Key Stage 3 - 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 a 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 two separate tests as detailed below:

1. Paper 1 ( 1 hour 45 minutes)
In this paper you will be given a piece of text to read. You will have 15 minutes at the start of the test to read the text. Then you will have one and a half hours to answer a series of questions. The questions are split into sections and you must answer all the questions in sections A and B. You only need to answer one question from section C. On the actual test paper there is a suggestion as to how you should spend your time during the test;

10 minutes on question 1
20 minutes on question 2
20 minutes on question 3
35 minutes on question 4
5 minutes to check your work.

Tips:
1. Check your work carefully.
2. Try and answer every question.
3. Ask your teacher if you are not sure what to do.
4. There is no limit on the number of words you must use.

 

2. Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes)
In this test there are three extracts from different plays by Shakespeare.
You are offered two questions for every extract but you only have to answer ONE question for ONE of the extracts.

Tips:
1. Check your work carefully.
2. Your work will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the play in question.
3. You will be awarded extra marks for giving quotes from the play.
4. Check your handwriting and spelling – they will be assessed.

 

Maths
The Maths element of the tests consists of two papers as detailed below:

1. Paper 1 ( 1 hour)
In this test you are NOT allowed to use a calculator. You will be given a series of questions to answer. All the questions will cover areas that you have studied previously.

2. Paper 2 ( 1 hour)
In this test you are allowed to use a calculator. You will find that the questions in Paper 2 are slightly harder than Paper 1 due to the fact you are allowed a calculator.

Both papers cover the same areas of Mathematics.

Tips:
1.      Show your working out – it may get you extra marks.
2.      Check your answers.
3.      Make sure you read all the questions properly.
4.      Ask your teacher if you have any questions.

 

Science
The Science element of the Key Stage 3 tests is split into two papers.

Paper 1 ( 1 hour) and Paper 2 ( 1 hour)
Both papers will cover the syllabus you have studied during the year. You will need to have a pencil, pen, rubber, ruler, calculator and protractor for the tests. The tests do start with easier questions and gradually get harder – be aware.
Part of the tests will involve sketches and diagrams.

Tips:
1. Try and answer all the questions.
2. Write all your answers on the test paper – do not use any rough paper.
3. Check your work carefully.
4. Ask your teacher if you are not sure what to do.