Letter to our Year 6 Pupils

7th May 2023

Dear Year 6 Pupils

Next week you will sit your SATs tests for maths, reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation. I can see how hard you, your teachers and the Y6 team have worked, but there is something very important you must know:

The SATs tests do not assess all the things that make each of you special and unique. The people who create these tests and scores do not know each of you the way that we do and certainly not in the way your families do. They do not know that some of you speak two languages or that you love to dance or draw. They have not seen your natural talent for singing, acting or playing a musical instrument. They do not know that you excel in different things outside of school. They cannot understand how you excel in practical projects, Wild Tribe Sessions and your passion to protect our world. They do not know what challenges you face every day or your hopes and dreams for the future.

They do not know that your friends can count on you to be there for them; that your smile can light up a room or that your face turns red when you feel shy. They do not know that you participate in sports, have responsibilities such as House Captains, UNICEF Steering Group members and Playground Leaders, raise money for those less fortunate than yourself or sometimes help your little brother or sister before and after school. They do not know that you are kind, trustworthy and thoughtful and that every day you try to be a good role model for the younger pupils, even when you have worries or have lots of things on your mind.

The scores you will get from these tests are important and will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything. There are many ways of being smart. You are smart! So, while you are preparing for the test and in the midst of it all, remember that there is no way to ‘test’ all of the amazing and awesome things that make you, YOU!

Good luck to you all and quite simply try your very best.

Team St. Stephens is always proud of you.

Mrs Furber
Head Teacher