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

Their teacher may cover up posters on the wall and the desks and chairs may be rearranged. The teacher will explain everything that your child needs to do clearly. If your child is not sure remember to tell them to ask the teacher to repeat the instructions.

Test Preparation
In the run up to the tests 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. Try and encourage your child to read through their homework and revise somewhere quiet.

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

Encourage your child to read the questions in the test 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 your child will be given a piece of text to read. There will be 15 minutes at the start of the test to read the text. Then your child will have one and a half hours to answer a series of questions. The questions are split into sections and your child must answer all the questions in sections A and B. Your child only need to answer one question from section C. On the actual test paper there is a suggestion as to how your child should spend their 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 their work.

Tips:

1.      Check all answers carefully.

2.      Try and answer every question.

3.      Ask the teacher if you are not sure what to do.

4.      There is no limit on the number of words that can be used.

2. Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes)

In this test there are three extracts from different plays by Shakespeare.

Your child is offered two questions for every extract but they only have to answer ONE question for ONE of the extracts.

Tips:

1.      Check all answers carefully.

2.      Your child’s work will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the play in question.

3.      Your child will be awarded extra marks for giving quotes from the play.

4.      Check  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 your child is NOT allowed to use a calculator. Your child will be given a series of questions to answer. All the questions will cover areas that  they have studied previously.

2. Paper 2 ( 1 hour)

In this test your child is allowed to use a calculator. They will find that the questions in Paper 2 are slightly harder than Paper 1 due to the fact that they are allowed a calculator.

Both papers cover the same areas of Mathematics.

Tips:

1.      Show working out – it may get extra marks.

2.      Check all answers.

3.      Make sure your child reads all the questions properly.

4.      Encourage your child to ask their teacher if they 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 your child has already studied during the year. Your child will need to have a pencil, pen, rubber, ruler, calculator and protractor for the tests – please ensure that they have these materials available.

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 answers on the test paper – do not use any rough paper.
3. Check all work carefully.
4. Encourage your child to ask the teacher if they are not sure what to do.