This is a long blog, but worth the read if you are worried about the 2023 SATs.
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and ensuring that they do well in their SATs exam is no exception. The SATs exams for Key Stage 2 (KS2) or Year 6 are important, as they provide an indication of your child’s progress in the core subjects of maths, English, and science. This guide will provide you with the necessary information you need to help your child prepare for the SATs exams in 2023.
Before we dive into the details of the SATs exams, it’s important to note that the exams are just one aspect of your child’s learning journey. While they are important, they are not the only indicator of your child’s abilities or potential. It’s important to focus on your child’s overall progress and development, rather than just their SATs scores.
What are the KS2/ Year 6 SATs exams?
The KS2/ Year 6 SATs exams are a series of tests that are taken by children in their final year of primary school in the UK. The exams cover the core subjects of English (reading, writing, and spelling, punctuation, and grammar), maths, and science. The SATs exams are designed to assess your child’s knowledge and understanding of the curriculum taught in primary school, and to provide a snapshot of their progress.
The 2023 SATs exam dates are as follows:
- Tuesday 9 May 2023: Spelling, punctuation and grammar (Grammar/Punctuation Test) – 45 minutes
- Tuesday 9 May 2023: Spelling, punctuation and grammar (Spelling Test) – 20 minutes
- Wednesday 10 May 2023: Reading Test – 60 minutes
- Thursday 11 May 2023: Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic) – 30 minutes
- Thursday 11 May 2023: Maths Paper 2 (Reasoning) – 40 minutes
- Friday 12 May 2023: Maths Paper 3 (Reasoning) – 40 minutes
How to prepare for the 2023 SATs exams?
Preparing for the SATs exams can be daunting for both parents and children, but with the right support and guidance, it can be a positive experience. Here are some tips to help your child prepare for the SATs exams:
- Encourage regular revision and practice
Encourage your child to revise a little bit every day, rather than leaving everything until the last minute. There are many resources available to help your child revise, including textbooks, workbooks, and online resources (Past SATS exam papers, BBC Bitesize, more advice / resources)
- Provide a quiet and comfortable study environment
It’s important to provide your child with a quiet and comfortable study environment that is free from distractions. This will help them to concentrate and focus on their revision and practice.
- Support their learning
Support your child’s learning by being involved in their revision and practice. This could involve helping them to understand a difficult concept, testing them on their knowledge, or simply encouraging them to keep going when they feel discouraged.
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on your child’s ability to learn and retain information. Encourage your child to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
- Manage stress levels
The SATs exams can be stressful for children, so it’s important to manage their stress levels. Encourage your child to take regular breaks, do things they enjoy, and remind them that their SATs scores are just one aspect of their learning journey.
What do the 2023 SATs exams cover?
The SATs exams cover the core subjects of English, maths, and science. Here is an overview of what is covered in each subject
English: The English SATs exam covers three areas: reading, writing, and spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG).
- Reading: The reading test consists of a selection of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The texts are followed by a series of questions that test your child’s comprehension skills.
- Writing: The writing test assesses your child’s ability to write for different purposes and audiences. This includes narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing.
- SPaG: The SPaG test consists of two parts: a grammar and punctuation test, and a spelling test. The grammar and punctuation test assesses your child’s knowledge and understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. The spelling test assesses their ability to spell a range of common and tricky words.
Maths: The maths SATs exam covers arithmetic, reasoning, and problem-solving.
- Arithmetic: The arithmetic test assesses your child’s ability to carry out basic mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Reasoning: The reasoning tests assess your child’s ability to apply their mathematical knowledge and understanding to solve problems and puzzles.
- Problem-solving: The problem-solving test assesses your child’s ability to use mathematical strategies to solve a range of real-life problems.
Science: The science SATs assessment covers biology, chemistry, and physics. The class based assessment assesses your child’s knowledge and understanding of key scientific concepts, as well as their ability to carry out scientific investigations.
How are the 2023 SATs exams marked?
The SATs exams are marked externally by trained markers. The results are reported as scaled scores, which range from 80 to 120. A score of 100 is considered to be the expected standard for a child in Year 6.
The scaled scores are used to measure your child’s progress and to compare their performance with other children of the same age across the country. The scores are also used to help inform secondary school admissions and to identify areas where your child may need additional support.
How can you support your child after the 2023 SATs exams?
Once the SATs exams are over, it’s important to support your child in whatever way they need. Here are some tips to help you support your child after the SATs exams:
- Celebrate their achievements
Take the time to celebrate your child’s achievements, regardless of their SATs scores. This could be as simple as going out for a meal or buying them a small gift.
- Encourage them to continue learning
Encourage your child to continue learning and exploring their interests. This could involve signing them up for extracurricular activities or taking them to visit museums and other cultural sites.
- Prepare for secondary school
Help your child to prepare for secondary school by talking to them about what to expect, and by encouraging them to get involved in school activities and clubs.
- Focus on their overall progress
Remember that the SATs exams are just one aspect of your child’s learning journey. Focus on their overall progress and development, rather than just their SATs scores.
Support
At Primary Tutor Project, we understand that the SATs exams can be a challenging time for both parents and children. That’s why we offer expert tutoring services to help your child prepare for the exams and achieve their full potential.
Our team of experienced tutors are trained to provide tailored support to meet the individual needs of each child. We offer one-to-one and group tutoring sessions, covering all areas of the SATs exams, including English, maths, and science.
We use a range of teaching methods and resources to make learning fun and engaging, and to help your child feel confident and well-prepared for the exams. Our tutors are also available to provide ongoing support and guidance after the exams, to help your child continue to progress and develop and prepare for secondary school.
If you’re looking for expert tutoring services to support your child through the SATs exams, look no further than Primary Tutor Project. Contact us today to find out more about our services and to book a free consultation with one of our tutors.
In conclusion, the SATs exams can be a challenging and stressful time for both parents and children. However, with the right support and guidance, your child can feel confident and well-prepared for the exams. Remember to focus on your child’s overall progress and development, and celebrate their achievements, regardless of their SATs scores. Good luck!
