The tests are designed to assess a range of skills and knowledge across several key subjects.
The teacher assesses science and English Writing, and these do not have a separate test.
Subjects Covered
The Mathematics SATs are divided into three papers: Arithmetic and Reasoning.
Paper 1: Arithmetic: This paper tests your child's ability to perform basic calculations. It includes straightforward addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and more complex problems involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
Papers 2 and 3: Reasoning: These papers assess your child's problem-solving skills and ability to apply mathematical concepts to various scenarios. Questions may involve geometry, measures, statistics, and algebra. These are going to be more wordy questions and have maths questions set within a context.
English Reading
The Reading test assesses your child's ability to understand and interpret written texts. The test is composed of a single paper that includes three different texts, which may be fiction, non-fiction, or poetry.
Questions are designed to evaluate a range of reading skills, including:
🐾 Retrieval of information
🐾 Inference and deduction
🐾Interpretation of vocabulary and language use
🐾 Summarising main ideas
🐾 Comparing and contrasting texts
English Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS)
The GPS SAT is split into two components: a grammar and punctuation paper and a spelling test.
Paper 1: Questions: This paper tests your child's knowledge of grammatical terms, punctuation rules, sentence structure, and the correct use of standard English.
Paper 2: Spelling: This is an oral test where children must spell a series of words read out by the test administrator. This assesses their understanding of spelling patterns and rules. When we made our practice online test, it was essential that it prepared students for the exam and helped them learn spelling.
My boys' school uses apps with games to help them with spelling, which is fun, but they need to get used to the test format. The teacher will read out the word, followed by a sentence with that word in as it assesses the spelling of words in context and understanding meaning. This helps with the spelling of homophones.
Format of the KS2 SATs
Timing and Duration
The SATs are spread over a week, usually in May.
Each test has a specific duration:
🐾 Mathematics Paper 1 (Arithmetic): 30 minutes
🐾 Mathematics Papers 2 and 3 (Reasoning): 40 minutes each
🐾 English Reading: 60 minutes
🐾 English Grammar and Punctuation: 45 minutes
🐾 English Spelling: Approximately 15 minutes
Question Types
SATs include a variety of question types to assess different skills:
Multiple Choice: Students select the correct answer from a list of options.
Short Answer: Students write brief responses, such as single words, phrases, or short sentences.
Extended Response: In the English Reading paper, students may be required to write longer answers explaining their thoughts and interpretations.
Spelling Test: Students write down words read aloud to them, focusing on correct spelling.
Scoring and Assessment
Each paper is scored separately, combining the results to provide an overall level for each subject. The scores determine whether a student has met the expected standard for their age.
Preparing for the Format
Understanding the format of the SATs can help you and your child develop effective study strategies.
Familiarise with Past Papers: Reviewing past SATs papers can help your child become comfortable with the types of questions and the test format. Our shadow papers help parents understand if students have learnt the skill or just remember what the answer should be.
Timed Practice: Practice completing questions within the allotted time to help manage time effectively during the test.
Balanced Study Plan: Ensure your child practises a variety of question types to build confidence in all areas.
By comprehending the structure and format of the SATs, you can better support your child's preparation and help them approach the tests with confidence and clarity.
What to Expect: KS2 SATs Key Dates and Timelines
Preparing for SATs involves understanding the key dates and timelines to ensure your child is ready for the assessments. Here's an overview of the important milestones leading up to and following the SATs.
Key Dates
Autumn Term (September - December)Initial Preparation: Schools begin to prepare Year 6 students for SATs by revising the Key Stage 2 curriculum and starting focused practice sessions.
Parent-Teacher Meetings: Early in the term, schools typically hold meetings to inform parents about SATs preparation, expectations, and how they can support their children at home.
Discuss SATs: Begin conversations with your child about SATs to build awareness and set expectations without causing anxiety.
Review Homework: Stay engaged with your child's homework and class activities to support their learning.
Early Practice: This should cover all the skills needed, such as spelling, long division, etc., but only spend a short time on each: intensive preparation is too much at this stage.
Use Resources: Utilise past papers, online resources, and revision guides to aid studying.
Mock SATs: Many schools conduct mock SATs in January or February. These practice tests help familiarise students with the test format and identify areas needing improvement.
Focused Revision: Teachers intensify revision sessions, often targeting specific areas where students need additional support.
Parent-Teacher Meetings: Additional meetings may be scheduled to discuss your child's progress and any concerns.
Encourage Practice: Support your child in taking mock exams seriously, as these will highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
Respond to Feedback: Look at the results of your child's test and see which areas they need to focus on: you can set these as repeat tests for them.
Create a Study Schedule: Develop a balanced study plan that includes regular breaks and time for relaxation.
Stay Positive: Encourage a positive mindset and reassure your child that effort and improvement are more important than perfection.
Final Preparation: The weeks leading up to the SATs involve intense revision, with teachers focusing on consolidating knowledge and boosting students' confidence.
SATs Week
Maintain Routine: Ensure your child has a consistent routine, plenty of sleep and a healthy diet.
Stay Calm: Keep stress levels low by maintaining a calm and supportive environment at home.
Offer Encouragement: Provide plenty of encouragement and reassurance each day. Some reflection on the test is fine, but do not dwell—a quick debrief after school is fine, but it is better to use that time to prepare for the next than worry about what has already happened.
SATs usually take place in mid-May. The exact dates can vary slightly each year, but the tests are typically scheduled as follows:
Monday: English Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS)
Tuesday: English Reading
Wednesday: Mathematics Paper 1 (Arithmetic) and Mathematics Paper 2 (Reasoning)
Thursday: Mathematics Paper 3 (Reasoning)
Post-SATs
Marking and Results: Once the SATs are completed, the papers are sent away for marking. Results are usually returned to schools in July.
Results Distribution: Schools will inform parents and students of the SATs results. This can be done through individual reports sent home or during end-of-year meetings.
Transition Preparation: Following the SATs, schools often focus on preparing students for the transition to secondary school, including visits to new schools and orientation activities.
Celebrate Effort: Regardless of the results, celebrate your child's effort and hard work throughout the year.
Plan Ahead: Begin preparations for secondary school, focusing on making the transition smooth and positive.
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