Important Y6 S.A.T. information
Worried about SAT week? Want to know how to help
your child?
See inside for …..
 Answers to frequently asked questions
 Confusing terminology explained
 Message from Year 6 teachers
Waitress service in Year 6
shared area……available for
one week only……
See p4 for details!
Dear Parents,
With the SAT tests rapidly approaching, we would like to take this
opportunity to answer some frequently asked questions, in order to enable you to
support your child as much as possible during this important time.
What are Key Stage 2 S.A.Ts?
Key Stage 2 S.A.T.s are the national statutory assessment tests in Reading,
Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation and Mathematics for children in Year 6.
When are the tests?
This year the national S.A.T week takes place from Monday May 8th until
Thursday 11th May.
Mon 8th May
Tues 9th May
Wed 10th May
Reading test (1hour)
English grammar, punctuation and spelling test
Paper 1 :questions (45 mins)
Paper 2: spelling (approx. 15 mins- not strictly timed)
Mathematics Paper 1 : arithmetic test (30 mins)
Mathematics Paper 2 : reasoning (40 mins)
Thurs 11th May Mathematics Paper 3 : reasoning (40 mins)
All tests will take place in the mornings.
How are the tests administered?
The tests have to be administered under conditions set out by the STA
(Standards and Testing Agency). There is a link to their document entitled ‘Key
Stage 2 : test administration guidance’ along with a copy of this letter, on the
school website.
Staff open the papers once the children are seated at their desks in the test
rooms. Children must work independently, and in silence, although a member of
staff may read a question from Maths tests or the Grammar test to a child if the
child requests this.
Your child has had thorough preparation for such test procedures and
understands the necessity of working under test conditions.
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Special needs and arrangements
Extra time has been applied for in the case of eligible pupils ie if they have a
relevant special need.
Who marks the tests?
All tests are marked externally, by specially trained markers. Staff who teach
your child are not allowed to mark the papers, which are collected in at the end of
each test and sent by carrier to a test centre for distribution to a marker
somewhere else in the country. The administration of the tests will be monitored
by Father B Skelton, vice chairperson of the Governing Body.
Your child will receive a writing assessment based on writing they have done
over the year. This will be assessed and moderated by staff within the school and
external moderators. The children have until the end of June to complete this
work.
How will I be informed of the results of the tests?
The results will be communicated to schools electronically on July 4th and once
staff have this information they will add it to your child’s end of year report, which
will come out to you by Friday 14th July. A copy of your child’s results and their
report will also be forwarded to their secondary school.
If you wish to discuss anything in your child’s report, there will be a Parents’
Evening before the end of term, more details of which you will receive nearer the
time.
What can I do to help my child during S.A.T week?
A good night’s sleep and lots of encouragement and praise would be great!
If your child feels poorly on the morning of a test, this could just be nerves.
Please bring your child in, but let us know how they are feeling. We could always
arrange for the child to go home straight after the test. Please contact the
school office as early as possible if you have a problem.
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What will the school do to help my child have a productive S.A.T week?
We really do want the week to be a positive, enjoyable experience for the
children. They have been prepared well by having lots of practice tests, so the
routine is now very familiar to them. They have worked very, very hard and
should regard this as a chance to demonstrate their skills and show what they
know. All we ask is that they do their best, which will be more than good enough.
Please try to reassure them that there is no need to worry, as even if they have a
“blip” during a test, staff have to submit a teacher assessment which will stand
alongside their test result, and which will reflect the quality of the child’s work in
class.
Year 6 children will be welcomed into school slightly earlier than usual,
from 8:40 am onwards, and will be offered a light breakfast snack of toast
and fruit, served by members of staff from all year groups, who will be on
hand to offer encouragement and support.
Extra, and extended, playtimes will be given, weather permitting!
Thank you!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the parents, carers,
encouragers and supporters of this great Year 6, for your help and consideration
throughout the year. The children are a credit to you!
We’re looking forward to a creative, enjoyable and successful term!
Best wishes,
From all of the staff at Diamond Hall Junior School!
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