Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired
Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired * Curious; Resilient; Inspired
Covingham Park Primary School

Helping Your Children with any of the Standardised Tests

Year 1 Phonics Screen

The phonics screening check contains 40 words divided into 2 sections of 
20 words. Both sections contain a mixture of real words and pseudo-words.
Pseudo-words are words that are phonically decodable but are not actual words 
with an associated meaning. They are included in the check specifcally to 
assess whether your child can decode a word using their phonics skills.
All pseudo-words in the check are accompanied by a picture of an imaginary 
creature. Children are taught that when a word has a creature next to it, it is a 
pseudo-word. This ensures that they are not trying to match the pseudo-word 
to a word in their vocabulary.


The check is designed to give teachers information on how your child is 
progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether your child needs additional 
support at this stage so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.

Year 4 MTC Test:

The multiplication tables check (MTC) is statutory for all year 4 pupils registered at state-funded maintained schools, special schools or academies, including free schools, in England.

The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently up to 12, through a set of 25 timed questions. This skill is essential for future success in mathematics, and the check will help schools identify pupils who have not yet mastered this and provide additional support.

As your child prepares for the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), a little regular practice at home can make a big difference. Encouraging quick recall of times tables up to 12Ă—12 through short, fun activities like quizzes, games, or apps - TTRockStars etc - can really boost their confidence. Little and often is best and keeping it positive and low-pressure will help your child feel more relaxed and ready to succeed.

Y6 SATs tests

At the end of key stage 2, children will take national curriculum assessments in:

  • English grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • English reading
  • mathematics


The tests help measure the attainment of pupils in relation to the standards set out in the national curriculum, and help teachers and parents identify where pupils may need additional support in a certain subject area. The test results are also used to report publicly on schools’ performance via the Department for Education’s (DfE) Compare School and College Performance service and to produce national and regional performance statistics.