What's the point in sending DC to school after yr 6 SATS!

[tiffinboys]

It seems after the end of SATs, kids would only be busy in PGL school trip, farewell concert, drama, visit from theatre company etc. etc.

Is there any teaching after SATs? The last 2 months would be spent doing none-core activities. I am wondering what's the point of sending kids to the school in the last 7 to 8 weeks, other than for free child care. Seems like a huge waste of time considering how hectic it was just months ago with 11+ preparation.

[pheasantchick]

I think it would be difficult to do some hard core work, as the kids know tht everything is coming to an end, unless it was some gigantic project. Our year 6 always does its play during these few weeks, which involves a lot of non-academic skills such as public speaking etc.

[KS10]

These are experiences that my child wouldn't have at home and that would be a reason for me to send my child to school, especially after the stress of the last few weeks. I was present at one of DD's theatre visits and I was impressed. The children learnt so much about the Tudors in a fun way.

[dlb]

A parent in my son's year 6 class, removed him at Easter and did not let him sit sats or go to school until year 7 at a new school! She felt that he had his school place, sats were a waste of time and the summer term was not going to involve any school work!! Upset the headteacher!!!

[pheasantchick]

That's a bit sad. The child has missed out on all those end of term activities. All schools have traditions - sports day, end of term presentations/ leavers events, . The last day of term is special for the pupils to say farewell to their school, teachers etc.

[ginx]

My older two enjoyed relaxing and socialising at school after Sats! They made slippers (well, more like pieces of cardboard covered with felt), interviewed each other and showed results to parents, did a leavers play, went on a PGL, had a disco and evening of bowling, then cried all day on the last day as they signed t-shirts etc. They did a project too on ww2 and enjoyed it. We made it easy by taking photos of war memorials in our village and getting dc to guess whereabouts exactly the memorials were. They felt less pressure.

This should be on the being stretched for sats thread by my dd is off school today. She cried for two hours in the night about all kinds of things, she is just tired from non stop practice exams.

However, it means she will enjoy life after Sats all the more. For social reasons and fun. I'm not depriving her of that! I'm certainly not doing any work with her. What a year!

[ahap]

Winding down period, to relax, to have fun, practice their end of year production, class trip, play, farewells, autographs, etc...it is a good experience.

[stroudydad]

I would say that the time after SATS is the most important part of year 6, there's nothing wrong with a child having an enjoyable time at school, especially after the pressure of sats.

[Pumpkin Pie]

FUN times for the children after SATs and I think they all deserve it. OK, they may not be sat at a desk learning more Maths, English etc.....but they are still learning in a fun way!

School Production - Confidence builder, learning lines etc.
PGL trip - Learning new outdoor sports, team work, independence.
School project on 'Memories of Primary School' - Organisation, planning, power point, Photoshop skills.
Design a Shoe - Creative skills.

A memorable and happy experience to end their Primary School Days!

[DC17C]

My DD really enjoyed the time after SATS - there is a lot of PHSE stuff covered which is part of the transition to secondary school. They still have a theme to work on - but there is a drama/performance slant to it building up to the end of term show. They are going on their residential - for some kids the first time they have been away from family for a whole week. There is also a learning to lead project going on and they are learning first aid, raising funds for charities and working with younger children in the school.

Not a waste of time - just helping children grow up and learn to be a bit more independant and learn a few life skills.