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Key stage 1

Use of equipment in the key stage 1 mathematics tests

Arithmetic test: inclusion of multiplying by 3
Key stage 2

Changing answers in all KS2 tests
Key stage 2 mathematics tests

Permissible equipment in KS2 mathematics tests

Arithmetic test: single numerical answer to be given

Arithmetic test: reference to 'formal methods' for long
multiplication and division questions

Use of commas as thousands separators
Key stage 1
Use of equipment in the key stage 1 mathematics tests
One of the purposes of this test is to assess pupils' mathematical
fluency at the end of key stage 1. Therefore, number apparatus is not
allowed in the 2016 tests.
This should not impact classroom practice. Schools should continue
to use number apparatus within mathematics lessons, as appropriate.
Mirrors will only be allowed for tests which include questions on
reflection symmetry. The administration instructions for the test will
confirm whether or not mirrors are required.
Arithmetic test: inclusion of multiplying by 3
Although the curriculum refers to pupils needing to know their 2, 5
and 10 times multiplication tables, questions using the 3 times
multiplication table may also be included.
The inclusion of this area reflects the expectation that pupils are able
to solve multiplication by repeated addition, as well as meeting the
requirement to count in multiples of 3 by the end of year 2.
Key stage 2
Changing answers in all key stage 2 tests
Teachers should encourage pupils to cross out or put a line through
the answer they want to change and write the new answer next to it,
rather than rubbing it out. When completed test scripts are scanned
into the online marking system, answers that pupils have rubbed out
sometimes reappear in the scanning process. It may not be clear to
markers which response was rubbed out.
The only exception is the mathematics reasoning papers for those
questions requiring drawing. Pupils should continue to use a rubber
for these questions, but be careful to ensure they have fully rubbed
out their previous answer.
Responses that have been crossed, or rubbed out, will not be
considered by markers.
KS2 mathematics tests
Permissible equipment in KS2 mathematics tests
From 2016 onwards, the equipment list for the key stage
2 mathematics tests is changing. Tracing paper is no longer allowed
and calculators continue to be disallowed.
Mirrors continue to be allowed for key stage 2 mathematics tests.
Arithmetic test: single numerical answer to be given
Answers to all questions in the arithmetic test should be given as a
numeric value in its simplest form, rather than a calculation or
number sentence. For example '8' should go in the answer box for 3 +
5, not '4 + 4'.
Calculations written in the answer box will not be credited.
Arithmetic test: reference to 'formal methods' for long
multiplication and division questions
For 2-mark questions in the arithmetic paper, pupils will be awarded
both marks for a correct answer. If they do not give a correct answer,
1 mark will be awarded for an appropriate formal method with no
more than one arithmetic error.
Formal methods are presented vertically, with separate rows for each
stage of the calculation. Examples of appropriate formal methods are
included in appendix 1 of the mathematics national curriculum
programme of study.
In most instances it is anticipated that pupils will record a single
method and this will be written directly below the given calculation.
Where the final answer is incorrect, the method mark will be awarded
if it meets the above criteria. If more than one method is given, the
method recorded directly underneath the given calculation will be
regarded as the pupil's final method unless the pupil has clearly
indicated otherwise.
Go to: Mathematics appendix 1
Use of commas as thousands separators
Where numbers in test questions have 4 or more digits, commas will
be used as thousands separators for the 2016 mathematics tests
onwards.
Where pupils use a symbol other than a comma as a thousand
separator in their answer, no marks will be awarded. Where a comma
has been positioned incorrectly but the correct digits are in the correct
order the mark(s) will be awarded.
Assessment update, sent Wednesday 13 January
Standards and Testing Agency
Tel: 0300 303 3013 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm)
Email: assessments@education.gov.uk
Web: http://www.gov.uk/sta
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