Joy Chamberlain sheds helpful light on the difficult and sometimes traumatic path that all children must tread

The scenario
In the not-too-distant-future, there will be fewer teachers and more online learning. Teachers will assign work, using data from websites, and they’ll use online formats as templates. Internet usage will be intrinsic to what is taught in schools, the methods used to teach all subjects, and the way pupils study and revise for exams.

The way it is now
Actually, the scenario isn’t that far distant from where we are now. Teachers draw a lot of inspiration from the Web, and for many pupils, using the Web for project work and revision is standard.

The Web is particularly suited to multiple-choice questions and tick-box answers. But the format doesn’t work where essay-style answers are required.

Key Stage 1 and 2
The first major test is taken at the tender age of seven, by children at Key Stage 1. Luckily for them, they won’t know they’re being examined, since the tests are designed to fit in to their normal classroom activities.

But by the time they’re 11 years old, tests are more formalised. The timetables can be found on the DfEE site using the In School button. Look for ‘Key Stage Test Dates’. It’s listed under the heading, ‘Assessment’.

The tests for 11-year-olds last five and a half hours, and children are tested on reading, writing, spelling, maths, mental arithmetic and science. According to the DfEE, ‘Learning how to take tests and getting a gentle introduction to slightly stressful situations are both valuable lessons for your child. In truth, many feel this is a ‘gentle introduction’ to the massive stress they will get, when they reach Key Stage 4 and GCSEs.

At the age of eleven the tests are for Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum of which there are four Key Stages and eight Levels. It's not an easy subject to get to grips with, but teachers in all state schools talk the language of the National Curriculum as though it's their their Bible. There's a site dedicated to informing interested parents. Click on the In School button, and then the Curriculum menu.

SATS
At the age of 14, children reach Key Stage 3 and take the SATS (Standard Assessment Tests). By now tests are getting serious, even if they’re merely designed to give parents and teachers an indication of how their children are progressing.

The key factor is that, at this stage, the question about which GCSEs to take will have been raised, and the results of these SATS could be important in deciding what direction a pupil is heading in.

Consequently, there’s a need for parents to get more involved at this point. A very useful document outlining all aspects of the choices is available to 14 year olds.

A-Level and NVQ students are capable enough to research information for themselves. Point them to the DfEE’s Qualifications site. It’s an excellent resource for students at advanced level.

Strategic thinking A strategy for revision and sitting exams is essential. Both can be worked out between pupil, teacher and parents, using common sense – e.g. the list should include things like time management (time devoted to study each time), learning resources (books, CD-Roms, library, Internet…etc.), taking mock tests, and a calendar of when the real exams are taking place (miss an exam and it’ll cost £150 to sit again). Make sure you know which board is setting the exams. Different subjects may be set by different exam boards. Knowing the different syllabuses will mean you can check that right material is being revised.

All the boards have websites, which can be accessed through the DfEE site, under the heading, ‘Assessment’, then Examinations Services.