Standard Assessment Tests (SATs)
As parents and former teachers, we understand the worry that three little letters can create: SATs!
Taking place this year between Tuesday 9th May and Friday 12th May, the SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are a set of exams taken by children at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6). They are used to measure the progress and attainment of pupils in English and Maths and can be used by the secondary school to set targets or make predictions.
Your child will already be well underway with a programme of revision activities with their teacher, and while the school will be doing everything they can to allay worries, exam-related anxiety is a real issue that can affect the mental wellbeing of many children. The way you react and support them now will lay the foundations for similar situations in the future such as GCSEs, A Levels and even driving tests!
What steps can parents take to support their child in the run-up to SATs?
Talk to the teachers: Ask about the routines for exams and how your child has been prepared for it – what will they do, for example, if they need to go to the toilet during a test? You can then reassure them if they are anxious or worried whilst at home.
Provide a supportive environment: Create a calm and supportive environment at home to help your child feel relaxed and focused during revision. Little and often is key as they will be working hard at school all day too. Rather than using paper based revision tools, mix it up with software such as a Google Jamboard
Routines are important: Healthy sleep routines are always important but at times like this they are vital. Create a set of guidelines with your child about how they can wind down at bedtime and manage screen time.
Celebrate their achievements: Celebrate your child’s achievements and progress, no matter how small. This will help to build their confidence, boost their self esteem and motivate them to continue working hard in the knowledge that they won’t disappoint you. Have some fun making personalised certificates in Canva
Keep things in perspective: SATs can be all consuming and, depending on the child, school or teacher, can often seem like the most important thing in the world. Remind them to try their best, and that nothing bad will happen if they don’t get the results they expect or want in their SATs! Have them create a Microsoft Sway focusing on people and things that are important to them.
Published: May 1