25th July 2018 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Primary school national curriculum tests, often known as Sats, have improved this year, with a higher proportion of students reaching the required levels in both maths and English than did 12 months ago. Reported on the BBC, 75% of students reached the expected standard in reading, and 76% in maths. Last year’s figures were 71% and 76% respectively. The association of School and College Leaders welcome the results, but were critical of the pressure created by these tests.
In total, the results showed that 64% of students reached the required standard in all of reading, writing and maths, which is an increase from 61% last year. This figure was 53% in 2016, when new harder tests were introduced, and a spokesperson from the headteachers union said that this is a reward for the hard work of teachers and students.
Schools minister, Nick Gibb said that these test results show the rising standard in primary schools. However, it is difficult to explain an increase of 11% simply based on increased effort. Many groups, including a campaign group of parents and teachers called “More Than A Score”, say that these tests create unnecessary anxiety and stress. The argument is that rather than preparing students for, and them actually taking taking, the tests, the time would be better spent actually teaching and enhancing their knowledge.