In Key stage 2 children are encouraged to be more independent. Transition from KS1 to KS2 can be hard for some children due to changes that may happen: the length of the day, the pick- up and drop off procedures, break times and lunch times etc.
If you feel you child is struggling with learning or the transition into Key stage 2, please do talk to your child’s teacher as they will often be able to offer suggestions on how to support them.
Year 3
Year 3 is when your child will really start to boost both their personal and academic independence. It is important for them to read daily with you, and they may need support with remembering and completing their homework tasks.
Year 4
Year 4 will continue to boost children’s independence and work towards consolidating skills learnt in Year 3. Towards the end of Year 4, all young people will undertake a Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). This is done nationally and is used to determine whether pupils can recall times tables fluently. This is a skill which is essential to their future success in Mathematics. Schools can also use this data to identify which pupils have not yet mastered their times tables so they can provide additional support. Schools may provide logins to online learning platforms and games which they can use to practice this in a fun way. It is important for them to practice their times tables often in this year.
Year 5
Towards the end of year 5, carers should start to consider what secondary schools they would like their child to attend. This may seem soon to some, but the deadline for secondary school applications in Year 6, is the end of October. Carers should start considering what schools will be suitable for their young person and where they think their needs can be best met. At the start of the academic year, secondary schools will be hosting Open Evenings where you will have the opportunity to visit the schools, have a tour and meet some staff. It is important for your child to come along to these also so that they can get a feel for the schools too.
For students with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), their transition is discussed this year and consultations are sent out to secondary schools or SEN Provisions. These students will find out their allocated schools much earlier as these will need to be named on their updated EHCP.
Year 6
Year 6 is the final year of Primary School and is a special time for all young people. Year 6 brings all kinds of excitement such as preparation for Secondary School, SATs and end of year activities. By the start of Year 6, carers should have identified secondary school Open Evenings they would like to visit and should bring the young person with them to these. The deadline for secondary school applications is the end of October and should be completed online, via the website of the local authority you live in. School allocations are received in the Spring on National Offer Day.
In the Summer Term, usually May, the Year 6 pupils will sit their week of SATs tests. For this, they are assessed in:
- English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (SPAG)
- English Reading
- Mathematics
These tests mark the end of Key Stage 2 and cover all that the young people have learnt on this academic journey. They are used to help identify where they may need extra support and subject areas they may be struggling with.
Once the tests are complete, Year 6 becomes about enjoying the last days of Primary School and making fond memories. Usually during this time, they may be working on a presentation or play to showcase and have fun trips with the school. Some of these trips may involve an overnight stay away from home.
All young people will get a Transition Day in the Summer Term, in which they will spend the day at their allocated Secondary School and have the chance to get familiar with it to help ease any nerves they may have about the transition. If your child is concerned or struggling with the transition into Secondary School, please do reach out to their Education Officer, Primary or Secondary school so that a plan can be made to help support them with this.
Please remember that all children move at their own pace and 10 steps forwards can often be followed by 5 steps backwards. The most important aspects of a child’s development are to be surrounded by love and unconditional support with clear routines and predictability. If you are concerned about anything to do with your child’s social, emotional or academic progress a conversation with your child’s school should be arranged.