KS2 maths SATS level 5/6

[RegularVoltaire]

Just curious ...

Dd has been having lessons at school this half term to see whether she should sit the level 6 maths paper next May. She has a test next week which she is looking forward to - she really enjoys maths.

I just have one small query.
She has been given her maths results on a recent level 3-5 SATS paper, and although she hasn't officially been given her level, she has been given her score. Her teacher has told her that a score of 75 will give her a level 5 and she has scored 81, which I'm assuming is around a 5C?

Is there then any point in her sitting the level 6 paper, when she isn't massively over the threshold for the level 5?

I'm sure I'll get these answers from school eventually, but I'm just curious and thought I'd ask the font of all knowledge that is mumsnet

[Norudeshitrequired]

The level six paper will have different questions and different thresholds, so it might be worthwhile.
Can you get a practice level 6 paper and see how she does?

[RegularVoltaire]

Do you just download them from the internet?

[Norudeshitrequired]

Yes you can, you can get them here: www.emaths.co.uk/index.php/4-students/past-papers/key-stage-2-level-6-sat-papers

[RegularVoltaire]

Thanks

[juniper9]

She's also got a lot of time to get from a 5c to a 6c, seeing as it's only December.

[PiqueABoo]

I wouldn't give her a recent L6 paper to play with, because there are just a few and the school may want to test her with exactly the same one at some point. I would see what happens when they test her next week.

As for those L5 scores it's difficult: Yes that's not a really good score, but my Y6 DD has done lots of those paper (three so far this term) and the scores can vary a bit i.e. alert focused day vs. sleepy dreamy day can make some difference re. silly mistakes.

If your DD enjoys maths and enjoys, mostly copes with, those presumably L6 territory lessons then I would want them to continue. They ought to improve the L5 regardless of whether she takes the L6 paper in May, plus she gets to learn a few new tricks.

[RegularVoltaire]

Good points. Thanks for replies.

The lessons finish before Christmas and dd is gutted about that. She really enjoys maths and has loved the lessons. We'll just have to see how she goes ...

[strruglingoldteach]

If she's a 5c now, she could easily be a 5a by May. Especially if there were issues other than her maths knowledge when she did the 3-5 paper- nerves, not reading the question properly etc. Lots of Y6 children don't yet have the test skills to show their full ability.

The school will want to maximize their chances at getting 6s, so they'll be pushing all those who might make it. My advice is to wait and see. But don't let the school put too much pressure on her, and don't let her put pressure on herself. Emphasise that a level 5 is a great achievement, and you'll be proud of her whatever she gets. (Sorry if that sounds patronizing, but I see a lot of parents who seem to think only a level 6 is good enough).

[RegularVoltaire]

There's no pressure from me strrugling, I'm proud of her regardless of what level she achieves. She puts a huge amount of effort into her school work and I could never be disappointed in her. She does, unfortunately, put lots of pressure on herself. We're working on that.

[lljkk]

Dd sent L6 tests but I haven't a sodding clue what answer is to OP's Q.
I think maybe I would just see how things go, don't take any of it very seriously. I doubt DD ever saw a L6 paper until Easter break just before the tests (or maybe later?!)

[lljkk]

ps: the deadline for L6 tests is in late March. There is no reason for school to be deciding this matter now. If the school wants to decide now to decide who gets loads of extra tuition, then I think I'm rather cross. They should concentrate any extra SATs-oriented resources on the below average, not the already-very-able.

[RegularVoltaire]

They don't get any more tuition than anyone else now lljkk. All of the school do SATS classes after Christmas, regardless of their ability. This is just something they've done this half term to see who to put forward for the level 6. I agree it seems strange to decide now if the deadline is only March?

[PointyChristmasFairyWand]

DD2's school is running differentiated sessions for everyone - DD2 has one extension session after school for reading and another for maths, on other days there are sessions for those children who need a bit of extra help, and there are practice and consolidation sessions for those in the middle too. They are all run as fun activities - think drinks and biscuits, work that is just a bit different and more fun but still all about learning.

DD2 is being put forward for the L6 - she is very bright, not confident about her maths skills and rushes questions, but at the very least she will get some really good teaching out of it. Her confidence in maths has already improved, as has her enjoyment of the subject. Even if she gets nowhere near that L6 it will have been time well spent. The sessions at DD's school will run right up to May, and the groups have been picked widely (and are flexible too).

Personally I think she'll get a high L5 and a flying start into Yr7 - and that will be great.