What are SATs? Why do we have them? Standardised Assessment Tests that are a Statutory requirement Give: Teachers and Primary schools Secondary Schools (they will also talk to us and make their own assessments) Government You and your child an idea of the level at which they have achieved at the end of KS2. This is only one measure as we assess children in a variety of ways throughout the year Children cannot fail them

What do the tests mean? The Government set national floor targets so that they can continue to evaluate and assess Primary Education. The Government targets are: 60% of pupils will achieve level 4 in maths and English at the end of year 6. In addition each pupil must make 2 full levels of progress. In 2014 this will rise to 65% of pupils leaving primary school with level 4 plus the 2 levels of progress. Schools, including Scorton and Calder Vale, set targets each year for Year 6 children. The SATs results are used to indicate whether the school has achieved their targets. Most importantly, they are one of several tools to help us know where your child is ‘at’ and then we can decide on their ‘next steps’.

Level Thresholds

Date of SATs There will not be a Key Stage 2 science sampling test in 2013; a new, biennial (every other year), pupil-level sampling system will be introduced in 2014.

English SAT Reading 50 marks Please look at the examples available in the classroom.

Writing There is an example of the new Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar test available. This is the only information available and we do not yet know how many marks will be required to achieve level 4.

Maths Test A – no calculator. Out of 40. Test B – calculator allowed. Out of 40. Mental Test – out of 20. Overall – out of 100. The questions start easy and get harder.

What will we do to support your child? Provide booster sessions in school on an individual or group basis Show children how to revise and identify their own strengths and weaknesses and help the build on these areas to gain confidence. Use a top tips book to highlight things to remember. Provide resources for children to work with when revising including an Easter revision pack (available today) and online activities.

How can you help? Use the Easter revision materials to ensure skills are kept sharp – 10 minutes a day for maths and English. Reassure children that as long as they do their best that is all that matters! Emphasise that SATs are simply one way to show what they know – they cannot fail! Make sure they have a quiet, organised place to revise and study. Ensure that they always have a good breakfast. Plenty of sleep! Encourage them to ask a teacher or tell an adult if they are unsure of anything! No pressure!