Key Stage 3 Tests and Assessments

At the end of Key Stage 3, your child (who will be about 14 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 pupil
• 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 3 are set over five days at the beginning of May, with duration of between 90 and 150 minutes over each day. The task and test materials cover the following:

English

• English reading paper (1 hour 15 mins)
• English writing paper
• longer writing task (45 mins)
• shorter writing task (30 mins)
• English Shakespeare paper (45 mins)

Mathematics

• Mathematics paper 1 (1 hour)
• Mathematics paper 2 (1 hour)
• Mental mathematics test (20 mins)

Science

• Science paper 1 (1 hour)
• Science paper 2 (1 hour)

Teacher Assessments

At the end of key stage 3, 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 fourteen, most children are expected to achieve level 5 - many will be expected to achieve level 6. 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.

The teacher assessment for 14 year olds covers:

• Art
• Citizenship
• Design and Technology
• English
• Geography
• History
• Information and Communication Technology
• Maths
• Modern Foreign Language
• Music
• Physical Education
• Science

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