The National Reading Tests The reading test lasts 60 minutes They span two year groups. E.g. Y2 and Y3 sit the same paper, as do Y4 and Y5, Y6 and Y7 and finally Y8 and Y9. A rest break is given in years 2 and 3 New tests have been developed for May 2015 so no learner will sit the same test twice. There are also optional test materials made available to schools which they can use to further investigate learners’ strengths and weaknesses.

Types of Reading Test Question The tests consist of a number of passages followed by a selection of different types of question such as: 1.Sentence completion by ticking the best fit word only. 2.Multiple choice by ticking one or two of the given words or statements. 3.Find and copy from the text. 4.Matching pairs of words or statements by drawing a line. 5.True or False – tick whether statement is true or false. 6.Cloze Passage by selecting the right word. 7.Underline the correct phrase. 8.Sequencing events by putting in the numbers in the box.

The National Numeracy Tests From May 2014, the numeracy test was divided into two sections. a)The Procedural Test Paper which assesses knowledge of numerical procedures such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication etc. b) The Reasoning Test Paper which assesses learners’ ability to apply his or her mathematical knowledge to solve everyday problems. Over the last two years, throughout the school, our weekly Maths plans and Maths lessons ensure that our children are familiar with and confident in tackling these open ended type of numerical reasoning activities and problems.

Reasoning Tests Start with stimulus materials presented on a powerpoint. This helps to reduce the amount of reading required to understand the task. A script is given for the teacher to follow. The first couple of questions are based on this scenario before other unrelated questions are asked.

How will a test be scored? A test is marked in school and the children’s raw scores are sent away to be converted into standardised scores, age- equivalent scores and this year possibly into progress scores. The standardised score shows how your child performed in the test compared with children of the same age who have sat the test in Wales. The age equivalent score tells you whether your child’s reading age (or equivalent for numeracy age) is equivalent to, above or below their actual chronological age, based on how he or she performed in the test. The progress score indicates the progress your child has made in terms of the test since he or she was last tested.

You receive these scores in an annual individual test report from the Welsh Government via the school. However, please be mindful that these scores provide a ‘snap-shot’ guide to how your child is performing and progressing in reading and numeracy. Your child’s annual school report from his / her teacher paints a clearer picture of his or her performance in these areas.

An example of an individual pupil report from WG

What do we do with our test data? We use data from the tests: To improve our curriculum. To inform our planning. To organise and set differentiated work. To identify and support our under performing and over performing children with intervention and MAT programmes. To compare our performances against others schools – both locally and nationally.

Extra support Depending on the requirements of individual learners, the tests can be delivered on a year group, class or small group basis. Slight adaptations can be made if the school can prove this is normal practice for that child e.g. extra time, prompts to remain on task, frequent breaks In numeracy tests help can be given with reading but not explaining the text

Pupil Absence Learners who are absent on the scheduled test date must be allowed to take the test within the remaining portion of the specified test window. If a learner is absent for part of the test and is unable to complete the rest of the test at a later point in the test window, the school should still mark the test script. The school will be able to use the learner’s results to inform reports to parents/carers. Learners missing the entire test period must be reported as absent when entering/uploading the test results.

Tips to help your child 1 : Make attendance a priority, especially on the days that you know the National and school tests will be administered. 2: Make a note of test days on the calendar – from Tuesday 5 th May to Tuesday 12 th May : Be punctual and ensure a calm start to the day especially during the test week. 4: Make use of the sample test papers. 5: Discuss, support and check your child's weekly homework with him or her.

6: Provide your child with encouragement. Avoid pressuring him or her. 7: Set a reasonable bedtime and stick to it. 8: Make sure your child has enough time to wake up fully before he has to go to school especially on a test day. 9: Provide a healthy breakfast for your child. 10: Talk to your child about how each test went.

Year Group ReadingNumeracy Reasoning Numeracy Procedural Yr 28 th May12 th May7 th May Yr 312 th May7 th May6 th May Yr 46 th May11 th May7 th May Yr 57 th May12 th May6 th May Yr 67 th May8 th May12 th May The Timetable at Birchgrove

You now have an opportunity to look through some ex papers : Reading Test Sample Papers Numeracy Procedural Test Sample Papers Numeracy Reasoning Test Sample Papers Sample papers are also available for you to view on the Welsh Government’s Learning Wales website: www. learning.wales.gov.uk www. learning.wales.gov.uk Thank you for attending tonight. Please complete an evaluation form Sample Test Papers