/ By Strategy Education / Advice • Classroom • History • Pupils/ • • • • / 0 Comments

(SPaG) Tests: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

Do Teachers Have Enough Support to Deliver Them?

In 2013, the UK government introduced compulsory ‘SPaG’ (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) tests for all state schools in England at the end of Key Stage 2. This was because statistics revealed that children between 7-11 were below their expected level for writing ability.

A further test was also introduced in 2017 for children at the end of Key Stage 1, with the original KS2 test revised according to the National Curriculum. That year, despite arguments against the test, 77% of children reached the expected standard of the SPaG test.

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Testing Children Too Much?
/ By Strategy Education / Advice • Classroom • Events • History • Pupils/ • • • • / 0 Comments

Are We Testing Children Too Much?

Jeremy Corbyn recently pledged that if elected, Labour would scrap formal tests in primary schools in England. Speaking to members of the National Education Union in Liverpool, Corbyn claimed that SATS leave children in floods of tears or vomiting with worry.

He also said that the move would free up schools struggling with funding cuts and congested classrooms, and help teacher recruitment and retention.

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Exams
/ By Strategy Education / Advice • Classroom • Pupils/ • • • • / 0 Comments

What Age Should Children Start Sitting Exams?

Exams are a source of constant debate among educators, policymakers, and parents. Recently, ministers revealed plans to introduce testing for 4-year-olds in England. The baseline assessments have been widely criticised, but how do you feel about the proposed move? When is the best time to start exams, and is there a right answer to this question?

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Teachers tests
/ By Strategy Education / Advice/ • • • • / 0 Comments

Top Tips: Teachers Setting Tests

Regular testing of students is an excellent way to determine their comprehension of the material being taught in class. It allows teachers to identify any areas of the curriculum which students are struggling with and to identify individuals who are struggling.

However, for a test to be valuable, it must be well-structured, free of bias, consistent and fair to all students. Here are some useful tips to help you prepare high-quality tests that will give you valuable insight into your students.

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