To think we need to get a grip about SATs and stop the drama

[PeaceLoveGonk]

DD(11) has to work very hard just to be average academically. None of this SPAG bollocks comes naturally but she just bloody well gets on with it.

She came out of school yesterday, said test was hard, she didn't finish it but did her best. We then went for ice cream and when we got home she went on the iPad.

No one in her class had hysterics, went into meltdown, cried or did anything other than try their best.

I've read a thread on TES forum describing the test as 'brutal' and there is much talk about ruining our children's lives. I think it's just 4 tense days before they start the wind down to summer.

We're not doing our kids any favours with all this anger, breast beating and angst. They're not working in clothing factories in India, trying to make a living from a rubbish dump or facing death on a dinghy trying to cross the sea to escape persecution. It's 4 days of tests!

If the only thing they can do at the end of primary school is write effectively, and have good maths skills, then to be honest I'm happy.
I'm not that bothered about having a broad curriculum, as I like to do enhancing learning myself with her.

I realise not everyone's the same though.

If the only thing they can do at the end of primary school is write effectively, and have good maths skills

Shame that's not what's being tested then! The ability to recognise a fronted adverbial of time does not mean anyone can write effectively.

But they are interesting in themselves. And yes I think it does help you write more effectively. Seriously, my DD has loved the grammar aspects. But as I say each to their own.

We only had to work for an hour then we could play all day.

My dd had a different experience. They had to revise all afternoon.

Yes I think sunny it does depend on how school approach the tests.

Again, she's gone off happily, going to do her bit for the school as she said. Like playing in the football team I suppose.