KS2 Tests 2018 14 th 18 th May 2018
FORMAT OF SATs 2018: Children working at age related expectations will undertake the Tests. The guidance for administration of tests is very precise and, unless there are special circumstances, the school may not open the papers until a maximum of one hour before each test begins. The LA may carry out monitoring visits before, during and after test week.
N/B: There is a set timetable for the tests and they cannot be taken at another time, if children miss part of a subject then the whole subject is missed! So if children are feeling under the weather they should still attend school for the test and then can be collected to recover at home!
We aim to enable children to demonstrate their best achievement in the tests, so pupils may take tests in different areas / sized groups. Staff working with the children will be very clear about what is being assessed and how they may support the children. Your children will also be familiar with what is being assessed and have had practice in working independently, managing their time and tackling a range of questions to the best of their ability
THE TESTS: There are 6 tests all children complete during KS2 Test week. These are: 1 reading test (1 hour to read/write answers) 1 grammar, punctuation & spelling test (45 minutes) 1 short spelling test (approximately 15 minutes) 2 maths papers (each 40 minutes long) 1 maths arithmetic paper (30 minutes) N/B: Due to changes in assessment 2 years ago, there are no longer any level 6 tests. Writing continues to be teacher assessed using children s books.
Timetable: Date Monday 14 th May Tuesday 15 th May Wednesday 16 th May Thursday 17 th May Test KS2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test (short answers) KS2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test (Spelling) KS2 English Reading test KS2 Maths Paper 1 Arithmetic test KS2 Maths Paper 2 - Reasoning KS2 Maths Paper 3 - Reasoning
RESULTS: Results will be reported at the end of the summer term, with reports if possible. The children receive a raw score (out of the number of marks available on the paper) The children also receive a scaled score this ranges from 80 to 120. Children need to score 100 to achieve expected standard. Greater depth standard has been scored at 110 over the past two years.
KS2 SATs 2018: English grammar, punctuation and spelling (short answers): 45 minute test to answer around 50 questions Some answers are multiple choice and some need written answers. Children need to be aware of punctuation and spelling in all answers if the questions asks the children to use a certain word in a sentence, then the sentence must begin with capital letter and have appropriate punctuation to be awarded the mark. Children need to be aware of the correct grammatical terms.
KS2 SATs 2018: English grammar, punctuation and spelling (Spelling test): This test is not timed, however it is only expected to take 15-20 minutes. Each spelling is read out to the children in a specific way: All of the sentences are reread at the end. Children are encouraged to print writing of spelling so that they can be easily read.
KS2 SATs 2018: READING: Sample papers and previous two year s papers show 3 unrelated texts, with varying levels of difficulty. Children will have 1 hour to read the texts and answer a set of questions on each text. Children are encouraged to read one text at a time, answer questions on it and then move to the next text/questions at their own pace. Children can have no support from adults during this test.
KS2 SATs 2018: Maths Paper 1 - arithmetic Children have 30 minutes to answer approximately 36 questions. Some calculations should be completed mentally, whereas others need to be done using formal methods. It is possible to still be awarded a mark in a 2 mark question if the incorrect answer is given, as long as the correct formal method has been used and only has 1 calculation error.
KS2 SATs 2018: Maths Paper 2 & 3 - reasoning Children have 40 minutes to answer approximately 20 questions on each paper. Children can use the strategy they feel most comfortable with on this paper. Calculators are not allowed on either paper, and this year the children are also not allowed to use tracing paper. Some of these questions require the children to explain their thinking of the maths involved.
HOW DO WE HELP? Children are set in lessons to enable them to work with pupils at the same level Regular assessments to help staff identify gaps... and plug them! Intervention and Booster sessions during the day and/or after school Homework and Homework Support Real Writing /Topic approach Test technique support
Mock tests so children experience test conditions, become familiar with the process and know what to expect in May School marking policy to set targets, use of mock SAT results and marking of papers with pupils to help them better understand where next? Short ICT revision sessions Puzzles and Games to keep learning fresh Maths Hub Reasoning question sessions Ensure children feel confident and know what to expect from this week.
MOTIVATION: To reward pupils for their hard work and for making progress, we are planning a post-sat treat for Friday 18 th May 2018.
Helping at Home: Set aside a place and time for regular study, including homework (no more than 30-45 minutes a night!) Children often know their weaknesses ask them and help if you can! Regular sleep is vital! Tired children don t learn in class and struggle in tests! Breakfast! No need to panic! There is still time to sort problems!
Homework:
Test Week! Too late to cram in a years worth of learning now! Weekend before, children will be nervous so help them with short bursts of revision. Early to bed this week, even if not sleeping can be relaxing! Up earlier than usual so not rushing. Wish your child luck, ask how things went when they get in. Expect a few moods! Once a SAT is done, its over and can t change it so don t let children dwell on a wrong answer!
Plan for a small treat each day to make children feel special their favourite meal, a magazine, some one to one time etc. We run a free breakfast club for year 6 children only during test week. The children are encouraged to arrive at school at 8am. There will be a selection of cereals, toast, yoghurts and fruit juices available for the children and music is played to help the children relax. Even if your child has breakfast at home, we still encourage all children to attend so they are settled ready for the tests to begin at the start of the school day.
Next? Although the tests are over, school isn t and children are still expected to work as normal and make progress in the two remaining months of term. Writing is assessed/moderated at the end of June. Pupils will be assessed towards the end of term and these Teacher Assessments will be reported and forwarded to pupil s next school.