Assessment Arrangements for KS1 in 2016

Following our update on KS2, children are also tested (SATs) in year 2 at the end of KS1. A new National Curriculum was introduced in 2014 and as a result, the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is changing the tests so that they assess the new curriculum. Pupils will take the new tests for the first time in May 2016. We do not currently know how the results of these assessments will be reported to parents. The tests will be as follows:

Reading:
Paper 1 consists of a selection of texts with questions interspersed
Paper 2 comprises a reading booklet of a selection of passages and children will write their answers in a separate booklet.

English grammar, punctuation and spelling:
Paper 1: a grammar and punctuation written task, taking approximately 20 minutes, and worth 15 marks. Children will be provided with a prompt and stimulus for a short piece of writing, with a clear text type, audience and purpose. Handwriting will be worth four per cent of the marks.
Paper 2: a grammar, punctuation and vocabulary test, in two sections of around 10 minutes each (with a break between, if necessary), worth 20 marks. This will involve a mixture of selecting the right answers e.g. through multiple choice, and writing short answers.
Paper 3: a 20-word spelling test taking approximately 15 minutes and worth 10 marks.

Maths:
Paper 1: Arithmetic, worth 25 marks and taking around 15 minutes.
Paper 2: Mathematical fluency, problem-solving and reasoning, worth 35 marks and taking 35 minutes, with a break if necessary. There will be a variety of question types: multiple choice, matching, true/false, constrained (e.g. completing a chart or table; drawing a shape) and less constrained (e.g. where children have to show or explain their method). Children will not be able to use any tools such as calculators or number lines.

As with KS2, please note that we measure all pupil progress and attainment by using the National Curriculum expectations for each year group. We use forms of ongoing teacher assessment to help us when we are planning the next steps for your children. These also tell us whether children are working at, above or below national expectations for their age. We also regularly give opportunities to review how well your children are doing.