• assessed by the class teacher in English, Maths and Science
• given written tests (SATs) in English and Maths

This is an important part of a pupil's assessment, especially at the end of Key Stage 1. The class teacher looks at every child's strengths and achievements and assesses the level they have achieved in English, Maths and Science. Teachers assess their pupils during everyday lessons. Most pupils are assessed somewhere between level 1 and level 3 for each Attainment Target. An overall level is given for each of the core subjects.

All the levels and targets are described in the government's National Curriculum Orders. For example if pupils achieve English level 1 (in Writing), the Orders say that

'pupils are able to write simple words and phrases and show an awareness of how full stops are used. Letters are clear and written correctly.'

English level 2 in Writing describes a higher level of skills that include all those mentioned at level 1 plus

'accurate spelling for simple words, the ability to put sentences into a sequence to make a story, and an interesting use of vocabulary. '

Pupils who show that they have achieved this, and the other two English Targets at this level (Listening & Speaking and Reading) are awarded level 2.

There is a mixture of tasks and written tests that include reading, writing and spelling for all children working at levels 1 - 3. Children who are assessed as working at level 2 are also given a grade A, B or C in some of the tests. For example, the more able readers at level 2 will achieve 2A, while the average readers at level 2 will achieve 2B.

Reading task
This is for pupils who have been assessed by the teacher as working at level 1 or 2. Children are asked to read a short passage from a book to the teacher. They do this individually. The teacher looks for accuracy and understanding in their reading.

To test a child's understanding, the teacher will ask a few questions about the part of the book the child has read and may ask the child to predict what he thinks will happen next. (The government testing agency has provided every school with a selection of reading books for this task.) Children are assessed as working at level 1, 2A, 2B or 2C.

Reading Comprehension tests
This is for pupils who have achieved level 2 in the reading task. It is a written test. Children are asked to read two pieces of writing; the first is a short story and the second is a piece of factual writing. There are questions about each piece of writing for the children to answer in their answer booklets. The results from this test are graded into levels 2A, 2B or 2C.

Children who achieve level 2A in the reading task and 2A in the reading comprehension test, go on to take the level 3 reading comprehension test. The level 3 test is similar to the level 2 test but the language used and the questions asked are more demanding.

Writing task
All pupils are asked to write a story, a poem or a piece of writing. Marks are given for ideas, use of interesting words, and presentation. Children are encouraged to use proper sentences, with full stops and capital letters where appropriate. They should also show some understanding of simple grammar. Children are assessed as working at levels 1, 2 or 3.

Spelling test
This is a written test for pupils who have achieved levels 2 or 3 in the writing task. Pupils who achieve level 1 in the writing task may be given the written spelling test or an oral spelling test.

Very able pupils
Children who are working at a high level 3 in all areas of English may be entered for the Key Stage 2 papers to see if they can achieve level 4. Entries at this level are at the discretion of the school.

The Maths task and test covers several branches of Maths and can include questions to do with number, shape, space, measurement, money, weight or time.

Maths task
This is for pupils who have been assessed by the teacher as working at level 1. It is practical Maths task with the class teacher. It does not involve any written questions. The teacher asks relevant questions as she works with each child to assess his ability.

Maths test
This is for pupils who have been assessed by the teacher as working at levels 2 and 3. It is a written test. The first few questions are given orally (mental arithmetic) and the rest are written in a booklet. Pupils may be allowed to use some apparatus for the test, eg. unifix cubes in tens and units. The results from this test are graded into levels 3, 2A, 2B or 2C.

Very able pupils
Children who are working at a high level 3 in Maths may be entered for the Key Stage 2 papers to see if they can achieve level 4. Entries at this level are at the discretion of the school.

The teacher marks the papers and an independent Moderator checks them. A Moderator works with a group of schools, to make sure that the marks and the marking system used is consistent and is in line with guidelines laid down by the government.

Pupils' marks are converted in levels. Pupils are given a level for every test they take. The level given depends on how well a pupil does in the test, not on how many pupils take the test. If all the pupils receive very high marks, they will all achieve level 3 or above. The majority of pupils at Key Stage 1 achieve level 2.

• level 1 is below the level expected for an average 7 year-old at the end of Key Stage 1.
• level 2 is the level expected of an average 7 year-old at the end of Key Stage 1.
• level 3 is above the level expected for an average 7 year-old at the end of Key Stage 1.
• level 4 is well above the level expected for an average 7 year-old at the end of Key Stage 1.