Are You SAT-ing comfortably?

As KS2 SATs week draws to a close I hope those of you involved in the tests (teachers and children) have been spared the anxiety that the build-up to and partaking of SATs has historically caused. I’m sure if you read my last blog you could easily guess my attitude towards the standardized testing of young children and the subsequent creation of primary school league tables, so I’ll spare you the ranting this time. Well, maybe not….

My blood pressure received a small boost yesterday when I heard about a parent offering his daughter £25 for each level 5 she achieves this week, in each individual paper! Now, my maths ain’t what it used to be, but even I know we’re looking at a three-figure wad if the lucky girl sweeps the board with top marks. Dear oh dear (big sigh), has the world gone mad? Don’t get me wrong, a little financial incentive can work wonders on children and teenagers – indeed, I remember back in 1987 my own dad dangling the carrot of a fiver for every C or above I got in my A-levels. The difference, however, is that A-levels, GCSEs, baccalaureates, NVQs etc. are bona fide qualifications. They lead to acceptance on college courses, they enhance employment opportunities, they secure places on training schemes….in short they mean something. There’s a real and tangible consequence to doing well or not so well in the exams we take and coursework we submit at sixteen years of age. But to compound the unnecessary pressure and stress which Yr 6 SATs sometimes subject children to is at best short-sighted. This parent in question has obviously missed the point (or lack thereof) of KS2 SATs. Does he anticipate that at his daughter’s first job or college interview someone will say to her, “Hmmm, well young lady, your A-level results were excellent and you seem to have all the qualities that we’re looking for, but unfortunately that level 3c in your KS2 Mental Maths test seven years ago has scuppered your chances of ever making anything of your life. If only your father had provided a financial incentive you may not have failed so miserably. Close your door on your way out.”

Anyway, I’m sure you all know where a child’s performance in their SATs really figures in the league table of significant and important events in their life – more Wigan Athletic than Man Utd. I hope this week was no more than a blip in what I bet is an exciting, emotional and event-filled term as they prepare to take that next big step. (Ooh, a bit of subliminal product placement there!) And if you’re still in search of a superb leavers’ musical to give the last few weeks some fun and focus, you know where to look…….…