The SATs are a series of three tests designed to measure students’ mastery of the content taught in school. Every student has to sit these tests between Year 2 SATs and Year 6 SATs. The tests cover English and Math. If a student fails a test, they get another attempt next year. All three tests are taken on the same day unless the student is in year 6. Here’s a quick guide to SATs in the UK.
SATs tutors in London help children prepare for the SATs test. These tutors have been there and have helped children prepare for their year 6 and year 2 SATs exams. So, if you want your child to have a promising future, you should consider contacting SATs tuition London. Since these tutors have undergone what some students are likely going through, they will be able to relate better with parents and students by sharing unique tips that other teachers might not offer. SATs is one of the most important tests that a child has to pass in their entire life. It determines a child’s admission to the college of their own choice. It also decides the financial aid that the child will be receiving and even the future that they can look forward to. SATs are also an excellent indicator of a child’s future success in life.
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What Are SATs In The UK?
What is the SAT exam? During primary school, children take the SATs in the UK twice. The first time is at the end of Key Stage 1 in Year 2, and the second time is at the end of Key Stage 2 in Year 6. In reality, these tests refer to end-of-key stage tests and assessments (SATs), but they are more commonly referred to as SATs. SATs are part of the National Curriculum Assessment Programme in Britain. Both English and Mathematics appear in the SATs exams. In grades 2 and 6, the Government will test these two subjects.
Key Stage 1 SATs In The UK
There are three papers in Key stage 1 year 2 SATs (KS1)
- Reading
- Mathematics
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
Teachers grade the SATs papers in your child’s school at Key Stage 1. For each test, your child receives the ‘raw score’ (out of 40 points for reading, 60 points for Mathematics, and 40 points for grammar, punctuation, and spelling).
Key Stage 1 Reading
The Key Stage 1 Reading SATs Test consists of two papers worth 20 points. Nonfiction, poetry, and fiction may be included in each paper. Questions help to show comprehension of the texts.
In Paper 1, students receive a booklet containing short texts (ranging from 400 to 700 words). Children can write their responses to questions at various points in each text.
In Paper 2, the students read longer texts (about 800 to 1100 words) and then answer questions in an answer book.
Key Stage 1 Mathematics
The Key Stage 1 Mathematics SATs test consists of two papers. The first is an easy math paper worth 25 marks. The second is a reasoning paper worth 35 marks. The questions in both papers differ according to difficulty.
In Paper 1: Math, students will answer 25 questions that do not require context. The use of calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments is not permitted. A worksheet appears in the test booklet, but children should put their answers in the answer box.
In Paper 2: reasoning, students are asked to answer questions about number sense, measure, geometry, and statistics. Children must listen to the teacher and then write their answers to the first five questions in the booklet.
Key Stage 1 English (SPAG)
Two papers come in the Key Stage 1 English grammar, punctuation, and spelling test. Aural spelling is the first paper. Grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary appear in the second paper. Questions vary by difficulty level on each paper. Each paper is worth 20 marks.
In Paper 1: spelling, students have to fill out a booklet with 20 sentences, each with a word missing. Your child’s teacher will read aloud each sentence and then read aloud the missing word, followed by the whole sentence. For a child to earn a mark, they must accurately spell the missing word, complete with any required capital letters or apostrophes.
In Paper 2: questions, the students receive a booklet containing various questions that assess their comprehension of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. Approximately 20 minutes will be allocated for the test.
Key Stage 2 SATs In The UK
There are three papers in Key stage 2 year 6 SATs (KS2)
- Mathematics
- English
- Reading
A trained external marker marks the SATs papers at Key Stage 2. Your child will receive a raw score (50 on reading, 110 on math, and 70 on English grammar, punctuation, and spelling).
Key Stage 2 Reading
KS2 reading exam consists of a single paper that contains comprehension questions founded on three types of text. The test comes with an answer book and a reading booklet. In addition to reading the three texts, children will need to answer 50 questions worth a total of 50 points.
Key Stage 2 English (SPAG)
Students must write sentences with proper grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and spelling for this element test. Using this test, children show their ability to read and write in English.
In paper 1: There are several Key Stage 2 English SPAG questions. A total of 50 marks will be given for answering the questions, which take 45 minutes to complete.
In paper 2: In this Key Stage 2 English spelling test, children must fill an entire section of text with 20 missing words. Children spell missing words in their answer booklet as the invigilator reads the transcript.
Key Stage 2 Mathematics
Key Stage 2 year 6 Mathematics exam consists of two components, presented to students as three papers.
In paper 1: The test primarily measures children’s abilities to perform mathematical calculations. A total of 1 mark will apply for simple subtraction and fractions with more complex calculations. Two marks will apply for long division and long multiplication. A total of 40 marks will be awarded for each of the 30 questions.
In papers 2 and 3: year 6 SATs, children have to solve mathematical problems and use mathematical reasoning to demonstrate their mathematical fluency. There will be multiple-choice, true/false, constrained questions and problem-solving questions included in both papers. Each test paper will be worth 35 points and completed in 40 minutes.
How Can A Tutor Help A Child With SATs?
- By hiring a tutor, you can help your child become more confident and motivated to learn at a quicker pace.
- Your child can benefit from a tutor in areas of English and Math that may be difficult for them.
- A tutor can introduce SATs papers so that the student becomes familiar with exam techniques.
- Tutors can assign homework to your child. It is common for parents to complain about their children not getting enough work at school and at home.
- The online SATs tutors can help your child develop the skills and strategies required to succeed in the SATs.
Conclusion
I hope you found this article on everything you need to know about the SATs in the UK helpful! I know it can be stressful to take an exam that carries so much weight, so I wanted to try and make the process a little easier by giving you some brief ideas on SATs in the UK!