On Thursday 11th January (5pm at school), we are hosting an informative presentation about KS1 SATs.
You have probably heard that the children will be sitting a Key Stage 1 test during the month of May. This evening, Mrs Lile will provide an overview of the Key Stage 1 tests, give you an opportunity to see some material from previous years so that you can see what the expectation is for children at the end of Year 2… and also suggest ways in which you can support your little learner at home and explain why they shouldn't be worried about them (the resounding advice is for parents to remain calm as your anxiety could be passed onto your child).
The tests will take place during the month of May for all Year 2 pupils in England (there are no fixed dates) and they cover three curriculum areas: Maths, Reading and GAPS (grammar, punctuation and spelling) or SPAG.
It's probably fair to say that the GAPS test is the most controversial. It was withdrawn in 2016 after it was mistakenly published on the Gov.uk website prior to the testing period and will be optional for schools to take. We want the children to sit the GAPS test.
The tests will be in your child's usual classroom, with their usual teachers, in small groups or sometimes as a whole class… there's a chance your child might not even realise they're doing a test at all. After it's all over, the tests will be marked in school and at the end of the term, you'll be informed of the results.
Hopefully by the end of this evening you’ll be reassured and even more aware of the expectation for children in Year 2.
The tests are intended to be as informal as can be. You may well ask why bother having them at all? The answer is about measuring learner progress both individually and at school level. To measure progress, schools need a before and after measurement and that's where the Key Stage 1 and 2 tests come in.
They will eventually allow the department of education to rank primary schools in terms of the "progress value" they have provided pupils. I say "eventually" because it will be five years before the current year 2 pupils get their Key Stage 2 test. You may be interested to know that out of 301 Lincolnshire schools, we are ranked 22nd – that’s well within the top 20% of schools.