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

The class teacher looks at every pupil's strengths and achievements and assesses the level they have achieved in English, Maths and Science.

The teacher's assessment is based on the work that pupils have done during their everyday lessons. Most pupils are assessed somewhere between level 3 and level 5 for each Attainment Target. An overall level is given for each of the core subjects.

Pupils who are working at level 3 and above take written tests in Maths, English and Science. The results from the tests are graded into levels 3, 4 or 5 and pupils are expected to achieve one of these levels in each subject. For example a pupil may achieve level 4 in English, level 3 in Science and level 5 in Maths.

In some cases, there are differences between the level given by the teacher during her assessment and that achieved in a written test. There are a number of reasons to explain this. Some pupils produce consistently good work in class but find a formal test more difficult to deal with. Other pupils may do much better in a 'one-off' test than they do everyday in class.

All the levels and targets are described in the government's National Curriculum Orders. For example if pupils achieve Maths level 4 (in Using and Applying Maths), the Orders says that

'pupils are developing their own methods and procedures for solving problems, and are able to use these methods in a practical way, in Maths and other applications. They are able to present their information and results in a clear and organised way, giving reasons for their findings and the way they are shown. Finally, they are able to try out their own ideas to discover, if possible, some common patterns or rules. '

Pupils who show that they have achieved this, and the other three Maths Targets (in Number & Algebra, Shape, Space & Measures and Handling Data) at this level, are awarded level 4.

All pupils who are assessed as level 3 or above, are given written tests in English. There is a mixture of written tests that include reading, writing and spelling. Children who are working at levels 1 and 2 are assessed by the teacher. They may be asked to produce a piece of writing, do a written spelling test and read a short passage from a book.

Reading Comprehension test
Pupils are given a booklet with a selection of written items that include a story, possibly a poem and some factual writing. They have to read each item and answer some questions. The test lasts for 60 minutes (15 minutes reading time and 45 minutes to answer the questions).

Questions are asked about the characters, the information given and about the way the piece is written. Other questions test pupils to see if they have understood what they have read, the words used, and the ideas that are presented. Pupils are often asked for their opinions about the writing and asked to predict what might happen in the story.

Writing test
Pupils are asked to write a story or produce a piece of writing. They are given four titles to start them thinking: two are story titles, two are more factual, for example they may be asked to write a letter or describe an event. The test lasts for 60 minutes (15 minutes planning time and 45minutes for writing).

It's not a long time to think and write, but usually the children will have practised writing 'timed' stories in class lessons beforehand. Marks are given for an interesting story line, good ideas, a clear beginning, middle and ending, well-presented characters and the correct use of grammar (sentences and punctuation).

Spelling and Handwriting tests
These are short tests (10 minutes for spelling, 5 minutes for handwriting). In the Handwriting test, pupils are asked to copy out a given piece of writing in a clear, easy-to-read style. The Spelling test consists of a short piece of writing with missing words. Pupils fill in the gaps when the teacher reads the word.

Extension Paper
Children who are working very well at level 5 in all areas of English may be entered for the English Extension Paper to see if they can achieve level 6. The Extension Paper lasts 60 minutes. Entries at this level are at the discretion of the school.

Maths task
This is for pupils who have been assessed by the teacher as working at levels 1 and 2. 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 tests
All pupils who are assessed as level 3 or above, are given written tests in Maths. There are two written tests - Test A and Test B - and a mental arithmetic test.

Mental Arithmetic test
This is a taped test lasting about 20 minutes.

Test A and Test B
These are written tests (45 minutes each). They cover a range of Maths work with questions about number, shape, space, measurement, money, weight, time and probability. Both tests include problem solving, graphs and grids and the use of mathematical language that pupils have encountered during their lessons.

Test A is a non-calculator paper but calculators are allowed in Test B.

Extension Paper
Children who are working very well at level 5 in all areas of Maths may be entered for the Maths Extension Paper to see if they can achieve level 6. The Extension Paper lasts 30 minutes. Entries at this level are at the discretion of the school.

Science task
This is for pupils who have been assessed by the teacher as working at levels 1 and 2. It is practical Science 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.

Science tests
All pupils who are assessed as level 3 or above, are given written tests in Science. There are two written tests - Tests 1 and 2.

Tests 1 & 2
These are written tests (35 minutes each). They cover a range of Science work with questions that are based on the science topic work covered in class lessons. This includes 'life and living things' - plants, the human body and life cycles; 'materials and their properties' - for example materials that float, ones that are strong, ones that dissolve, ones that can change, ones that always stay the same; 'physical processes' - electricity, magnets, the solar system and sound. There are 10 - 12 questions on each test.

Pupils will have covered many topics through practical experiments using scientific language. The tests will expect pupils to understand and use the language of science in their answers, (e.g. data, evidence, fair test, prediction, etc.)

Extension Paper
Children who are working very well at level 5 in all areas of Science may be entered for the Science Extension Paper to see if they can achieve level 6. The Extension Paper lasts 30 minutes. Entries at this level are at the discretion of the school.

An external examiner marks all the papers and schools usually receive the results in July.

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 good marks, they will all achieve level 4 or above. The majority of pupils at Key Stage 2 achieve level 4.

• level 3 is below the level expected for an average 11 year-old at the end of Key Stage 2.
• level 4 is the level expected of an average 11 year-old at the end of Key Stage 2.
• level 5 is above the level expected for an average 11 year-old at the end of Key Stage 2.
• level 6 is well above the level expected for an average 11 year-old at the end of Key Stage 2.