Practise SATs Tests: The New Headteacher's Secret to Success After 12 Years

For any school, having a new headteacher can be an exciting and challenging time. Teachers and students alike eagerly anticipate the changes and improvements that a new leader can bring. But what if that new headteacher could offer a tried-and-true method for achieving success in SATs tests? That's exactly what happened at one school, where the new headteacher's secret to success was years of practising SATs tests.

In this article, we will explore the story of how one headteacher transformed a struggling school into an academic powerhouse, solely through the use of practise SATs tests. We will delve into the details of this approach, including the benefits, drawbacks, and the long-term effects it had on the students and teachers involved.

The Background Story

Twelve years ago, John Smith took on the role of headteacher at Parkview Primary School. The school had been underperforming in SATs tests for several years, and it seemed as though a complete overhaul was needed to turn things around. While many expected Smith to bring in new teaching methods or a revised curriculum, he surprised everyone by focusing solely on practising SATs tests.

Practise SATS Tests (The New Headteacher) 9-12 years: New Comprehension Practice Papers

by Nadia Schäffer (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14396 KB
Print length	:	45 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	144 pages
Item Weight	:	6.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.51 x 0.51 x 8.27 inches

FREE

Smith had noticed that students at his previous school excelled in SATs tests and consistently achieved high scores. Intrigued by their success, he decided to investigate further. He discovered that their secret weapon was extensive practice with past SATs papers. Armed with this knowledge, Smith implemented a similar system at Parkview Primary School.

The Method: Practise SATs Tests

The method was simple but rigorous: every student at Parkview Primary School would undertake weekly practise SATs tests. These tests would cover all subjects, mimicking the format and difficulty level of the actual SATs exams. In addition, students would receive targeted feedback and guidance based on their performance.

At first, there was some skepticism among parents and teachers. Some felt that focusing so heavily on tests would detract from other aspects of education, such as creativity and critical thinking. However, Smith believed that by mastering the format and content of the SATs exams, students would gain the confidence and skills needed to excel in any academic setting.

The Benefits

The benefits of this approach became apparent very quickly. As students became more familiar with the SATs format, they gained confidence in their abilities. They began to approach the exams with a sense of ease and clarity that was evident in their test results. Over time, their scores started to improve significantly.

In addition to improved test scores, teachers also noticed other positive changes in their students. The practise SATs tests fostered a sense of healthy competition, motivating students to work hard and strive for excellence. It also helped identify areas where students needed additional support, allowing teachers to tailor their lessons accordingly. The overall atmosphere in the school became more focused and ambitious.

The Drawbacks

While the benefits were undeniable, there were also some drawbacks to this approach. Some students found the weekly tests stressful and overwhelming, leading to increased anxiety levels. Teachers had to ensure that the pressure to perform well did not lead to burnout or excessive test preparation at the expense of other subjects. It was a delicate balancing act to maintain the benefits of practise SATs tests while minimizing its negative impact.

The Long-Term Effects

The truly remarkable aspect of this story is the long-term effects of practising SATs tests. As the years went by, Parkview Primary School consistently achieved excellent results in SATs exams. Their reputation soared, and parents began clamoring to enroll their children in the school.

The success of the SATs tests approach also had a ripple effect on other aspects of education at the school. With improved test scores, the school received more funding and resources, allowing for better facilities and additional support staff. Teachers felt a renewed sense of pride and enthusiasm for their work, as their efforts were being recognized and rewarded.

In

The story of Parkview Primary School and its successful use of practise SATs tests is a testament to the power of dedicated practice and focus. While this approach may not be suitable for every school or every student, it is undeniable that rigorous preparation and familiarity with exam formats can significantly improve performance.

The new headteacher's secret to success was not bringing in revolutionary teaching methods or a sweeping curriculum overhaul. Instead, it was the implementation of regular practise SATs tests, which provided students with the skills and confidence needed to excel academically. So the next time you hear about a new headteacher at a struggling school, remember the power of practising for success.

Practise SATS Tests (The New Headteacher) 9-12 years: New Comprehension Practice Papers

by Nadia Schäffer (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14396 KB
Print length	:	45 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	144 pages
Item Weight	:	6.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.51 x 0.51 x 8.27 inches

FREE

Between the ages of 9 and 12, children have to complete Standardised.Assessment.Tests (Sats). To help them practise for these tests, we have produced a new series of comprehension booklets. The Standards and Testing Agency states that the child has 1 hour to complete the test, answering the questions in the answer booklet. Read one text and answer the questions about that text, before moving onto the next text. There are three texts and three sets of questions in each booklet.

The tests in this booklet are based on the KS2 Reading Assessment sample papers. It is important to try and complete them in an hour, but it is your choice. The more tests you practise the quicker you will get.