What are SATS?
At primary
school, SATS (Standard Assessment Tests) tests
are given at the end of year 2 and year 6. They
are used to show your child's progress compared
with other children born in the same month. The
mean (average) score for each age group on an
assessment is set at 100 and the standard
deviation at 15. For any age group a given
numerical value has the same meaning in terms of
standing relative to the group. For example, an
eight year old and a nine year old, each of whom
has a standard age score of 105, have performed
equally well in relation to the average for
their respective age groups.
Key Stage 1
SATs take place in year 2 (at the end of
infants) throughout May. Each child is teacher
assessed in Reading, writing, maths (including
number, shape, space and measurement) and
science. Your child's class teacher will set
short pieces of work in English and maths to
judge what level of ability your child is
considered to be.
Key Stage 2
SATs take place in May and are far more formal
than Key Stage 1, hence they seem much more
stressful! The tests which are taken in year 6
cover the three core subjects, English, Maths
and Science. Very bright children may be
assessed by teachers to see if they can reach
higher levels. The papers are sent away to be
marked with results being available before your
child leaves primary school in July.
Here is a
simple table to show you the expectations of a
child:
Level
Comments
Level W Working towards level 1, very weak
Level 1 Average for a typical 5 year old
Level 2 Average for a typical 7 year old
Level 3 Average for a typical 9 year old
Level 4 Average for a typical 11 year old
Level 5 Average for a typical 13 year old
So, if your child is sitting the Year 6 Key
Stage 2 SATs and achieves level 4, well done:
level 5 signals a very able or gifted child:
level 3 is below average and indicates your
class teacher and you should work together to
identify what can be done to give extra help and
promote confidence and a desire to learn.
Additionally you may find bands 'a', 'b' and 'c'
are given within the levels. This simply
indicates a range within the level, a being the
highest and c being the lowest.
SATS results,
together with the teacher's assessment are used
to stream your child at secondary school so it
is imperative that you focus on them.
(Source:
satsguide.co.uk 2009)
SATs Revision
help
South Gloucestershire Key Stage 2 SATs results
2011
