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Information for Parents about Year 6 SATs

These pages are for parents of children who will be taking their Key Stage 2 SATs this year. They give some basic information about the tests and suggest ways of how to help your children do their best with minimal stress.

What parents can do to help

Make sure your child attends all tests during test week. Having worked hard preparing for them, it is really upsetting if they are not able to show what they can do. We will provide all the support, help and reassurance they need to achieve success.

At home

• Sleep
• Revision
• Breaks during revision
• Study guides
• Equipment
• Avoid stress

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Science

The tests

1. Science paper A
2. Science paper B

Each test paper

• has increased emphasis on questions which focus on assessment of scientific enquiry
• has questions that are set in unfamiliar contexts
• is 45 minutes long to give extra "thinking" time for scientific-enquiry type questions.

Preparation in school

In current teaching groups:

• Self-assessment for learning outcomes and end of topic tests
• Diagnostic tests and quizzes
• Coaching on examination technique
• Practice questions, particularly "scientific enquiry" type questions

Pupils will be set for one lesson a week for six weeks prior to SATs to address specific areas of the programme of study. This will help them to:

• review and consolidate key knowledge and understanding required to achieve level 4
• gain additional access to extension material and practice higher-level questions

What parents can do to help

Encourage your children:

• to tell you about their science lessons; particularly their investigations
• to use correct scientific words with the correct spelling
• to respond to their teacher's comments on their homework
• nearer the time of the tests, to plan short sessions of active revision

Science booster classes

We are offering after-school booster classes. These sessions will be investigation-based with the aim of consolidating the use of scientific knowledge and understanding in less familiar contexts.

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English

Preparation in school

• All pupils are tested and set in groups according to their needs.
• Literacy Hour lessons will continue as usual with children in ability groups.
• Smaller additional English booster groups will be available for borderline pupils.

The tests

1. Reading comprehension test.
2. Writing test involving two set pieces of writing (shorter and longer).
3. Spelling test.

Handwriting is assessed in the writing test, not in a separate test.

What parents can do to help

• Encourage your children to talk about their reading to ensure they understand.
• Encourage them to predict what may happen next.
• Revisit spelling rules and practise how to remember them.
• Revise different styles of writing, in particular what they have in common.

Useful web sites

• Progression Maps for English

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Maths

The tests

1. Mental mathmatics test (about 20 minutes)
2. Paper test without a calculator (45 minutes)
3. Paper test with a calculator (45 minutes)

The tests measure:

• Problem solving
• Communicate mathematically
• Reasoning skills
• Understanding

Preparation in school

• Revision Guides have been given to all students
• Groups are targeted for extra support
• Practising test questions and targeting problem areas in class
• Lunch-time support classes

What parents can do to help

• Encourage discussion
• Ask children to explain how they got the answer
• Mental mathematics
• Make sure the right equipment is taken to the tests:
  • 3 sharp pencils (one to use, two sharp spares)
  • pen (filled with ink)
  • ruler
  • rubber
  • working favourite calculator for the calculator test
  • all in a clear pencil case or clear plastic bag

Maths booster classes

We are offering after-school booster classes.

Useful web sites

• My Maths
• BBC bitesize
• SAM learning
• Progression Maps for Maths