End of Key Stage 2 Statutory Assessments (SATs)

Next week our fantastic Y6 pupils will join pupils across the country in sitting their end of Key Stage 2 statutory assessments, otherwise known as SATs. It is very important that the children have plenty of sleep and attend school each day having had a good breakfast.

The tests they face are one of the ways in which the performance of our school is measured and checked. The outcomes of the tests provide the Department for Education and OFSTED with some of the evidence they need to assess our school’s performance and effectiveness.

However, it is very important to note that the results of these tests could never and will never tell the whole story about what a special place our school is, nor can they explain how truly amazing each of our Y6 children are. Back in 2015 a Headteacher in another school wrote a beautiful letter to her Y6 children that I would like to share with you, with a few added thoughts of my own…

Dear Y6 children,

The SATs tests do not assess all that makes each of you special and unique. The people who create these tests do not know each of you; the way that we do, and certainly not in the way your families do.

 They do not know how hard you have worked and they do not know the barriers you have overcome to get to this point.  

They do not know that some of you speak two languages or that you love to sing or draw. They have not seen your natural talent for dancing, acting or playing a musical instrument.

They do not know that your friends can count on you to be there for them; that your laughter can brighten the darkest day or that your face turns red when you feel shy.

They do not know that you participate in sports; wonder about the future; or sometimes help your little brother, sister or parents after school.

They do not know that you are kind, trustworthy and thoughtful and that every day you try to be your very best. They have not seen you conquer fears bravely or overcome obstacles which have sometimes held you back.

The outcomes of these tests will reveal some things about you - but they can never reveal everything. This is  because there are many, many ways to be smart and special – and many, many ways to shine and make a difference!

While you are busy doing the tests just remember that there is no way to ‘test’ all of the amazing and awesome things that make you, YOU! You are gifted in so many ways - and unique and special.