This is the Key Stage that caters for pupils aged 7-11 and is commonly known as KS2. It is also the largest Key Stage in a primary school covering 4 age groups and often 4 class groups.
Moving up from KS1, pupils find the setting to be more formal and greater expectations placed on them. Often in the pupil's first term their parents can be anxious about the change being smooth and might wait longer outside the classroom to make sure their child is settled. A good practitioner will soon reassure parents over their child's progress.
By the time children reach the end of Year 6 they would have experienced KS2 SATS (if in Kent they would have been involved in the11+), and also visited a number of schools in order to find a future secondary school placement. A lot of changes take place for the pupils in this year including emotional changes, and in some cases physical as well.
KS2 SATS are in May of each year. These are standard tests in English, Maths and Science. They take place in a formal examination setting similar to later examinations like GCSEs. These tests are reported on to governors and parents and are then published locally and nationally in a league table format. LEAs are aware of comparisons and encourage schools to invest in booster classes.
A good KS2 teacher will have good all round subject knowledge and also a good understanding of the different needs of the children across the Key Stage. MARKING THE WORK IS ESSENTIAL, unless you are instructed not to. Always be prepared with work but if it's set always follow THE WORK SET. Also be prepared for PE, keep a spare kit in the boot of the car.
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