Science SATs scrapped: Your emails

Science SATs are to be scrapped

Tests in science for 11-year-olds are to be abolished from next year, but those in English and maths will continue.

The decision follows a review of the SATs exams by a group of experts commissioned by the government.

BBC News website readers have been sending in their comments.

I have taught year 5 and 6 for the last four years and the SATs are not an accurate reflection of what children have learnt or of what they know. Anyone, including an 11-year-old, can cram and revise for a test. As with the science and other core subjects, a more practical way of assessment is needed, isn't that the direction that the GCSEs are going? I have some very bright kids who are let down as they can't express themselves during exam conditions. APP and moderation is the way forward as teaching can also be assessed through it.
Rob Fry, Nottinghamshire

I feel the idea to scrap the SAT test is unfair to parents. With this national test, I feel I am in a better position to know how well my children are progressing on a national level. Teacher assessments will only give progress of the child's performance in class.
Rosemarie Ezeoke, Enfield

I think SATs should be completely scrapped. They are definitely to the detriment of the children and cause unnecessary stress on the children at such young ages.
Anon, Ashton-under-Lyn, Lancashire

My 10-year-old son is sitting these tests next week. My usually chatty and open little boy is now very quiet and refuses to tell me anything about what has been happening at school. I know he is worried. I'm not sure if he is worried about the tests themselves or if is is more worried about how his teachers will be once the test results are published. Primary schools teach (or is it preach) the SATs subjects almost to the exclusion of everything else. The children know how important the results are, to the school more than to themselves. At least when I sat the 11+ the results mattered to me as it decided whether I would go on to a grammar school or (as in my case) have to settle for a secondary modern. These days there isn't that choice - around here anyway - so what really is the point of SATs?
Nicky Martin, Ipswich, UK

I am a parent and a science teacher in a secondary school. I will find it very difficult to accept a teacher assessment at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2). What I find is that pupils are coming in at the beginning of KS3 but do not have basic scientific knowledge that is needed at level 5 because most of their teachers do not have a scientific background and therefore there are lots of gaps in the pupils' knowledge. Without the science SATs at the end of KS2 I suspect that teachers will teach what comes easily to them and leave what they do not think is necessary. Please keep the SATs as an objective benchmark at the end of KS2. It also acts as a sort of quality control in teaching.
Fiona Ehimuan, Herts

I'm a parent of children who have recently been through this fiasco. I've nothing against assessment, but this should test what has been learned and not how well the child can pass the test. The NAHT/NUT have a simple way out - administer that test for the two hours it takes in the school day, but simply not coach for the test, teach to the test or have anything to do with the test otherwise. This will have the advantage of showing the children's true level of learning, not disrupt real learning and not be illegal. It would also make league tables rather more meaningful, something that, as a parent, I could certainly support.
Stuart, Halifax, West Yorkshire

I am a Year 6 teacher and I wholly welcome the news that Science SATs are to be dropped. It will be excellent to have the time to teach proper science skills and scientific thinking, rather than just the knowledge that forms such a huge part of the Science SATs. It is rather insulting to schools to suggest that standards in science will fall due to it not being tested. Do they really think we will stop teaching this fundamental subject - simply because there is no test? Doesn't say much for their opinion of our professionalism and the teachers' desire to produce well-educated and informed citizens of the future - which is after all what our jobs are about.
Louise Atkins, Taunton, UK

As a parent of a child due to start school in September, I am appalled at the lack of consistency in education matters. Children need stability and consistency, if goal posts are continually changing what chance have they got? Please sort this out for the sake of all our children's futures.
Penny, Essex

I am the mother of an 11 and a 12-year-old. I am also a primary school art teacher. I have been absolutely certain for many years that SATs and the publication of results in league tables are detrimental to the education of our children and the schools they attend. I do not believe in a 'one size fits all' curriculum that leaves very little time for creativity and individuality. Many of our children are switched off by the academic emphasis on the primary curriculum. All of the year 6 SATs should be scrapped, not just science. Let the teachers continue their assessments, as they do as a matter of course anyway, and leave children to enjoy their childhood.
Jane Grainger, Thirsk, England

My daughter will be sitting her key stage 2 SATs in two years and I welcome the decision now to end the tests for science and looking at reformatting the English and maths tests. My reasoning for this is quite simply the recent sight of an 11-year-old girl outside the school gates with her mum. She was very distressed and crying because of the worry of having to sit these tests. There is a place for testing - it's a fact of life, but I'm not sure putting our young children under this amount of pressure is conducive to a well-rounded and enjoyable education.
Mrs Stallibrass, Rochford, Essex

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