Key Stage 2 - National Test Guide

About the Tests

What exactly are the tests?
Educational experts who work for the government write the tests. All the tests are based on things that you have already been taught so relax!
Everyone takes the tests at the same time across the entire country and then teachers in a different part of the country mark the tests.

Normally the tests take part in May and there will be 2-3 tests per day over the course of one week.

Test Day
On test day some things in your classroom may change temporarily.
Your teacher may cover up posters on the wall and the desks and chairs may be rearranged. Your teacher will explain everything that you need to do clearly. If you are not sure remember to ask your teacher to repeat the instructions.

Test Preparation
In the run up to the tests your teachers will talk about all aspects of the tests. They will make sure that you have learnt everything that will appear in the tests so DO NOT WORRY. Try and read through your homework and revise somewhere quiet.

On the Day
It is important to have a good healthy breakfast before any examinations.

When reading the questions always make sure you read them carefully so as not to make any silly mistakes.

What type of Tests?
There are a number of tests covering the three core subjects – English, Mathematics and Science.

English
The English part of the test consists of four smaller tests as detailed below:

1. Reading (1 hour)
You will be given a booklet to read and you will then have to answer questions in a separate answer booklet. The booklet will have 3 or 4 pieces of text – they may be poems, letters, reports or part of a story. You will be given 15 minutes at the beginning to read the whole booklet carefully. After the 15 minutes your teacher will hand you the answer booklet with questions about the pieces of text you have just read. You will be allowed to keep the reading booklet on your desk (and refer to it) whilst you answer the questions. You have 45 minutes to answer all the questions.

Tips:
1. Listen carefully to all instructions.
2. Read all questions carefully at least once.
3. If you are not sure about anything ask your teacher.
4. Try and leave time to check your answers at the end of the test.
5. Don’t spend too long on any one question.
6. If a question seems hard, then leave it and go onto another one.

2. Writing (1 hour)
You will be given a booklet with four subjects to write about – you only need to pick ONE to write about. In this booklet there are rough pages for you to plan your story or report. Your teacher will spend the first 15 minutes reading through the booklet with you to make sure you understand everything.

Then you have 45 minutes to complete your story. Your teacher will let you know when there are only 5 minutes left.

Tips:
1. Plan an outline of your story before starting to write the full version.
2. You can use a dictionary but don’t waste time trying to find long words to impress your teacher!
3. Use your reading time effectively – make sure you understand the booklet.
4. If you are not sure about anything ask your teacher.
5. Try and leave time to check your answers at the end of the test.

3.  Spelling and Handwriting (15 minutes)

a. Spelling (10 minutes)
You will be given a booklet that contains some text with some words missing.
Your teacher will read out the text with the missing words – listen carefully.
Your teacher will read out the text a second time and will pause after each missing word, allowing you time to write down the correct answer.
At the end the text will be read out for a third time so that you can check your answers.

Tips:
1. If you miss a word make sure that you do not write the next word in the wrong space.

b. Handwriting (5 minutes)
At the back of the booklet for the spelling test there will be one more paragraph – you will be asked to copy this in your best handwriting.

Tips:
1.      Try and use joined up writing.
2.      Use capitals only when they should be used.

Maths
The Maths part of the tests is split into three sections:

1. Mental Arithmetic (20 minutes)
Some simple questions will be played to you from a cassette tape. You must work out the answers in your head and then write them down on the answer sheet provided. You will not be allowed to use calculators, rubbers or rulers for this test – you are only allowed to use a pen or pencil. If you get an answer wrong and would like to change it please cross through the incorrect answer and write down the correct one.

The teacher will read every question twice – pay attention and listen carefully both times to ensure you have not misheard anything. Your teacher will also tell you how long you have to answer each question – it may be 5, 10 or 15 seconds.

Once the test has started you will not be allowed to talk so make sure you ask any questions you may have first.

Tips:
1. Listen carefully to what your teacher has to say.
2. If you are not sure of the answer, try and make a sensible guess.
3. Don’t worry if you can’t answer every question – some will be harder than others.
4. Do not show any working out for this test.

 

2. Paper A (45 minutes) and Paper B (45 minutes)
There are approximately 20 questions in each paper. You will be allowed to use a calculator for Paper B but not for Paper A.

Some questions have working out boxes – make sure you show your working out since extra marks will be awarded.

Tips:
1. Listen carefully to what your teacher has to say.
2. If you are not sure of the answer, try and make a sensible guess.
3. Don’t worry if you can’t answer every question – some will be harder than others.
4. Don’t spend too long on any one question.
5.  Try and leave time to check your work at the end.
6.  Remember to show all your working out – this is very important as you get extra marks awarded.

Science
There are two separate test papers within the science test.

Paper A (35 minutes) and Paper B (35 minutes)
In both papers you will be asked questions about the science subjects you have been taught at school. The tests will be similar in format but will have different questions. Parts of these tests involve using diagrams and sketches.

Tips:
1. Listen carefully to what your teacher has to say.
2. Don’t worry if you can’t answer every question – some will be harder than others.
3. Don’t spend too long on any one question.
4. Try and leave time to check your work at the end.