Has the SATs caused this reaction in my 11 year old?

[SunsetOnTheHorizon]

I have a reserved shy 11 year old. She's not into any new trend or doesn't have any social media or a phone. She's loves shopping, stationery and enjoys singing. So nothing worrying there.

She's returned to school this term and the teachers have gone gung ho about the SATs. Like full on constant reminders about how many weeks are left. They have tests to complete at home (at one point she spent 2 hours stuck to the laptop and even took it to her bedroom as it was getting past her bedtime)

The teachers are more stern generally, they want the best results. And this school has a reputation for obsessing about the SATs (even a rumour about the Head leaking the papers - way before my time)

Now - this week. She's became a shell of herself. She is constantly exhausted. Either in bed or on the sofa. Nothing interets her anymore. She hardly talks to anyone. I've sent her to school a few days this week only for her to return crying. And now I've decided not to send her until I meet with the SLT (which is happening next week)

Now - can I attribute this reaction in her to the SATs? Bearing in mind she had a sickness in the holidays but she fully recovered. These symptoms presented once she started the new term.

She refuses to go back. Doesn't like her school. But never in my life did I expect her to end up like this...

I heard SATs can be stressful - but this? I'm really concerned about her - hoping she bounces out of this phase. She hardly laughs or plays with her sister anymore.

Any input would be appreciated.

Just correcting typo above: 30 in a class.

Most schools are flexible about sets too. Just because you start in one set, you don’t have to stay in it. DD was always uncomfortable in her maths set, so she went down. Got on really well with the new teacher and her progress greatly improved. It’s really not an issue to move sets and whether it’s because you need a fresh start or are an undiscovered genius, who cares, as long as it’s the right decision in the end.

Hi OP,

sorry to hear about your daughter and her struggles with SATs. It’s such a shame as I’m sure she’s a brilliant student, but exams are so nerve-racking. I well remember.

Just a random question for everyone really - I thought SATs for year 6s were happening in May this year, but DH came back from meeting DSD’s teacher today and this teacher said they were in June. Are they in June? Would like to support DSD with this so just getting my facts straight. TY.

@SoupDragon89

Sats are definitely in May.

Year 4 times tables test and the year 1 phonics screening are in June.

I thought so! Thanks so much for confirming. DH probably needs his hearing tested 😂

We have had this before Christmas! I'm assuming they are done at the same time!

That's so sad, they're ruining her last year at school!

I just told my DCs that the SATS benefit the school not the child and it's all a bit pointless. Although I was confident they'd both do really well though so it was easier to be blasé about it.

Back in 2000 when I was due to sit mine I had a similar reaction (there was no pressure from my teacher but the fact I was to sit “exams” made me stress). The difference was I was in a tiny rural school and was the only child in year 6. My teacher who was the head also, was amazing. He actually cared about children. He told my parents I’m not going to sit any of them and just wrote down what he expected I would have got. Best teacher I ever had.

This could have easily been my DD, her first primary they were so serious and results focused, she's a really academic girl but even in year 5 it was being drilled in to her that SATs were major issue and she was scared.

She moved school and she's now nearing the tests with total confidence. The school approach is to be encouraging and proud of all the students, how they praise and reward the kids for trying is really visible. They have extra play time, a day trip planned for after and the thing I really love is they put on a nice breakfast each morning of the tests, not an issue for my DD but great for vulnerable kids and good to start the day positively.

The school could have done better. I think it’s also important not to shy away the possibility of higher risk in anxiety for your daughter OP. Def worth a chat with GP.