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KS2 SAT exams

12 replies

IndigoBell · 02/02/2011 11:06

Do I get any choice over whether or not my DS will get a scribe (or other extra support) in his KS2 SAT exams ( next year - I'm just thinking ahead)

School will want him to have a scribe because he can't write very well. I'd prefer he improved his handwriting....

So, can they get a scribe for DS without my permission?

OP posts:
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GrimmaTheNome · 02/02/2011 11:09

Doesn't sound like it should be an either/or - the school should be helping him improve his writing and then if they still think he needs a scribe for SATs so be it.

If they've given up on his writing because he could have a scribe, thats wrong.

IndigoBell · 02/02/2011 11:11

I don't want him to have a scribe.

I don't mind him doing badly in his SATs.

Do I have to give permission?

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Feenie · 02/02/2011 12:40

No, it would be the school's decision entirely.

But they would only use one to ensure he gets a mark for his actual writing (not his handwriting) which truly reflects his ability. From memory, and without checking, a nominal mark out of 3 would be given for his handwriting, even if a scribe was used.

If they chose not to use a scribe, he may not write as much or as well and the mark given for the quality of the writing (i.e. the content of what he'd written) may be lower than his true ability.

IndigoBell · 02/02/2011 13:43

Thanks Feenie,

It makes it very hard to motivate him to improve his handwriting though.....

His handwriting is so bad that it is effecting all his school work, and he won't be able to keep up in secondary school.

It is far more important for his writing to be fast and legible enough for him to survive in life then for him to get good SATs.

I'm happy for him to use a laptop for writing (and in his SATs) - but you can't use a laptop for Maths or anything other than essay subjects.

His handwriting is so bad they can't even mark his Maths hw.

Grrrrr. Guess I've still got another year and a half to somehow improve his handwriting........

I would prefer his mark reflected his ability to survive in the classroom rather than his IQ. Because in real life it's not your IQ that matters......

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LauraSmurf · 02/02/2011 19:55

Actually it is not the schools decision. THere are incredibly strict guidelines for who gets a scribe, who gets readers, extra time etc.

Scribes are not common, normally for those with physical disabilities which prevent writing.

However if your child's work is not easily legible there is the option that they are taken away with their test straight after they complete the paper and read it with an adult who rewrites (on a seperate form) what it means. However all of these must be applied for by a specific date and must be approved.

It's a really annoyingly prescriptive system. Like they don't trust teachers to make sensible honest judgements!!

AHH sorry, personal soap box, i'll get off now!

Feenie · 02/02/2011 20:01

That's not right, Laura - a scribe is the school's decision, and so is a reader. They do not have to be applied for, a form is filled in and attached to the script.

You do have to apply for extra time - you are correct on that score - that bit isn't the school's decision.

Feenie · 02/02/2011 20:14

See Access Arrangements guide 2011.

None of these need special applications, and are the school's decision.

Reading arrangements
Schools can make the following access arrangements at their own* discretion ? they do not need to request permission. However, using a reader must be normal classroom practice and schools must have evidence to show that resources are routinely committed
to providing this support.
Using readers
The school must arrange for a reader to be on hand for pupils taking a test who regularly have reading support in the classroom.

Writing arrangements
Schools can make the following access arrangements at their own* discretion ? they do not need to request permission. However, the appropriate template should
be downloaded from the ?Access arrangements? section of the QCDA website at www.qcda.gov.uk/accessarrangements.

Using scribes
In a small number of cases a pupil will need to use a scribe to enable them to access the key stage 2 tests. A scribe (also called an amanuensis) is a writing assistant who writes out answers dictated by the pupil.
The use of a scribe must be normal classroom practice and schools must have evidence to show resources are routinely committed to providing this support.Whenever a pupil uses a scribe the school must complete the Use of a scribe form and attach it to the pupil?s test script. The Use of a scribe form can be downloaded from the ?Access arrangements? section of the QCDA website.

Using transcripts
If it will be very difficult for the external marker to read a pupil?s writing, a school can transcribe all or part of the pupil?s test script. Pupils for whom a transcript might be required should be identified before the tests. The original paper must always be sent to the marker with the transcript. If the marker can read the pupil?s writing, they will mark the original work. The marker will always look at the pupil?s original test script to mark the handwriting for the English writing test (longer task).

Using word processors
Pupils who normally use word processors may use them for the mathematics and science sampling tests.
However, for the English tests, word processors may only be used by:
pupils with special educational needs who would not otherwise be able to access
the tests
pupils who use a word processor or technical or electrical aid as part of normal classroom practice. Pupils who are eligible to use a word processor for the English writing test (longer task) will be awarded a compensatory mark of 2 (out of 3) for handwriting.

waitingforthesummer · 02/02/2011 20:16

Why on earth would you not want your child to achieve a level that reflects what they know? Especially in Maths or reading comprehension? I sense a lot of hostility towards the school in your post so sorry if I don?t know a lot of what is going on. But how much time would you like the school to spend on purely handwriting? There is so much more that your child needs to learn. And if you're doing everything you can at home, like practising every day, what more do you think that the school can do. Or is hostility towards your son, that he just isn't trying hard enough? Do you want him to get rubbish SATs results so that you can say ?see, I told you so...??

IndigoBell · 02/02/2011 20:36

Thanks Feenie / Laura. I guess I mean a transcript not a scribe.

Waiting - I'm not hostile towards the school. They have been very good to my children and I am very supportive of them.

I just want both my DS and the school to take his handwriting problems seriously.

Whatever he scores in his KS2 SATS won't affect him one whit. He's a bright lad and I'm sure he'll (eventually) get placed in the right set at secondary.

However, not being able to write enough to take notes during class will affect him.

I think it's in the school's interests for him to get good SAT results - but I think it's in his interests for his problems to be reflected in his SAT results.

For GCSE's I'd be happy for him to have a transcript. Those exams are important. KS2 SATS are not important. DS learning to write is.

And I genuinely think he will be more motivated to improve his handwriting if he doesn't get a transriber.....

OP posts:
LauraSmurf · 02/02/2011 20:49

Ahh, sorry Feenie, have just checked and you are correct!

Thanks (just don't tell my hub, i am ALWAYS right!)

Yoursmartchildnow · 13/02/2011 16:58

This reply has been deleted

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hellotoall12345 · 15/05/2014 10:38

IndigoBell, I know this is a really old thread but just wanted to know how your son is getting on. I am in a similar situation with my younger son (aged 8). He has dyspraxia and has just been given a scribe for the first time ever (without us or him being told in advance) for his end of year 3 SATS. I have challenged the teacher and I am going in for a meeting tonight. Idon't mind the school trying to get an accurate reflection of his ability but it has left him thinking that his teacher thinks his writing is 'stupid' and it gives him permission to give up.
Ihope your sons writing did improve, I would love to hear from you.

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