Not long now until the grim reality of SATs week hits Y6.
It really is ridiculous how much focus and weight is put into that 1 week out of the entire academic year. The pressure of data and meeting targets; ensuring that the children are prepared with the requisite knowledge and skills and, more importantly, the mental resources to cope with the weird situation that is KS2 SATs week – all of this lands squarely at the Y6 teacher’s door. Yes, I know that everyone is involved over the years but, for that week, Y6 teachers feel it the most. I suspect that, this year, this burden feels even more onerous.
So, how do you plan for the last few days leading up to SATs week?
A lot depends on your cohort – they are all unique. From my experience there should be a blend of Maths and English for the tests, all other subjects and some downtime – fun! Every day an aspect of Maths and English should be revised or key gaps dealt with – no new learning at this point! Yes, the Maths curriculum will not have been covered 100%, but pragmatism needs to kick in. Being secure on what has already been taught will build the children’s confidence far better than a quick one-off lesson on algebra, just-in-case it comes up in the test.
GPS in quick bursts can be an effective way of dealing with all the jargon and rules; low stakes quizzes can cover a lot of ground quickly. GPS 5 a Day has been our most popular download since its launch in February. Why? They give 5 questions with a particular focus to try as a whole class. Questions are based on previous year’s tests and give the opportunity to discuss test technique whilst checking knowledge and having fun. Each one takes just 10 minutes or less and are easy to slip into the day for a change of subject or pace. With over 30 to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
Free samples of GPS 5 a Day can be found in our Y6 SATs Preparation Starter Pack, just follow the link:
Maths vocabulary can be a barrier to children in accessing some of the questions in Papers 2 and 3. How can a child know which Maths skills and knowledge are required, if they don’t understand the Maths vocabulary used? To help with this, we have created Maths Vocabulary Quizzes for each area of Maths. which include all the vocabulary that children should be familiar with by the end of KS2.
Free samples of Maths Vocabulary Quizzes can be found in our Y6 SATs Preparation Starter Pack, just follow the link:
Quizzes are ideal to use in the last few days before test week; they can boost confidence and used whole class can add a touch of fun.
Good luck to all Y6 teachers and their classes in the final run up to SATs!
