National Tests and Assessments
Year 1 Phonics Check
The phonic screening check takes place in June each year for children in year 1 and for children in year 2 who didn't attain the required passmark when they were in year 1.
The phonic screening check is a paper based test. Children are asked to read 40 words (some real words and some made up or pseudo words) one-to-one with their teacher. The real and pseudo words will follow phonic patterns your child has been taught during their daily phonics lessons. Your child will need to read these with the correct sounds to show they understand the phonic rules behind them.
When administering the phonics screening check your child's teacher will give them a few practise words first which will be a mix of real and pseudo words so they understand what to do. The pseudo words are shown by the picture of an alien or monster so that it appears the word is the monsters name and not a mistake because they don't recognise the word.
The pass mark required for the phonics screening check is 32/40 or above.
First and foremost, the check is about finding out which children are struggling with their phonics so that they can get extra support. It is not a judgement on what your child can do, but a way for the school to know how their teaching is going and to adjust their focus if needed.
Your child's phonic screening check score will be reported to parents and guardians in their end of year report in July.
Year 2 SATS
The National Curriculum Assessments, otherwise known as Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) can seem like a daunting part of your child's education. However if you know what to expect, they don't need to be scary for you or your child.
In May each year, children in year 2 sit their key stage 1 SATs. The tests are paper based and are not timed.
There are papers in three subject areas:
- Reading: 2 papers
- Mathematics: 2 papers - reasoning and arithmetic
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling 1 paper (optional)
At Key Stage 1, papers are marked internally by your child's class teacher. The raw score your child attains is converted into a scaled score. A scaled score of 100 indicates a child has achieved the expected standard while a scaled score above 110 indicates they are exceeding the expected standard and a score below 100 indicates they are working towards the expected standard. The scaled score is combined with a child's in class learning to support an overall teacher assessment of whether a child is below, at or exceeding the expected standard.
Your child's end of year report in July will inform you if your child is working towards the expected standard, working at the expected standard or exceeding the expected standard.