Morning All,
My son is in Year 6 and will be taking his SATs in May.
He is good at Maths & Science so I have no worries there but his Literacy lets him down. I think he got a 4b or 4c in his mock Year 5 tests. His handwriting and lack of detail in the reading comprehension let him down.
He is great at spelling and reading, though.
I would like to do a little work with him so that he has more confidence with it so would appreciate any suggestions on good SATs books, practice tests please.
I don't want to go in heavy handed as he worked hard and passed his 11+ last year so I just want to give him a little gentle encouragement to point him in the right direction.
Any advice would be most welcome.
Many thanks.

My friend a year 6 teacher uses a set of books by Rising Stars. They are called Achievel level 5 ..there is a really good English one They have a book detailing the topic and then also a book of practice questions
Basically rather than more exercises it tells you what is needed to achieve the higher mark and then gives practice in that skill.

Essentially it is just honing that edge and going for quality.

I think they are great!

I think they are available in Smiths but they also have a website


aoround £5 per book

Please don't bother - he's passed his 11+. SATS are for the benefit of the school only - it really doesn't make any difference to the child. He'll have so much work to do next year - let him relax now!

My sentiments exactly, leave the children to be children.I've already told my daughter the very same thing, the SATS are to test the teaching and are great for the schools if the results are good,but they are of no value to the children unless their prospective secondary school sets according to ability.

Thanks for your replies.
Unfortunately, the secondary school DOES use the SATs results to stream ability (otherwise I would not be too concerned).
Like I said, I do not want to go in heavy handed, which is why I am not worrying about Maths & Science BUT his handwriting is appalling so he is at a disadvantage immediately. I thought a little familiarity would help him. He is in a large class at Primary School so I know the teacher will not have enough time to hone each pupils skills and tbh she is more likely to concentrate on those who are struggling completely than a child who is managing but just needs a little guidance.
Will look at the books suggested - thank you.

My child's school are recommending we purchase the CGP study books and papers for practice at home
They didn't have any contribution to make towards the 11+.
One wonders who will benefit now?
If 11+ success rates were published me thinks it might be a little different.

Dont worry too much about hand-writing. My son who is now Yr8 of grammar has always had the most atrocious writing ever. His primary reports were always mentioning it.
However, his grades are great - they dont seems to mind that the presentation leaves a lot to be desired.

You may be pleased to know that, in the end, I didn't bother doing any work at home towards his SATs.
He is predicted 5's in Maths and Science but just a 4b in English.
He used to be above average in English as well but, as it is a subject he does not enjoy, unfortunately he seems to have made little progress in recent years.

I am quite laid back now regarding SATs because I now know they are testing the schools teaching rather than the individual child.

Still, I wish there was a better way of testing the school, though....

Typical boy! My son and a few of his friends have just come in and the relief amongst them that the dreaded writing tests are now over is palpable! I've just been cross-examined on how to spell some of the words in today's spelling test - they all seemed to have managed different spellings for each word I had to summon all my powers of diplomacy and pretend I couldn't quite remember myself and distracted them with ice lollies!!

Hi BM,
I don't think it went too well today as he didn't want to talk about it.
Oh well...