During the SATs week, there is a range of emotions for pupils in Year 6; some are excited, curious and nervous. These tests are significant achievements in primary school, but they are not a measure of a child’s intelligence, creativity or success. An intelligent SATs poem can help to remind children that they are being valued for more than just their test results.
We will discuss how a Sats poem for Year 6 has become a poignant tradition in schools, the positive impact it has on children’s confidence and explain an original poem that teachers and parents can use to encourage confidence.
What Are SATs?
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are tests which are taken in Year 6 by children all over England. These assessments assess pupils’ knowledge of the following subjects:
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS)
While SATs provide a way for schools to track academic progress, they are not a way of assessing other qualities such as being kind, resilient, creative, determined or imaginative. Which is why many teachers like to read a poem before the SATs are given – to remind children that they are more than just a number on a paper.
Why Share a SATs Poem for Year 6?
For some children, the weeks before SATs can be very challenging. Well prepared pupils may still feel anxious about doing well. To support a well written SATs poem for Year 6, it can help by decreasing stress and anxiety, boosting confidence, promoting a positive attitude, recognising all children as individuals and valuing their strengths and reminding them that it’s more important to reinforce the effort than to get it right.
Numerous schools now use motivational poems during assemblies, or in classroom discussions or on displays around the school during SATs week.
An Original SATs Poem for Year 6
Today you will sharpen your pencils bright,
Do your best!
The questions will be answered sequentially,
And do your best for each task.
Don’t forget, these papers here,
Can never really demonstrate,
The compassion you’ve always shared,
Or just how much you can grow!
They don’t understand your jokes,
Your spirit of adventure,
Your musical voice, your kind and gracious hand,
Or games that you enjoy playing.
They can’t measure dreams you hold,
Or gifts undiscovered,
The objectives you will achieve the next day,
Anywhere you’ve gone or stayed.
Relax and believe in yourself,
You’ve worked throughout the year.
Believe in all you’ve learned so far,
There is now no more fear.
No matter what occurs in these tests,
Take pride in what you’re doing.
Because the best that you can be is
Is simply being you.
How Teachers Can Use a SATs Poem
A SATs poem can be a memorable part of SAT week. It is customary for teachers to read one of them at the end of the week before the tests which helps pupils to begin the week with a positive mindset and without nervousness.
A poem can be used in a creative way, such as morning classroom reading, hanging it on walls around the classroom, incorporating it into SATs revision packs, printing it as a keepsake item for pupils and sharing it with parents prior to the SATs week. Just a couple of positive words can make kids feel better and more confident.
Why Parents Appreciate SATs Poems
Parents may want to explain to their children to put their minds at ease but find it difficult to express themselves. When read collectively, a SATs poem intended for Year 6 can lead to discussions around aiming to do your best instead of perfection, managing nerves, celebrating effort and recognising that assessments are a small component of learning. A positive message in the morning before school can make all the difference.
Your SATs Results Are Not Your Whole Story
The most crucial thing that needs to be conveyed in every SATs poem is that the exams only test a little bit of academic abilities. They do not assess creativity, compassion, teamwork, leadership, musical ability, artistic talent, curiosity, problem solving in daily life, sense of humour and determination.
During SATs week, children need to know that these are the same attributes that are valued in them.
Build Confidence before SATs
Schools and families can support Year 6 pupils by promoting healthy habits (in addition to sharing a poem) like have a good night’s sleep, have a healthy breakfast, stay hydrated, practise positive thinking, look for hard work, not success and don’t forget to schedule relaxation and play time. Children are confident when they know they are supported however the event goes.
Encouraging Words for every Year 6 Child
When you’re studying for SATs, keep this in mind:
You’ve been learning, developing, struggling, failing, fixing it, asking questions, and growing these past few years. SATs are just one of the chances to demonstrate some of what you have learnt. There isn’t a test that could assess imagination, kindness, determination or the difference you make to those around you.
Go through each test knowing that you are worth more than a score, try your best and walk in with confidence in yourself.
Sourcing Quality Educational Resources for Supporting Schools
Schools seeking trusted guidance and resources for teaching and professional development can consider practical support derived from Educator Standards which aims to support educators in creating positive learning environments and fostering pupil success.
How to Support Every Year 6 Child to Approach SATs with Confidence
Each Year 6 SATs poem has the same strong message: children are not the assessments. SATs measure academic achievement but not character, resilience, creativity, empathy or future potential.
From the teacher preparing lessons for students, the parent encouraging their child or the school leader supporting pupils, you can share a poem with your child’s SATs that you both can remember for a long time. The most significant success is not the setting of a test score; it is that every child is proud of their achievement and excited for the next steps.
