New expectations for the end of Key Stage Two

Mathematics: main changes An arithmetic paper has replaced the mental maths paper. This

consists of 36 questions in 30 minutes and is worth 40 marks. It requires the children to carry out formal methods quickly and

efficiently. There are no contextualised questions. Long division and multiplication. Addition and subtraction. More complex calculations with fractions. A good knowledge of times tables and number bonds is

essential.

Mathematics: main changesThere are two reasoning papers neither of which

allow use of a calculator. The difficulty of the questions has increased to

incorporate the higher expectations of the new curriculum.

There is a greater number of multi step word problems.

Reading testThis test consists of a reading answer booklet and a

separate reading booklet.Pupils have a total of 1 hour to read the 3 texts in the

reading booklet and complete the questions at their own pace.

Greater focus on fictional texts.Much more emphasis on using inference and far fewer

‘find it’ questions. Increased expectation to understand complex vocabulary.More emphasis on understanding authorial intent.

English grammar, spelling and punctuationGreater emphasis on knowing and applying

grammatical terminology.Full range of punctuation is tested.Knowledge of technical grammar terms is tested.Includes a 20 word spelling test.No marks are awarded if any punctuation is

missing.

WritingThe expectation is much higher and it is no longer

a ‘best fit’.Children have to meet every statement in the

interim framework to be awarded ‘expected’.If they do not achieve every statement in the

‘working towards’ they can not achieve ‘expected’.

Children must be able to spell ‘most’ of the year 5/6 words to achieve ‘expected’. This includes words such as controversy, conscience, conscious, exaggerate, parliament, privilege.