1. Aims of the session To share important information about KS2 SATs
To answer any questions about KS2 SATs
Discuss / share ideas about how you as a parent can help your child at home

2. What are SATs?
Sats are Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Tests. These are generally known as “SATS.”
These are statutory for all schools and are a guide as to whether a child has met end of Key Stage expectations.
There have been considerable and significant changes to the way the children are assessed this year, and therefore the information you will receive. Levels no longer exist but you will be informed how your child has done in the end of year report. ( More info to follow.)
Schools have more freedom over the way we assess children’s attainment and progress.

3. How is SATs week organised?
A timetable is issued to school, telling us on which days/sessions tests must be administered.
Some children will complete tests in the hall, with any displays that may help covered over. Some children may take the tests in the classroom or the Oasis, if teachers decide that this would benefit them.
All tests will be scanned in this year.
There are no level 6 tests.
The Government expectation is that all children participate. Tests are modified for those who need it.
Some children will have extra time, a scribe or a reader, if this is part of their normal school routine. This will be applied for by the teacher and children will be informed nearer the time if this is the case for them.
There are pre Key Stage 2 tests for those not reaching the standard.

4. There are six papers. 1 x Reading paper 1 hr 3x Maths papers (one arithmetic of 30 mins and two reasoning of 40 mins) 2 x Grammar Spelling and Punctuation papers. ( one 45mins and the other a spelling test of 20mins) There are no tests for writing or science this year. This continues to be assessed by teachers.

5. Sample SATs Timetable Year 6 SATs Week 9th –14th May 2016 Day 9-10:30
10:45-12:10
1:00-2:15
2:30-3:15
Monday
English Reading
Tuesday
Grammar Punctuation and Spelling Paper 1
Grammar Punctuation and Spelling Paper 2 (Spelling)
Wednesday
Maths paper 1 Arithmetic
Maths paper 2 Reasoning
Thursday
Maths paper 3 Reasoning

6. During SATs week:
Please ensure that your child is in school every day during SATs week.
Ensure that they are in school on time.
Please don’t book anything during this week e.g. doctor’s appointments, holidays etc
If your child is ill, let us know immediately.

7. What information will you receive afterwards?
Later in the summer term you will receive your child’s school report. This will include their achievements, general progress, attendance record and results of the National Curriculum Tests.

8. Is this information used by secondary schools?
All primary schools have more choice about how they assess children and are doing it in different ways.
Standardised scores will provide secondary schools with a consistent measure. They will be able to tell whether they have ‘met or not met’ the expected standard.
Teacher assessment results are also shared with the secondary schools, along with more general but very important informationon about your child.

9. Reading Format of this remains the same as last year.
1 hour to read booklet and answer questions.
There will be 3 texts of mixed genres, the least demanding will come first so they get progressively more difficult.
There will be a mixture of question types.
There will be greater focus on fictional text this year and a greater emphasis on comprehension.
Children cannot have any aspect of the test read to them.

10. How can parents help with reading?
Ensure your child reads every night!
Encourage them to read fiction and non-fiction.
Try to ask them questions about the text. (Use the questions leaflet that was given out on parents evening. Other copies are available).
Help them with the different skills of reading especially ‘skim’ reading where they are looking for key words in the text.
Speed reading and reading at length

11. Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation
Spelling test is separate.
Worth 20 marks out of 70.
Greater focus on knowing grammar terminology. As in previous years there will be two papers. Paper 1 will consist of questions which is 45 mins. Spelling paper 2 will be 15 mins.
Marks won’t be awarded for incorrect punctuation and incorrect formation of capital letters, despite the answer being correct.

12. Children’s writing is assessed against the interim framework.
This is based on on-going, independent work in school.
No writing test during SATS week.

13. Mathematics Mathematics SATs consist of: An arithmetic paper
This replaces the mental maths tests. It assesses basic mathematical calculations and pupils have 30 minutes to complete the test.
Two reasoning papers
These are 40 minutes each.
Children will not be allowed to use a calculator.

14. Some questions are worth one mark and therefore accuracy is important.
Other questions are worth two marks and even if the answer is wrong, a mark may be given for correct working.
Teachers may read questions in both written papers to pupils if asked.
Children need to form their numbers correctly to be sure of getting the mark and to use the commas correctly.

15. How can parents help?
Ensure children have had breakfast and a good nights sleep. Make sure there are no late nights during this week and the Sunday before.
Supporting home learning, Multiplication tables and spellings. Reading at home.
Working through the revision guides with your child.
Ensuring attendance at school from now until SATs.
Hearing from you that they
can “only do their best” will reassure the children.

16. Revision Guides
The school has purchased revision guides for Maths and SPAG. These are available for collection.
This will be provided in addition to home learning and can be completed at your child’s own pace. The Easter holidays are useful for this.
Answer sheets are provided and these will not be taken in for marking. However, if your child is finding a particular concept difficult then encourage them to discuss it with their teacher.

17. Revision Guides
We anticipate the most beneficial way of working through these books will be in small units of time where you spend time supporting your child and discussing their understanding. It is more beneficial for your child if you sit with them whilst they work and discuss any misconceptions they have, rather than allowing them to work alone silently and then just finding out if they are wrong or right later. Please build confidence and success.