Usually, children sit for their Key Stage 2 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) in May of Year 6. The SATs involve tests on maths, reading, grammar and punctuation, which are used to gauge children’s academic progress and check that students are working to expected standards. In addition to the formal papers, teachers will also test children on other subjects in the classroom, including speaking, listening and science.
The results of these tests give both parents and teachers a better understanding of children’s academic abilities and weaknesses. And the results are sometimes used to set learning targets when children move up to secondary school.
However, this year the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works. Schools are now closed to most students, and school assessments are in question. GCSEs and A-Levels have been cancelled, but what is happening to KS2 SATs?
Have KS2 SATs Been Cancelled?
On the 18th March, the Education Secretary announced that all schools would be closing on Friday 20th March. The Prime Minister then confirmed that “exams will not take place in May and June.” Unfortunately, KS2 SATs have been cancelled along with all other forms of school assessments.
Even though some children are still allowed to attend school and some children are continuing their education at home, they won’t have to worry about sitting any tests. KS2 SATs have been cancelled for all children, even those still attending school.
How Will This Affect the Transition to Secondary School?
Previously, KS2 SATs results were used to set learning targets during the start of secondary school. But this year, an entire year group will progress to secondary school without any KS2 SATs results.
As a result, rather than basing learning targets on results, secondary schools are likely to monitor children’s performance during their first year of secondary school and set targets accordingly. So the lack of SATs results won’t affect children’s transition to their new school.
Encouraging Children to Continue Learning at Home
Without KS2 SATs to work towards, children in Year 6 may be reluctant to continue learning at home. But without completing KS2 learning, children may find it difficult to grasp Key Stage 3 concepts when they move up to secondary school.
So encouraging children to engage in education at home, and complete KS2 lessons can make their transition to secondary school much smoother.
Home learning during lockdown doesn’t have to resemble the six-hour days children usually spend at school. It can be much more relaxed. In the words of the National Education Union, the focus now should be on “keeping minds active and happy, ready to return to school when the time comes.”
As long as children are continuing to engage in education, this can have a huge impact on their academic performance when they return to school. Plus, home learning can keep them entertained during the many days off of school.
Master the Curriculum is here to help parents during the coronavirus school closures. We have a range of fun maths activities for children in Year 6 that you can download and use for home learning. Many of our maths resources are available for free, all you need to do is sign up for a free account. Or if you want to unlock all of our resources, including teaching slides, interactive maths videos, vocab cards and more, choose one of our premium membership options.
