1. SATS week: Monday 8th May– Thursday 11th May 2017
SATs A Parents’ Guide
SATS week: Monday 8th May– Thursday 11th May 2017

2. ‘What’ and ‘why’? SATs are ‘Statutory Assessment Tests’.
They are compulsory.
National initiative to raise standards in English, maths and science.
No SAT paper in Writing this year – teacher assessment only
Science sampling tests take place every two years for a selection of schools – these are randomly chosen and only a selection of pupils sit them. No feedback or results are given!

3. English Tests There are two English tests: Reading – 1 hour
English grammar, punctuation and spelling. This consists of:
Paper 1 – Short answer questions (45 minutes)
Paper 2 – Spelling task (15 minutes; not strictly timed)

4. English Reading Test
Texts in the reading booklet are not linked by a theme. The booklet will contain three or four texts. The least demanding text will come first with the following texts increasing in level of difficulty.
Pupils have a total of one hour to read the texts and complete the questions at their own pace.
Out of 50 marks.

5. The test consists of:
‘Find and copy’ questions in the English reading test will now ask pupils to retrieve a ‘word or group of words’ rather than a ‘word or phrase’.
Retrieval of factual information
‘Opinion’ questions that ask for evidence from the text

6. Maths Tests
All of the maths lessons in Year 6 will prepare our children for the tests.
There are three maths tests:
Paper 1 – Arithmetic (30 minutes – 40 marks)
Paper 2 – Reasoning (40 minutes – 35 marks)
Paper 3 – Reasoning (40 minutes – 35 marks)
No calculators allowed in any test.

7. How can I help my child?
Reassure your child that as long as they do their best that is what is important.
Work with your child in short, sharp bursts
Remain positive – remember they are 10 – 11 years old and still have a lot of learning to do.
Provide a place where they can do their homework without distraction.
Ask questions about what they have to do for homework so they are clear before they start.

8. Encourage them to complete homework to a ‘good’ standard and praise them when the have completed work well.
Encourage them to READ every night!
Allow recreational time.

9. What can I do to help my child?
Support daily lessons by ensuring pupils complete their homework
Discuss maths generally and encourage children to do maths at home
Look for examples of maths in everyday life and while you are out and about – mental arithmetic
Short, sharp bursts are ideal!

10. What else can I do to support my child?
Ensure your child gets a relaxing weekend prior to SATs week, (NO REVISION)
Listen to your child’s recount of their test day, but don’t resurrect the test
Make sure your child has a bottle of water with them each day
Make sure she/he gets plenty of sleep
Make sure he/she gets to school on time

11. SATs Week Timetable Monday English reading test
Tuesday Paper 1: English grammar and punctuation test
Paper 2: Spelling test
Wednesday Paper 1: Mathematics, arithmetic
Paper 2: Mathematics, reasoning
Thursday Paper 3: Mathematics, reasoning

12. What does my child need each day?
Bring a bottle of WATER in a transparent bottle
No other equipment is needed – test papers will be marked on screen by external examiners, so a dark pencil/pen must be used. Pupils will be provided with all the necessary equipment for each test.

13. SATs week 8:20am each day- SATs breakfast for all Year 6 pupils.
It is a good opportunity to relax and have quality time together.

14. What should I do if there is a problem during SATs week?
Inform the school immediately and ask for help or support
Telephone

15. …..and a few words of reassurance!
As a school, we are here to support you and your child through the SATs process.
Although they are an important part of Year 6 life, the tests represent a ‘snapshot’ of what your child can do!
Please do not hesitate to speak to us if you have any concerns.