots of maths resources for online revision, broken into specific skills and topics)

QUESTIONS?