Key Stage 2 Tests and Assessments

At the end of Key Stage 2, your child (who will be about 11 years old) will be required to take a series of national tests. However, there is no notion of 'pass' or 'fail' in these tests; instead they are designed for the following reasons:

• To enable teachers to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of each individual child.
• To show the teacher know what each child needs to learn next, so that they can tailor their teaching.
• To enable the school to see how well it is teaching aspects of the National Curriculum.
• To show the Government how many children are making the right kind of progress in Maths, English and Science.
• To let parents know you how well their child is progressing in relation to national expectations.

The Tests

The national tests at the end of Key Stage 2 are set over five days in May, with duration of between 45 and 90 minutes each day. The task and test materials cover the following:

English

• Reading test (1 hour)
• Writing test, which comprises of:
• a longer task (45 mins)
• a shorter task (20 mins)
• Spelling test (10 mins)

Mathematics

• Mathematics test A (45 mins)
• Mathematics test B (45 mins)
• Mental mathematics test (20 mins)

Science

• Science test A (45 mins)
• Science test B (45 mins)

Teacher Assessments

At the end of each key stage, your child's teacher will assess your child's performance alongside the national tests. Each subject in the National Curriculum is divided into eight levels - at the age of eleven, most children are expected to achieve level 4. These teacher assessments will let you know you how well your child is progressing in relation to national expectations.

However, there will always be some children below and others beyond the target. If your child finds their work easy, talk to their teacher about what target they should be aiming for - they may need to aim higher. If the school says that your child is likely to find it hard to reach the target, your child may need extra help from their school and from you. However, do remember that children develop at different rates; some may not reach the level at the given age, but will catch up later.

Reports

The school will send you an annual report telling you:

• the results of your child's national tests
• the teacher assessment levels your child has achieved
• the results for all the children in your child's age group in the school
• the national results for the previous year