Tell Me About Mental Maths KS2

[missinglalaland]

Yr5 DD came home saying she had just taken a Mental Maths test that would be reported to her high school. So obviously, she is a bit unclear because we don't even know which high school she will go to; she is only in yr5.

Is mental maths a separate subject that will be in the SATS test? Or part of a maths SATS, or just an additional extra to help the dc?

If she is in yr 5, it is not the quantitative strand of the CATS is it? I know that it is not mental maths but she may have thought that it was. I cannot think what else, other than yr 6 SATS, is reported to the next school.

There is a mental maths test within SATs schedule that somehow gets incorporated into the overall mark. I imagine they are saying that the result will go onto her thick folder of long term record that whichever high school will be offered.

I think there is a mental maths part of the KS2 SATs, but she woudn't be taking that in Y5. Mental maths does make up part of the maths curriculum so schools might be running their own tests. Can't off the top of my head think of anything taken at this point in Y5 that would be reported to high school.

CATS? She is my PFB, so I haven't heard of those yet...something for secondary school I assume?

I am now thinking that mental maths must be a topic within the maths SATS that will happen next year in yr6 and this was a practice test.

lljkk this being another sheet in her folder makes sense. Perhaps the teacher trying to get their attention.

Mental maths tests count for a possible 20 marks out of 100 in KS2 maths sats, the other bits are the non-calculator paper (max 40/100) and calculator paper (also 40/100, obviously.)

Imagine she bombs on the KS2 SATs in May 2015; but she will have a documented record of being at X level previously, a long term record which might be better guide to her ability than a single one-off result. So I think that's what it's about.

Thanks Iamnotinteredted and lljkk I feel like I understand what's likely to be going on now. I had no idea that kids in primary school are using calculators. I have to admit that I am a little surprised.

As of the SATs to be taken by this year's Year 6's, they are no longer using calculators, unless they are entered for the Level 6 tests. Mr Gove doesn't think they should be. The test papers will though be identical in coverage to those used when there was a calculator paper. Prepare yourselves for lots of long division and multiplication homework....

I am old enough that I wasn't allowed a calculator in school until I was 17! So I guess I am comfortable with this way of thinking. Not sure I can justify it, but at least it is familiar! lol