What Is The Purpose Of Key Stage 1?

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The National Curriculum includes key stages. It defines how children should perform on tests and devise strategies for reaching their goals. There are four critical phases of a child learning KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4. Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 include the Primary Stage of a child’s education. The High Scho includes KS3 and KS4 or GCSE. Key Stage 1 is for 5 - 7 years old children in the years 1 and 2. 

Key Stage 1 is a critical stepping stone key stage as students are introduced to the National Curriculum in Year 1 and conclude their early learning journey before they enter Key Stage 2. As students move to more formal education, they experience a broader range of educational subjects and greater responsibility.

Is Key Stage 1 A Must-Teach Curriculum In All Schools?

The National Curriculum determines which subjects children must learn in Key Stage 1. Only local-authority-maintained schools must adhere to this National Curriculum. Independent schools, academies, and free schools can create curricula. However, the majority adhere to the National Curriculum.

Subjects for the KS1

• English
• Maths
• Science
• History
• Geography
• Design and Art
• Music
• Technology and Design
• Physical Education 
• Computing or ICT

The subject of religious education also is part of the National Curriculum. All-state running schools are required to teach it to pupils in Key Stage 1. This subject discusses many faiths. However, if parents do not want their children to learn about beliefs different from their parent's beliefs, they are free to exclude their children from religious classes.

PSHE (personal health, social and education) is an additional subject. It is a way to teach children about staying in a safe environment, taking care of themselves, and living an active lifestyle. Therefore, PSHE aims to help children develop positive social skills.

Citizenship can be taken at the primary level. It's like PSHE. In addition, it also introduces students to critical thinking and debates on political as well as legal concepts.

Evaluation Of The Children In The KS1

After every Key Stage that includes Key Stage 1, children's capabilities are assessed. So, the standards set by the government will be judged on test performance. At the end of Year 1, students are tested on phonics. It involves listening to 40 different words read out by their teachers. The first half of the words are real, and the second half is generated. Students are tested on their ability to read and pronounce various letter combinations on this test. If a child fails to succeed in the test, they'll need additional after-school guidance. Consequently, the KS1 tutors for Year 2 students can build a solid foundation for your child in core subjects like English and Maths. With focused, personalised and engaging sessions, the private classes enable your child to gain confidence in their skills and perform efficiently and fulfill their potential.

Tests offered in the Key Stage 1

The tests of Key Stage 1 include:

• English grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• English reading (reading and comprehending text)
• Maths (basic subtraction, addition, multiplication, division and subtraction)

Assessment Of Key Stage 1 Tests

The Key Stage 1 tests require different criteria for evaluation. The student's test scores will fluctuate between 85 and 100. A score of 100 is considered to be the minimum standard. Any score above 100 indicates that the child performs better than the standard. On the other hand, a score lower than 100 shows that the child is not performing at the set standard. In KS1, there is no national test for the subject. The tests are based on classroom work or school tests.

What Are SATs And Are They Mandatory For Key Stage 1 Students?

National Curriculum tests administered to elementary school students are recognised as SATs (Standard Assessment Tests).  In 2017, it was announced that KS1 exams would cease in 2023. However, if the school wants to conduct this test, they can do so to evaluate their children. 

SATs have been heavily scrutinised. Many believe that assessments in KS1 place young students under excessive academic pressure. It’s also been said that the tests limit the syllabus as schools may adopt a test-based curriculum to improve their reputation. Two teacher associations also held votes to boycott SATs. They advocated replacing SATs with teacher evaluations. But it was useless, as the Standard Assessment Test is still administered. 

Conclusion

There are many things to cover in KS1 - the subjects studied, topics covered, tests taken, and goals to achieve. Thanks to the information provided, you can now understand what this process comprises. If you follow this guide, you should be able to assist your child during the challenging times of Year 1 and Year 2 in elementary school.