Students between the ages of 11 and 14 (Years 7 to 9) cover Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum. In May of their final year of Key Stage 3 (Year 9), all students take written National Tests (commonly known as SATs) in English, Mathematics and Science. The tests are carried out in school, under the supervision of teachers, but are marked by examiners outside the school.
The tests help to show what you have learned in these key subjects. They also help parents and teachers to know whether students are reaching the standards set out in the National Curriculum. The results may be used by your teacher to help place you in the appropriate teaching group for some of your GCSE courses.
Each student will probably spend around seven hours in total sitting the tests during one week in May (see timetable). Most students will do two test papers in each of English, Mathematics and Science. The school sends the papers away to external examiners for marking. The school will then report the results of the tests to you and your parents by the end of July, along with the results of assessments made by teachers in the classroom, based on your work throughout Key Stage 3. You will also receive a summary of the results for all students at the school, and for students nationally. This will help you to compare your performance with that of other students of the same age. The report from your school will explain to you what the results show about your progress, strengths, particular achievements and targets for development. It may also explain how to follow up the results with your teachers.
How Will I Know How Well I Have Done? The National Curriculum divides standards for performance in each subject into a number of levels, from one to eight. On average, students are expected to advance one level for every two years they are at school. By Year 9 (the end of Key Stage 3), you should be at Level 5 or 6. The table below shows how you are expected to progress through the levels at ages 7, 11 and 14 (the end of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3).
In 1999, the Key Stage 3 National Tests will be held during 4th-10th May. The timetable for the tests will be given below.
Tues 4th May - a.m. English 1; p.m. English 2
Wed 5th May - a.m. Mental Arithmetic A & C; p.m. English Extension Paper
Thurs 6th May - a.m. Mathematics 1, Mental Arithmetic B; p.m. Mathematics 2
Fri 7th May - a.m. Science 1; p.m. Science 2
Mon 10th May - p.m. Science Extension Paper
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