Leeds head teacher tells pupils that SATS are ‘useless exams’

A head teacher in Leeds has gone viral after branded the upcoming SATS as “useless exams”.

Key stage 1 assessments will be taking place in Year 2 and Year 6 classrooms this month after a two-year hiatus when SATS were cancelled due to Covid-19. Pupils are busy preparing for the highly-anticipated examinations as teachers go over their syllabus and evenings are spent revising.

The guidance for schools makes it clear that these are not “sit down in the hall” tests, but every year a lot of pressure is put on the examinations as it determines their pupils’ progress. And for many children in Year 6 it helps decipher which secondary school they will go attend in the next academic year.

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There’s no direct consequence of a child ‘failing’ their SATs. The results may reflect badly on the school, but they don’t have to retake the exam.

On the back of the difficulties faced during the pandemic for school children – from cancelled exams, to zoom classrooms, and not being able to see their peers – one teacher in Leeds is loosening the pressure put on pupils to nail the tests this year.

In a post shared on parent page Mum in the Moment on Facebook, one parent shared an email they received from Chris Dyson – head teach at Parklands Primary School in Seacroft, Leeds.

Leeds teacher brands SATS exams ‘useless’ and says ‘my heart goes out’ to students having to sit them (Image: Facebook/Mum In The Moment)

He said: “Dear Y6 children. Whatever happens during SATs week does not shape your future on little bit. Just try your best, smile, and look forward to climbing a tree, playing football, singing, dancing, cooking or reading when you get home.

“After all the disruption you have had over the past three years, my heart goes out to you sitting these useless exams. Sadly the Government say you have to do them, so we have no choice. We can as teachers, Head Teachers, be there for you if you fell anxious – so talking is good.”

The post raked in thousands of likes and comments, and parents quickly rushed to agree with him. Karen Shakeleton said: “They are useless my daughter got her GCSE targets as F due to her SATS – yet this week we attended her Master’s degree graduation.”

David Jacklin added: “You should see the emotional distress and anxiety these put on children.” And Stephanie Whitelaw branded Chris an “amazing headteacher” for his words.

But Lynda McCarthy said: “Children should be encouraged to learn. I am 70 and still learning. It’s never too late.”

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