2.  Statutory Assessment Tests  Usually taken at the end of Key Stage 1 (at age 7) and at the end of Key Stage 2 (at age 11).

3.  Children are expected to achieve Level 4 by the end of Key Stage 2.  Some children will still be at Level 3 and some children will achieve Level 5 or 6.

4.  For children working at Level 3 and above, there are two sorts of assessments: tests and teacher assessments.  For pupils to be awarded a Level 6 they need to sit the level 3-5 papers, gain a high level 5 and sit the level 6 papers and gain a level 6.

5.  This year it is the week beginning 12th May. All tests take place in that week. Children may not take them earlier or later.  A timetable is issued to schools to tell them when tests should be completed, this is the same nationally.  Usually there is one test per day (with the exception of those pupils sitting the level 6 papers) and it is a busy week for children and staff alike.  Tests are completed in classrooms, with any displays that may help covered over.

6. The Assessment of Literacy is covered by two tests:  Reading  English Grammar, punctuation and Spelling

7.  The texts will not be linked by a theme with questions increasing in difficulty through the booklet.  Children will have a total of one hour to read the booklet and complete the questions.  Short answers: 1 mark; Longer answers up to 3 marks; some answers may involve completing a diagram or drawing arrows.  This test will be sent off to be externally marked.

8.  This will focus on four areas: Spelling, punctuation, sentence-grammar and vocabulary.  This test will be sent off to be externally marked.

9. The Assessment of Numeracy is covered by three tests:  Mental Mathematics  Mathematics test 1  Mathematics test 2

10.  There are 20 questions which the children hear on tape.  Each question is read twice.  They involve a range of skills.  Working out time is 5, 10 or 15 seconds.

11.  This year the big change is that calculators are not allowed in any of the level 3-5 tests.  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.  These tests will be sent off to be externally marked.

12.  Science sampling tests will recommence in June 2014 on a biennial basis  This test will not be taken by whole cohorts but 5 pupils from selected schools will be randomly selected  If our school is selected we will be informed in May and we will let parents know if their child is selected  When the data is published no individual school or child will be identified  Teacher will still give each child a level in Science based on work in class

13.  Teacher assessment draws together everything the teacher or teachers know about a child, including observations, marked work and school assessments.  Tests are a snapshot’ of a child’s abilities on that day.  There can be a difference between teacher assessment results and test levels.

14.  Building confidence  Having a go at practice tests  Addressing gaps in learning  Interventions – in class, Homework, Teacher Assistant support  Some children will be offered booster classes after half-term

15.  Don’t try and frighten them into revising – encourage them and tell them they can do well.  Support them with homework.  Make sure they get enough sleep.  Make sure they eat breakfast.  It is important they arrive at school on time.  Please help them not to panic!