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 your child has already been taught so let them 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 child’s classroom may change temporarily.

Their teacher may cover up posters on the wall and the desks and chairs may be rearranged. Their teacher will explain everything that they need to do clearly.

Let your child know that if they are not sure about anything they should ask the teacher to repeat their instructions.

Test Preparation
In the run up to the tests the teachers will talk about all aspects of the tests. They will make sure that your child has learnt everything that will appear in the tests so DO NOT WORRY. Tell your children not to worry either. Get them to try and read through their homework and revise somewhere quiet.

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

Always remind your child to read through the questions carefully so as to not 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)

Your child will be given a booklet to read and 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. Your child will be given 15 minutes at the beginning to read the whole booklet carefully. After the 15 minutes the teacher will hand them the answer booklet with questions about the pieces of text they have just read. Your child will be allowed to keep the reading booklet on their desk (and refer to it) whilst they answer the questions. There are 45 minutes to answer all the questions.

Tips:

1. Listen carefully to all instructions.
2. Read all questions carefully at least once.
3. If your child is not sure about something they must ask their teacher.
4. Try and leave time to check 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)

Your child will be given a booklet with four subjects to write about – they only need to pick ONE to write about. In this booklet there are rough pages to plan their story or report. The teacher will spend the first 15 minutes reading through the booklet with your child to make sure they understand everything.

Then your child has 45 minutes to complete their story. The teacher will advise the class when there are only 5 minutes left.

Tips:

1.      Plan an outline of the story before starting to write the full version.

2.      Your child can use a dictionary but they shouldn’t waste time trying to find long words to impress their teacher!

3.      Ensure your child uses their reading time effectively – they must make sure they understand the booklet.

4.      Again, if your child is not sure about anything make sure they ask the teacher.

5.      Try and leave time to check answers at the end of the test.

3.      Spelling and Handwriting (15 minutes)

A.     Spelling (10 minutes)
Your child will be given a booklet that contains some text with some words missing. The teacher will read out the text with the missing words – your child must listen carefully.

The teacher will read out the text a second time and will pause after each missing word, allowing time to write down the correct answer.

At the end the text will be read out for a third time so that your child can check their answers.

Tips:

1.      If your child misses a word make sure that they 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 – your child will be asked to copy this in their 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 your child from a cassette tape. They must work out the answers in their head and then write them down on the answer sheet provided. Your child will not be allowed to use a calculator, rubbers or rulers for this test – they are only allowed to use a pen or pencil. If your child gets an answer wrong and would like to change it they should cross through the incorrect answer and write down the correct one.

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

Once the test has started your child will not be allowed to talk so they should ask any questions they have first.

Tips:

1.      Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say.

2.      If your child is not sure of the answer, they should try and make a sensible guess.

3.      Your child should not worry or panic if they 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. Your child will be allowed to use a calculator for Paper B but not for Paper A.

Some questions have working out boxes – make sure your child shows their working out since extra marks will be awarded.

Tips:

1.      Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say.

2.      If your child is not sure of the answer, they should try and make a sensible guess.

3.      Your child should not worry or panic if they 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 work at the end.

6.      Remind your child to show all their working out – this is very important as they will 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 your child will be asked questions about the science subjects they 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 the 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.