Key Stage 2 SATs thresholds

The Key Stage Two SATs thresholds are out today...that is to say, they came out at midnight last night. To see the conversion tables (from raw to scaled scores) please click here.

The anticipation and anxiety surrounding them seems to increase every year, sadly. The pressure Year Six teachers and school leaders are put under is huge. So it's good news that there seems to have been a nationwide increase in children reading the expected standard. The table below shows a positive increase in results across the board, in every subject:

Good news, then, teachers and school communities! On average, the country's literacy and numeracy levels have improved by between 2 and 5%. This despite a 5 point increase in the expected standard for reading. How interesting that there is such parity in the level of improvement across subjects. So what does this mean for your children? Essentially, nothing. This is not a result that they will need to worry about long-term. Those who have not achieved 'expected' may have extra support given to them in secondary school, which is all to the good. Those who have achieved - onwards and upwards! What does it mean for you? Hopefully, the national increase in attainment has been reflected in your school, in which case - congratulations, that's great! However, if it hasn't, now is the time to take a pro-active approach to improving attainment for next year. Here's a quick checklist of ideas for things you could be doing:

• Could you create a report highlighting what aspects of the curriculum your children have struggled most with this year? This will help inform your planning next year.
• Have you considered exam technique and its effect on your children's results? Could you create a quick exam techniques crib sheet, using sample questions from this year's test?
• Are there any top tips that your highest performing children could provide? They are your best resource - ask them what worked for them.
• Will you need to communicate with parents regarding the results? How could you present them with the full picture in a positive way and show them how to support their children in the future? Should a letter be sent or would a meeting be more effective?

Whatever the result and however you deal with it - take a breath before you begin. Whether you're high as a kite with excitement and pleasure or low, stressed and anxious about what to do next, remember: this too shall pass.