It’s officially silly season, or as others may know it: Sats. This week, key stage 2 leader Lucy Moss shared her five tips to make sure that, this time, the lead up to the tests is more successful than silly.
1. It’s about the team, not individuals
Work hard but play hard, too. Smash through the exercises in the morning and then play a game that’s quick and crazy. It’s about building team spirit.
2. Collective staff responsibility
Sats are not just the responsibility of Year 6 staff: everyone should pitch in.
3. Don’t single kids out
Look at what you’re offering as boosters. Why not alternate penalty shoot-outs or indoor cricket with a Spag session or a reading pop quiz? Do what gets the pupils interested.
4. ‘Hide’ the revision
Shake things up so that your students don’t realise they’re revising. Try backwards learning: show them Walking With Dinosaurs and get them to interview each other about what they noticed and then write the comprehension questions.
5. Don’t ignore the sticky issues
Children may get upset if their friend does better than them. Reassure them that the tests don’t define them and don’t measure qualities like kindness and imagination.
Lucy Moss is a key stage 2 leader in an inner-city primary school
