Key Stage 2 Year 6 SATs
Year 6 Key Stage 2 SATS
Dear Y6,
We measure your progress not just in test results, but in how you treat others, your attitude to learning and how you've developed into a confident individual over the year. Many of you excel in art, sport, drama, singing and caring for others; these are just as important and yet we don't take tests in these areas. Be proud of your many achievements, because we are.
These assessments give a snapshot of where you are in your learning journey so far in English and Maths only. They do not show what makes you special to us, your friends and your family.
You must not get worried about the tests. Worrying is our job - and we are NOT worried!
But if you are concerned in any way, please come and talk to us so that we can reassure you.
During May in Year 6, children undertake National Curriculum Tests (commonly known as SATs) in English Reading, SPaG and Mathematics. These provide records of attainment in the subjects, including standardised scores which enable school, local and national comparisons. In addition, teachers are required to provide teacher assessments in English writing and Science.
Some schools are also selected by the Standards and Testing Agency for science sampling. If the school is selected, then a group of children will be required to take 3 science papers during the first week back after 1/2 term.
The SATS results are reported nationally and to your child’s next school. Secondary schools then use these results, together with their own assessments, to set targets for Years 7, 8 and 9 and ultimately, to GCSE. Some also use them to inform ability grouping. Contrary to popular belief, the SATs results do not just matter to the primary school. They matter also to the individual child. It is important therefore, that these assessments are an accurate reflection of your child’s attainment to ensure they are suitably challenged/supported at their next school. We particularly ask you to support homework tasks, which will revise concepts and skills needed for these tests.
How are Year 6 SATs marked?
Y6 SAT papers are collected by secure courier and sent to external markers. It is important therefore that children's answers are clearly written.
Results
Schools are told the results in July and parents will receive a copy of their child's results with their Y6 annual report. They will also receive information that compares the school results nationally. The results are also required to be passed onto the child's secondary school to be used as a baseline of achievement.
Scaled Scores
•Test outcomes at KS2 will be reported as scaled scores.
•Raw scores (the number of marks awarded for each subject) will be translated to scaled scores (a comparable score for each subject) using a conversion table.
•The national standard will be 100 and children achieving this score or above will be 'meeting age related expectations'
•Pupils will receive a raw score, a scaled score and confirmation of attainment of the national standard.
•There is no correlation between old levels (pre 2016) and this method of reporting using a national standard.
•A scaled score of 110+ is regarded as evidence of a child 'working at greater depth within age related expectations'
How can I help?
We will cover everything children need to prepare for the SATs, but if you want to help your child hone your skills here are some great websites for revision.