Tests
Why test children?
Children need to see where they are doing well and where they need to
work harder. Tests allow us to compare how well each child is doing with their
peers, both in their school and across the country. Schools can measure
how well each child has improved from one end of the Key Stage to another and compare them with the most
and least able children to see where they need help.
Parents need to know how well their child's school is doing and what
their child's strengths are, as well as where they need more
help.
Teachers tell us that they find tests useful for giving support to the right
pupils and seeing how a child is progressing. Headteachers and local authorities use the results to help schools that
are struggling and, where a school is doing really well, share what it's
doing right with other schools. The tests, when we look at the results
nationally, enable the Department for Education and Skills to identify
where schools are doing well and where they need help. The DfES works
closely with Ofsted to make sure that
schools are working to improve, but tests give accurate, yearly information
from which plans and initiatives can be made.
Being tested is a skill for life
Teachers try to make sure that the children enjoy the experience, so that they're able to do their best. Parents can help by not making a big thing of it at home - the more relaxed you are, the better able your child will be to tackle the test.
Some parents worry that their child will become stressed over the tests. But the tests aren't pass or fail - they just reflect how well the child has understood what they're learning at school.
Your child's teacher will help him or her prepare for the tests. Teachers spend time with children getting them used to the tests by using past papers and reassuring them that they might not be able to answer everything.
For 14 year olds, extra booster classes in English, Maths and Science are designed to help pupils achieve levels 5 and 6 in the Year 9 tests. Teachers say they also help pupils to realise that the tests are something schools take seriously and want to help the pupils do well in. Doing well at this stage gives teachers and parents an idea of how well each child will do in GCSEs: any pupil who reaches Level 5 at Key Stage 3 has a greater chance of achieving five good GCSEs.
Being tested and being asked to meet a target or improve an area of work are demands that your child will be expected to cope with this whether they are studying for exams, going to university or working. Why make the first time they meet it when it's too late for them to learn to cope with it? At school, teachers are careful to teach your child how to learn, and how to be tested. It's a valuable lesson for life.
