Key stage 2 mathematics test
Published 13 September 2013
© Crown copyright 2013
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-2-tests-an-overview/key-stage-2-mathematics-test
This publication was withdrawn on 27 May 2016.
Further information is available in the 2016 assessment and reporting arrangements for schools.
The levels 3-5 test
The levels 3-5 mathematics test consists of:
- 2 non-calculator papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each lasting 45 minutes
- 1 mental mathematics test, lasting 20 minutes
A pupil’s marks from all 3 tests will be aggregated to calculate their overall mathematics level.
Pupils should have the following equipment for Paper 1 and Paper 2:
- a pen and pencil
- a ruler (showing centimetres and millimetres)
- an angle measurer
- a mirror
- tracing paper
The level 6 test
Schools may choose to administer the level 6 mathematics test in addition to the levels 3-5 test. Headteachers should consider a pupil’s expected attainment before entering them for the level 6 tests as they should already be demonstrating attainment above level 5. The pupil must achieve a level 5 in the levels 3-5 test and pass the corresponding level 6 test in the same year to be awarded an overall level 6 result. If the pupil doesn’t pass the level 6 test they will be awarded the level achieved in the levels 3-5 test.
The level 6 mathematics test consists of:
- Paper 1 – a non-calculator paper, lasting 30 minutes
- Paper 2 – a calculator available paper, lasting 30 minutes
A pupil’s marks from both tests will be aggregated to determine whether they are performing at level 6 in mathematics.
Pupils should have the following equipment for the test:
- a pen and pencil
- a ruler (showing centimetres and millimetres)
- an angle measurer
- a mirror
- tracing paper
Pupils will also need a calculator for Paper 2. A scientific calculator is recommended but not required.
Background
The level 6 test expands on the content of the levels 3-5 test by including higher level problems where pupils need to think for themselves and bring aspects of mathematics together.
Pupils taking the level 6 test should have covered the key stage 2 mathematics programme of study in depth. It is assumed that pupils working at level 6 will generally be secure in their knowledge of level 5. They should be able to work independently to apply their knowledge within unfamiliar and challenging problems, while thinking analytically and communicating their ideas effectively. They will be beginning to be able to identify mathematics to be used where the signposting of mathematical concepts is less obvious and/or what is being asked is less familiar.
The test samples the key stage 2 and key stage 3 programmes of study to determine if pupils are working at level 6, rather than whether they are fully secure at level 6. Because of this, some pupils working at level 6 may encounter some elements of the key stage 3 programme of study which they have not yet covered. Pupils won’t therefore be expected to be able to answer all questions correctly in order to attain a level 6.
The elements of the key stage 3 programme of study that the test covers are not specified. Teachers will need to have covered enough of the key stage 3 programme of study to be assured that a pupil is working at level 6.
The test includes questions which assess levels 5 and 6 of the national curriculum. Questions that assess level 5 will typically be drawn from the upper end of the level. These questions will focus on process skills in addition to knowledge and understanding. (Process skills include how to engage with a problem, complete an appropriate method, and interpret and reflect on outcomes.)
Questions drawn solely from the key stage 3 programme of study will often be provided with ‘scaffolding’, so that they are accessible to children working at level 6.