This assessment update, from the Standards and Testing Agency, contains information about the 2014 Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests.
- 2014 test dates
- English reading test - model and timings
- Mathematics tests - use of calculators
- Additional time - process for applying
- Science sampling tests
2014 test dates
The English and mathematics tests will take place during the week commencing 12 May. Schools must keep this period free for test administration.
English and mathematics test results will be returned on Tuesday 8 July.
Science sampling tests will take place between Monday 2 June and Friday 13 June. Selected schools must administer the test within this period.
STA will contact schools in May to confirm their participation.
English reading test - model and timings for the levels 3-5 test
The texts in the levels 3-5 English reading booklet will not be linked by a theme. Instead the booklet will contain three or four texts, with the least demanding text coming first and the following texts ramped in terms of difficulty. A sample reading test will be available to download from the Department for Education's website in the autumn term.
Children will have one hour to read the texts and complete the questions at their own pace, rather than 15 minutes reading time and 45 minutes to answer the questions.
There will not be any changes to the level 6 English reading test.
Mathematics tests - use of calculators
Calculators will not be allowed in any of the levels 3-5 mathematics tests.
Calculators will continue to be allowed in the level 6 Paper 2.
Additional time for the tests
The process for schools applying for additional time for children sitting the tests is changing.
Currently, applications made by maintained schools, academies and Free Schools under the responsibility of a local authority are processed by that local authority; STA considers applications from those schools that do not fall under a local authority's responsibility.
Under the current system, a child must meet the criteria for additional time that are published on the Department's website. Schools may, for example, include a standardised reading assessment or a recommendation from an appropriate professional (due to a physical disability, medical condition or sensory impairment that affects the child's ability to access the tests) to support their application.
From 2014, schools will need to respond to a short series of questions about the relevant child. These questions will be focused on behaviour descriptors and draw on teachers' knowledge of children and their ability to assess individual pupil levels and corresponding access needs. Schools will be notified immediately on the outcome of their application.
Under this new system, local authorities will no longer be required to consider applications. Local authorities will continue to be able to access all additional time applications within their authority on NCA tools.
More information on the new process will be provided to schools in early 2014 before they need to apply.
Science sampling tests
Science sampling tests will recommence in 2014 using a biennial (every other year), pupil-level sampling system. Approximately 9,500 children will be sampled, based on 1,900 schools each having five children taking the tests.
Test results will be reported as national data only. No individual school or child will be identified within the data that is published. Results will not be used for school accountability or performance tables and individual results will not be returned to schools or children.
Children can sit the tests within a two week period from Monday 2 June 2014. Selected schools must administer the test within this period.
Participating schools will be notified by the middle of May. If selected, schools have a statutory obligation to participate.
Standards and Testing Agency
Tel: 0300 303 3013 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm)
Email:
assessments@education.gov.uk.
Web:
www.education.gov.uk/assessment.
