Help! Confused about how KS1 SATS Grade can suddenly change in Yr3??

[Dandi]

Parents evening for DS (7 - Yr 3) last night. He did well in his SATS at the end of KS1 and got a 3C for Maths. But last night his new teacher casually dropped into the chat that she didn't see how he could have got a 3C and she felt he was more a 2A. Found this a bit confusing - I guess he may have dropped back a bit over the summer, but even so?? Also this was an actual maths test - not a teacher assessment. Also I think a bit upsetting - he's not had an easy start in school, but has tried hard and has been really proud of his maths. We've of course not said anything to him.

Any advice/experience on this?? Would appreciate any thoughts!

Children ALWAYS drop a sublevel (the a/b/c part) over the summer... dont panic, it is quite normal and he will be back on track before you know it.

And it will have been a teacher assessment - KS1 SATS aren't externally marked.

By the way 2A is still good at the beginning of year 3.

The levels at KS1 and KS2 are different so its much easier to get a level 3 in Year 2 than Year 3, mad but true !

thanks very much for the advice he does seem to have a bit of a slow start to the school year and then catches up with himself, so that makes sense.

seems crazy that the KS2 levels should be different, though?? anyone know why? is there any info online about this

When a child gets a level 3 in Y2 it's because they are achieving elements of level 3. They can't be a 3 proper because they haven't covered all the level 3 material. It should more corectly say in the SATS mark that they are a level 2a+ or some such, as lots of children are in this position. And lots of parents (not you!!) kick our arses on paretns evening in Y3 as they think we have managed to make their child go back.

Obviously that should be .

catrin - thanks so much - that's really helpful. def. didn't do any arse-kicking - we're much too polite

would a school still expect a child to go up to a 3A by the end of the year tho? our school says they expect the children to move up 2 sub-levels a year

Children are supposed to go up 2 sub levels except in Y3, where 1 is considered the norm. Like I said, the amount of material the children need to learn to a progress through a 3 is vast compared to other levels, so if your ds is on a 3b by the end of the year that would be great, though a very secure 3c is also good.

thanks again, catrin

Have also had that problem in the past but also know that at our school the weaker teachers (or teachers due to go on maternity leave or a long term sickness absence) have been allocated yr 3.

Year 2 class sats reported to parents so have some importance so can take it easier the following year without doing to much damage before year 6 and the other sats. Children also have a wider range of activities at school so less emphasis on reading, writing and maths than at key stage 1.

Look at the level descriptors you will find a level 3 is a level 3 whether it is achieved in year 2, 3 or 6.

Average progress through KS 2:
End of Year 3- 1 sub level (e.g. 3c to 3b)
End of Year 4- 2 sublevels
End of Year 5 - 2 sublevels
End of year 6 -1 sublevel.

In total that makes 6 sublevels or 2 whole levels.
e.g. 2b at end of KS 1 would go up to 4b at and of KS2.

Also need to consider that the levels for KS1 are very different than those for KS 2 e.g. Level 3 at KS 1 is easier than at KS 2.

Just goes to show what a farce the whole system is...