At Ultra Education, we believe in empowering both students and parents throughout their educational journey. One of the key milestones in primary education in England is the Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs). We understand that these exams can sometimes feel like a big step, so we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what they are and how we support your child through them.
What are SATs?
SATs are national curriculum assessments taken by children in Year 2 and Year 6. Their main purpose is to measure your child’s knowledge and understanding in key subjects at the end of these important primary school phases.
- Key Stage 1 (Year 2): These assessments take place in the classroom throughout May. They are designed to be low-key and are administered by your child’s teacher. The subjects covered are:
- Reading: Two papers – a reading booklet with questions and a separate reading answer booklet.
- Mathematics: Two papers – an arithmetic paper and a reasoning paper.
- Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS): Two shorter papers, although these are non-statutory from the 2023/24 academic year. Teachers will continue to assess these areas as part of their overall assessment.
- Key Stage 2 (Year 6): These are more formal tests taken under exam conditions, usually in the second week of May. The subjects assessed are:
- Reading: One paper focusing on comprehension.
- Mathematics: Three papers – an arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers.
- Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS): Two papers – a short answer question paper and a spelling test.
Why are SATs important?
SATs provide a snapshot of your child’s attainment against national standards. The results are used in several ways:
- School Performance: They help schools to monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Accountability: The government uses SATs data to hold schools accountable for the education they provide.
- Transition to Secondary School: For Year 6 students, the results can provide secondary schools with information about your child’s academic strengths and areas where they might need additional support. However, it’s crucial to remember that SATs are just one piece of information that secondary schools use.
How Ultra Education Supports Your Child with SATs
At Ultra Education, we take a holistic approach to learning and believe in building a strong foundation throughout your child’s primary school years. Our approach to supporting students with SATs focuses on:
- Building Confidence: We create a supportive and encouraging learning environment where children feel confident in their abilities.
- Deep Understanding: Our teaching goes beyond rote learning, ensuring your child has a deep understanding of the concepts being taught.
- Targeted Support: Our experienced tutors can provide tailored support to address any specific areas where your child might need extra help. This could involve focusing on specific question types, reinforcing key mathematical concepts, or improving reading comprehension skills.
- Reducing Anxiety: We aim to demystify the SATs process and help children approach the exams with a calm and positive attitude. We do this by familiarizing them with the format of the tests and building their problem-solving skills.
- Focus on Progress, Not Just the Test: While we prepare students for SATs, our primary focus remains on fostering a love of learning and ensuring continuous progress. We believe that a strong understanding of the curriculum throughout the year is the best preparation for any assessment.
What can parents do to help?
As parents, your support plays a vital role. Here are a few ways you can help your child during the SATs period:
- Stay Positive: Encourage your child and reassure them that doing their best is what matters most.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure they have a quiet space to do homework and get enough rest.
- Communicate with the School: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher to understand their progress and any areas of concern.
- Focus on Well-being: Ensure your child eats healthily, gets enough sleep, and has time for relaxation and fun.
- Avoid Pressure: Try not to put excessive pressure on your child about the tests.
Ultra Education is Here to Help
We understand that navigating the world of primary education, including SATs, can sometimes feel overwhelming. At Ultra Education, we are committed to providing high-quality tuition and support that empowers your child to reach their full potential. If you have any questions about SATs or how we can help your child, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
