St Bede's R.C. Primary & Nursery School

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Y6 SAT Information

Click for Year 6 SAT Revision WebSites!

Between the ages of 5 and 16 there are four Key Stages.  There are tests at the end of each of these, (ages 7, 11, 14 and 16)

By law, every state school in England has to take part in the SATs.

Levels of Attainment

There are different levels of attainment in the English National Curriculum.

The English ‘National Target Level’ at age 11 is Level 4 in the tests - You're child is working below this target level if they are only achieving Level 3 and above this target if they are achieving Level 5. Please remember we are just as pleased with a child who finds the work set difficult, that manages to work hard and gain a Level 3 as a child who finds the work easier and gains the target Level 4 or a Level 5. 

The Tests

During one week in May there are a series of tests which cover the following :  

English

4 tests

Writing

35%

Reading for Understanding

50%

Spelling 

10%

Handwriting

5%

Mathematics

3 tests

Paper A (no calculator)

Paper B (with calculator)

Mental Maths Test

Science

2 tests

Papers A and B

These test ALL of the science work covered in Years 5 and 6.

 

These tests are sent away to be marked externally so when we get the results we know they are a true measure against the results of all of the schools in England. The tests vary in length and difficulty. 

The Tests - Preparation

How school will help -

         Provides specific homework especially from January to April that prepares the children for the types of questions they will see in the SATs.

       Sets ‘mock’ exams so that the children will get used to the test conditions.

         Uses texts that are designed to revise and extend the knowledge required for the tests.

Provides booster sessions for those children that need it.

The children need to play their part in this preparation, (they don’t get much choice for most of it!).

The vital message is always ‘Do Your Best’.

How you can help -

The children need to do their homework.

Some parents wish to purchase additional practice books - these are available at the main book shops. The BBC produce a good set of books called ‘Revise Wise’ - there are several other equally good books.  Hint - take the answers out of the book, (most are designed to be detached), and talk with your child about the work they complete while you mark it.

CD-ROMs, computer disks and SAT's websites - these are quite good, but not really as good as the books. However, most children will prefer to use this method of study.