So Level 6 at KS2 SATS...

[BogeyNights]

My eldest has just completed SATS at the end of KS2. I'm hoping (as is he) that he's done ok and will achieve a Level 4 for all subjects without a problem. Don't know about Level 5, as he's only ever been 4B for any subject this academic year. Anyway....

As SATS have been on my mind, and as some children take the Level 6 papers, this is my question. Or what I was wondering...

If kids are supposed to achieve Level 6 by the end of KS3, what do they achieve by reaching this level a full 3 years early? And who's really responsible for this outstanding result? A gifted child? or excellent teachers?

What's the point?

OP - I think its about challenging the individual child.
DS1 (8) -who is in Year 3, sat mock SAT's the other week and got a 4c in maths. He has 3 years left at Primary School why on earth would they let him coast along for 3 years?

From my experience too a solid/high 5 at the end of year 6 will lead to an A target. That's why, at my daughters school, the level 6's in maths would be online to achieve an A/A in year 10 and then go on to do the AS in year 11.

Hi Holiday Criminal and others discussing targets for end KS4 based on KS2 SATs.

The government has produced this: www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/secondary_12/Guide_to_KS2-KS4_progress_measures_2012.pdf - go to page 3 and you can see the self-fulfilling prophesy of higher KS2 results - higher the expectations for your child.

Level 4 KS2 - Gov't expectation is C or better at GCSE - but the school getting your child to a C is 'expectced progress'

Level 5 KS2 - Gov't expectation is B or better at GCSE - but the school getting your child to a B is 'expected progress'

Level 6 KS2 - Gov't expectation is B or better at GCSE - school makes expected progress at 'B' and more than expected at A/A*.

So very little in it between a level 5 or a level 6 - as far as I can see.

Elsewhere (MN Staffroom/ senior school & also TES) teachers have been saying that a Level 6 from primary is not exactly = Level 6 at senior school. I suspect like all bands there's a huge difference between a child just working into Level 6 and a child who's nearly mastered Level 6.

In short, I think that the point of 'going for' a Level 5/6 at KS2 SATs is that the pressure is on the senior school to get you to at least a B. Sure you'll have to work for those A/ A* results - but the school will be pressured to meet you more than half way.

But by the time this years Y6 L6's get to Y11 heaven knows what grading system we'll be using.

It's all supposed to be changing, either for DD2(Y8) or for the current Y7.

www.gov.uk/government/news/schools-win-funds-to-develop-and-share-new-ways-of-assessing-pupils

Thanks mrz for posting that link to new assessment package options:

hopeful that quote:

"The new methods, one of which will use in-class apps, will help schools easily and accurately chart pupils’ attainment and progress so they can provide effective, targeted support where it is needed, and will give parents clearer information about their child’s performance and progress."

Hopefully this will involve less 'paperwork' for teachers, speedier intervention to support struggling pupils and the educational 'milestones' will be clearly explained to parents.

of course schools don't have to use any of these and are free to develop theur own assessment system

mrz is it possible that some schools may choose to stick to the existing system, or is that not an option?

Teachers must be so fed up of the constant change!

The existing system doesn't match the new curriculum Jinsei so although I've heard teachers say they are sticking with APP it would need to be altered to fit.

Thanks mrz. So what are the main differences between the old curriculum and the new one? Are they quite significant?