What's happening in the news this week? Many primary schools across England are preparing for the upcoming Year 6 SATs tests. In light of this, a thoughtful and positive poem has been widely circulated to pupils, their families, and teachers, reminding everyone that tests only tell part of the story. Understanding SATs: What Are They? SATs, or Standard Assessment Tests, are assessments taken by primary school pupils in England each May. Their main purpose is to check progress in English and maths and to provide the government with an overview of teaching and learning across the country. The Poem: What Tests Can and Cannot Measure As SATs week approaches, schools and parents have shared a poem that highlights everything tests can't assess. This poem has appeared in newsletters and been posted on social media to encourage and support students. The SATs Poem "SATs don't measure sports, SATs don't measure art, SATs don't measure music, or the kindness in your heart. SATs don't see your beauty, SATs don't know your worth, SATs don't see the reasons you were put upon this earth. SATs don't see your magic, how you make others smile, SATs don't time how quickly you can run a mile. SATs don't hear your laughter, or see you've come this far, SATs are just a tiny glimpse of who you really are. So sitting at your table, with a pencil and your test, Remember SATs aren't who you are, remember you're the best." Classroom Discussion: What Can't Tests Measure? This poem inspires important questions and conversations in classrooms. What are some of the important things about ourselves that tests don’t measure? How do we express qualities like kindness, creativity, determination, or bravery? Reflecting on Assessment: Your Experience Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences with tests. Do you enjoy taking tests, or find them stressful? Preparing for assessments can be different for everyone, and sharing these feelings can support classmates and build understanding. What Is the Purpose of Assessments? Classrooms may also discuss what they know about tests and assessments — when they happen and what their goals are. Are some tests more important than others? How do assessments fit into learning as a whole? Why Do We Have SATs? Watching a helpful video about SATs can reveal reasons behind these tests. The discussion can focus on whether these reasons match pupils’ expectations and what their own views are on the value of these assessments. How Do Supportive Messages Help? By reading supportive messages like the widely-shared poem, students can consider whether encouragement from teachers and families helps to ease their worries before an assessment. Sharing personal responses to such messages in class can foster a positive, supportive environment. Thinking Beyond Tests The main takeaway is that while assessments serve a purpose, they don't define who you are. Pupils are prompted to think of other strengths or achievements that tests can't measure, whether that's helping a friend, being creative, or overcoming a challenge. Share your thoughts with your class and listen to others’ opinions. These conversations remind everyone that tests are just one small part of a much bigger picture. Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
