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What are the benefits of using SATs-style tests with all year groups?

The  national tests (or SATs) for key stage 1 and key stage 2 are rapidly approaching, which makes it timely to consider the benefits of using SATs-style tests with children in all year groups, not just those that will take the tests at the end of Year 2 and Year 6.

Benefits for children

Giving children the opportunity to become familiar with the style of national test questions and the format of the tests, including working to time limits, helps to demystify the test experience. Ultimately, this should give children confidence as they don’t need to worry about what to expect when it comes to time to take the national tests. It will also mean they have experience taking longer tests, which require more stamina than shorter, less formal assessments. The tests also give children an idea of areas where they are doing well and where they need to do more work, especially in topics that have not been taught for a while. As the national tests assess content taught over the entire key stage, revisiting prior learning at points throughout the year is particularly valuable.

Benefits for teachers

A key benefit for teachers of using SATs-style tests in all year groups is that they provide an independent way of assessing learning in relation to the national curriculum. By evaluating the results of the tests, for instance by using the online analysis which accompanies Rising Stars Optional Tests, the teacher can quickly identify areas in which children struggled.

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Today, we are joining together with hundreds of thousands of young people and thousands of organisations around the world to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children.

St John's Catholic School used the maths questions in Rising Stars Assessment Bank with a group of 'more able' children in Year 6 in order to ensure more challenge.  Find out their thoughts and experience using Rising Stars Assessment Bank.
 

Many schools will have already received their copy of the shiny new Rising Stars 2017 Catalogue. If you haven't yet managed to get hold of a copy, or you prefer to read online, you can now browse and share our full catalogue of resources by following the link below. 

Browse the 2017 Rising Stars Catalogue here.

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