to think that KS1 SATs spelling test should be abandoned now?

[islandmummy]

See today's news. If unknown numbers of kids, including those in the sample, have already seen/ been practising with the actual test, how can it serve its purpose?

[MattDillonsPants]

I assume it's just a way to ensure standards are up to scratch. Not that I agree with it all of course. It's shocking.

We've recently moved to Australia and my DD who was 7 at the time of the move, was most definitely considered well behind in her academic development in England before we left.

When we arrived and her new Aussie school spoke to me a week after she'd arrived, they informed me she was right in the middle of what they'd expect in terms of her abilities. In other words average. Doing fine. And this is at a well respected private school which gets good results.

In England they had her on an IEP because she wasn't a confident reader.

My older DD who was considered average to good in year 6 and did quite well in her SATS is considered very much ahead of the game here.

DD who is now 8 never has homework and there is no pressure...but she has soared in terms of both confidence and results. Her writing has improved vastly.

[TheWitTank]

I'm with SATS being binned full stop, not just the spelling test. My DD is doing them this year and the pressure from our school on a bloody 10 year old is ridiculous. It's literally consumed most of the lessons every day, after school tutors, revision books, mock papers. The kids are sick of it and bored stiff.

[ChalkHearts]

Looks like you got your wish: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-36108449

The KS1 spag test has been cancelled.

[ToDuk]

Yes! It has!

[Princesspeach1980]

Just been reading that the spag test has been scrapped for this year, couldn't be happier.

[Itsanothernamechange]

As a ta in yr2 this has made my week

[kelbee77]

Typical! My DS was one of the ones who have already done it, glad we spent some of his Easter holidays doing practise homework for this pointless exercise!

[GoblinLittleOwl]

It won't have been pointless if it has improved her spelling.

[islandmummy]

Great news!

[Questionsmorequestions]

They did it early. The point was to provide data so the tests could be standardised and expected levels be determined. Now... looks like a waste of time all round!
The schools were told to return every paper and support materials, schools all round the country managed to be secure but the people in charge messed up big time.