Year 2 (Willow Tree Class)

Phonics Screening Check

At the end of Year 1, all children (unless exempt) will complete a Phonics Screening Check. This is a short assessment set by the government and is carried out by the Class Teacher in June. The child will be required to read 40 words (20 real words and 20 nonsense words). Within phonics sessions, children would have regularly practiced reading a range of real and nonsense words. To help monitor and track children’s progress, in addition to preparing the children for the test, each term, the Class Teacher will conduct a practice phonics screening check. Those children who do not reach the required standard will be required to complete the check again in Year 2. Results of the check will be shared with parents at the end of each academic year. Please note that the check words change yearly and do not stay the same.

Past and practice phonics screening check papers/tests can be viewed here:

https://www.satspapers.org.uk/Page.aspx?TId=21

https://www.satspapersguide.co.uk/phonics-screening-test/

For additional resources and documents, please visit the Phonics & Early Reading page of our website.

Year 2 SATS

At the end of Year 2, all pupils will take SATs in reading, SPaG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar), and maths.

There are 2 reading papers. One short paper and one longer paper. These have a focus on fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

There are 2 SPAG papers. One paper with a spelling focus, and another paper with a focus on puncutation and grammar.

There are 2 Maths papers. One paper with an arithmetic and mental maths focus, and another paper looking at word problems and reasoning.

At the end of each long term, the Year 2 children will complete past/practice SATS papers. This allows children to become more familiar with the layout of the booklet and gives opportunities for children to answer a range of test style questions. Furthermore, once marked, the teacher talks through the tests with the children and identifies any common errors for the children to be aware of. The more content children learn in class, and the more children become confident with the tests - we should see an increase in children's scores and results.

Please note that recently, the Year 2 SATS were made optional for schools to use. At South Marston, we will still be using SATS test papers to support with teacher assessment and identify gaps in learning. That said, we will ensure the tests are administred in a 'stress free' environment, and where possible, scaffold and support children to access the questions (by using maths equipment - for example).