1. A Parent’s Guide to Key Stage Two SATs A Parent’s Guide to Key Stage Two SATs

2. Achievement Most children are expected to achieve Level 4 Some children may achieve Level 3. This does not mean they have ‘failed’. For some children Level 3 is a tremendous achievement. Some children are working at a higher level and achieve a level 5 or 6

3. SATs week begins on Monday 13th May 2012. There are two areas being tested in the SATs: Maths and Literacy. There will be three papers in Numeracy, a Reading paper. a Grammar paper and Spelling test We will work closely with pupils to ensure they are familiar with the different formats.

4. The Tests DateLevel 3 – 5 Test (am)Level 6 Test (pm) Monday 13 h May English Reading test Tuesday 14 th May English Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test Wednesday 15 th May Mental Maths Test Maths Test A Thursday 16 th May Maths Test B

5. Maths This test has three papers: Paper A (calculator not allowed) – 45 minutes Paper B (calculator allowed) – 45 minutes Mental Arithmetic – 5, 10 or 15 seconds per question Paper A and Paper B carry 40 marks each. The Mental Paper carries 20 marks The questions can be read to the children so that it is only their mathematical ability that is being tested Have a go at the questions from Paper A with your child!

6. English Reading  The children have 15 minutes to read a piece of fiction or selection of poems and some non-fiction in different formats, all roughly based around a theme such as ‘Insects’ or ‘Coming Home’.  They then have 45 minutes to answer questions about the texts. These questions will be in a variety of formats such as completing a table, circling an answer from a selection, finding words in the text and writing answers in more depth.  The questions range cover the range of Assessment for Learning Focuses to test the children’s information retrieval, inference and deduction skills and their responses to the writer’s use of language and the texts themselves. Often they will also be asked to compare parts of the text and given reasons for their opinions.  Pupils need to back up their ideas with evidence from the text, to fully support their answer and to gain the higher levels in the test.

7. Take a look at the Reading Papers

8. Writing A pupil's result for English writing will be a teacher assessment judgment of their work across Year 6. There will be no 2013 writing test produced to be sat in SATs week. The children will also have to complete a Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar test.

9. Take a look at some of the writing we have been doing in Literacy towards our Writing level.

10. The Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Test. At the moment we do not know what the pass mark is for the ‘Grammar Test’. For 2013 it will not form part of the writing mark but will be reported separately. It comprises of questions relating to grammar and punctuation, with a separate spelling dictation.

11. The Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Test.

12. Have a go at these! 1.Circle all the adverbs in the sentence below. Open the drawers carefully and quietly when using the filing cabinet. 1mark 2.Tick one word to complete the sentence below. Michael and Kate read their books ______________ they ate their sandwiches. Tick one. While which between during 1 mark 3. Insert a colon in the correct place in the sentence below I have three pets a hamster, a goldfish and a cat.

13. Preparing for SATs in school… English and Maths Revision lessons. Regular Homework Practice Papers ‘Booster’ sessions in sets or small groups. Practising Maths and Literacy skills in other subjects. Making it fun!

14. How can parents help? Your child will need to be in school for each test (no catch- ups for Reading, Maths, Spelling and Grammar) Your child should go to bed early prior to SATs – including Friday and Saturday Make sure they have a good breakfast and a snack for break time may also help. Revision – help your child to revise & practise skills. Daily reading and discussion about their books. Learn & practise spellings. Learn & practise times tables (forwards and backwards). Ensure your child completes their homework.