KEY STAGE 2 SCIENCE SAMPLE TESTS
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR
MEMBERS - OCTOBER 2012
Introduction
This document provides advice and guidance on the arrangements for the Key Stage 2
pupil-level science sampling for 2013. Following the recommendations of Lord Bew’s
independent review of Key Stage 2 testing, assessment and accountability the
Government has decided to introduce pupil-level matrix sampling in science. This will
provide better information on pupils’ performance across the whole of the science
National Curriculum. It means that fewer pupils will be tested, on different sections of the
science curriculum, with an overall national score being achieved rather than individual
pupil or school results.
Will there be science sample testing in 2013?
As the new arrangements are set up there will be no Key Stage 2 sample test in 2013.
Schools are still expected to report teacher assessment judgements to parents and
these will continue to be published.
What will happen in 2014 and beyond?
From 2014 the pupil level sampling will take place every two years as a biennial system
is introduced. More schools will be involved in the sampling; 2000 compared to the
former 750. In each school only a small number of selected pupils will sit the test,
possibly as few as 5. Overall only about 10,000 children will take the test, currently this
is about 25,000.
Are the tests themselves going to change?
More than one test will be administered nationally in order to cover a greater spread of
the curriculum and to build up a secure pool of test questions. There may be greater
scope beyond 2014 to assess investigative skills through the sample testing using
practical experiments as well as paper based tests. The tests will be overseen by an
external examiner.
How will the results of the sampling be published?
Because different test papers are being used, individual pupil’s results will not be
comparable, meaning that pupil-level and school level results will not be available.
Overall national performance in the sample tests can, however, be measured against
international benchmarks.
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NUT ADVICE
The Union welcomes the introduction of pupil-level matrix science sample testing. It has
long called for national sampling tests to replace the high stakes National Curriculum
Tests in English and Maths as well as science.
As no sample testing is taking place in Science in 2013, members should not be
expected to carry out any testing beyond their normal classroom assessment practices
for Year 6 pupils in science.
In 2014 and beyond members in the sample schools should not actively prepare Year 6
pupils for the tests by, for example:
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focussing lesson plans on previous National Curriculum test questions;
asking pupils to sit practice test papers; or
practising the completion of work within National Curriculum test time.
The sample tests should not create any additional workload for teachers, as they will be
administered by an external examiner and marked externally. Schools will continue to
report teachers’ assessments of pupil performance in science at the end of Key Stage 2
as they do now.
As no individual results will be received for pupils it would be good practice to discuss
with pupils why the tests are being conducted.
SUPPORT
If members have concerns about the implications for their workload arising from
any proposals in their school about the identification of pupils who would be
eligible to participate in the sample tests, they should contact their NUT school
representative in the first instance, otherwise their NUT division/association for
advice.
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