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Frequently Asked Questions About the SATs Exam

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Introduction

 

As a parent of a primary school child, you’ll likely have questions about the SATs exams. In this article, we cover the most commonly-asked SATs questions to give you a better understanding of the tests.

 

What Are SATs?

 

SATs are national tests that children take twice in primary school across England. Key Stage 1 (KS1) SATs are taken in Year 2 and Key Stage 2 (KS2) SATs are taken at the end of Year 6.

 

Learn more about what SATs are in the UK.

 

What Do SATs Measure?

 

Every year, there’s a lot of discussion around the SATs true purpose, but their primary aim is to help teachers and parents learn more about a child’s strengths and weaknesses. The tests are an opportunity to see how much progress children have made at school.

 

As children across England take the same SATs exams, teachers can compare how well each child is doing compared with others. SATs results can be used to predict children’s future exam results and can also help to identify schools that need additional support.

 

Find out more about what UK SATs measure.

 

What Are the Different Sections in a SATs Exam?

 

format of the SATs exam

 

KS1 SATs are split into the following sections:

 

  • Reading
  • English Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG)
  • Maths

 

Discover more about the different Key Stage 1 SAT exam sections.

 

KS2 SATs are split into the following subjects:

 

  • Reading
  • English Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG)
  • Maths

 

Learn more about the different Key Stage 2 SAT exam sections.

 

What SATs Preparation Materials Does My Child Need?

 

Useful prep materials for the SATs exam include:

 

Get more details about these preparation materials for SATs exams.

 

When Will I Know the Results from the SATs Exam?

 

KS2 SATs are externally marked and children should receive their results towards the end of the summer term in July of Year 6. You will receive a report that includes the following information:

  • Raw score – the actual number of marks your child received in their SATs
  • Scaled score – a conversion score that allows results to be compared year-on-year
  • Expected standard – whether or not they have achieved the national standard

For more information about SATs results, read our in-depth article on what SATs result mean.

 

What Level Should My Child be Achieving in Their SATs?

 

At both KS1 and Ks2 level, children are expected to reach the national standard.
The national standard score for both is 100. Learn more about this national standard at SAT level and what it means for your child.

 

Where Can I Find Help with SATs?

 

In order for your child to succeed in their SATs, it’s important to get them the right type of help. Our education blog is an excellent source of information for parents looking for SATs advice. Our parents’ guide to KS2 SATs offers practical information about how to help your child to succeed in the SATs exams.

 

You can also get help with SATs via a private SATs tutor and by introducing practice exam papers into your child’s revision sessions at home.

 

How Can I support My Child During Their SATs?

 

preparing your child for the SATs

 

SATs preparation in Year 6 can cause some anxiety for children, as it is likely to be the first time they will experience formal test conditions. As a parent, there is a lot you can do to support your child’s SATs preparation, including:

 

  • Set up a revision timetable
  • Vary their learning
  • Use practice exam papers
  • Maintain a normal routine

 

For more details, take a look at our post on how to support your child during their SATs preparation.

 

What Are the Benefits of Using SATs Practice Papers?

 

The key to success in the SATs exam is practice. By using practice papers, your child will be better prepared on exam day. Below are just some of the of using practice papers as part of your child’s exam preparation:

 

  • Improve time management
  • Identify knowledge gaps
  • Track progress
  • Recognise question types

 

We provide practice SATs papers are both KS1 and KS2 level:

 

Key Stage 1

 

Key Stage 1 SATs Practice Test 1

 

Key Stage 1 SATs Practice Test 2

 

 Key Stage 2

 

Key Stage 2 SATs Practice Test 1

 

Key Stage 2 SATs Practice Test 2

 

 

Learn more about the benefits of using practice papers for SATs.

 

How Can my Child Score Highly in the SATs?

 

There are a number of things you can do to help your child maximise their chances of gaining a high score in the SAT exams. It’s important not put too much pressure on them in the lead-up to the tests. Of course, identify and work on any weaker areas but always remain positive and encouraging. Avoid lengthy revision sessions and instead opt for shorter sessions to maintain their motivation for learning.

 

Start SATs revision early to build your child’s stamina well ahead of the actual tests and get your child into the habit of answering every question. Unanswered questions will result in no marks, so it’s always worth having a guess if they aren’t sure of the answer.

 

Score highly in the SATs test with our practical and effective advice.

 

If you have any further questions about the SATs exam, you will find a host of SATs-related articles on our blog that offer useful and easy-to-follow advice when preparing your child for their SATs.

 


 

Related Posts

SATs Advice for Parents

Key Stage 2 SATs: A Parent’s Guide

 

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