Supporting Pupils in Year 6

We understand that Year 6 is a significant and sometimes challenging time for pupils as they prepare for SATs and transition to secondary school. At John Ball, we have developed a supportive approach designed to help every child feel secondary ready by ensuring they leave prepared, confident, and valued. Here’s how we support our students and families throughout this transition.

In-Class Support for Maths, Writing, and Reading

To support students in key subjects, we offer comprehensive in-class support for maths, writing, and reading:

In-Class Tailored Support: Our teachers provide personalised feedback through pupil conferencing, working closely with students to review their progress and enhance their skills across all areas. They also offer targeted support within lessons, including sessions focused on improving test techniques.

Booster Sessions: We offer additional reading, writing, and maths booster sessions for certain children, both during and outside of the school day, to help them strengthen their understanding and skills in these critical subjects. We use Question Level Analysis from tests to identify specific areas where children need additional support, ensuring booster sessions are focused on areas where pupils need it most, rather than areas they already feel confident in.

Parent Volunteers: Additional one-on-one support is available from our trained parent volunteers who work with children needing extra help.

Engaging Learning Units: Our curriculum is designed to inspire and engage students, culminating in high-quality projects that build both skills and confidence.

Wellbeing and SATs Pressure

We prioritise pupil wellbeing and work to minimise SATs-related pressure:

Experienced Teachers: With strong relationships in place, our teachers are adept at guiding pupils through the unique challenges of Year 6.  

Wellbeing Ambassadors: On the rare occasions when children have worries, they can speak with a trained Wellbeing Ambassador if they feel uncomfortable talking directly to an adult. These ambassadors act as a bridge between children and staff, providing a safe and approachable peer for discussing concerns.

Ex-Pupil Talks: In the summer term, former John Ball pupils return to share their experiences, reassuring current pupils and providing real-life insights.

Balanced Curriculum: We emphasise a broad curriculum and do not "teach to the test," allowing pupils to continue enjoying diverse learning experiences throughout the year.

Opportunities to Discuss Transition Concerns

To help ease any anxieties about the transition to secondary school: 

• The Hive Worry Box: Pupils can anonymously submit their questions or concerns, which are then addressed by their teachers
• Transition Unit: During the summer term, we run a dedicated unit to prepare pupils for the transition
• Additional Support: Some children receive targeted support from external teams, offering tailored assistance to those who need it most.

SATs and the Bigger Picture

We instill in pupils that while SATs are important, their worth goes beyond a test result. At John Ball, we believe in recognising each child’s individual strengths, achievements, and unique contributions. The end of Year 6 is also a time for celebration, with exciting activities that encourage students to experience success outside the classroom and challenge themselves in new ways. This approach helps students see the value in their school journey beyond exam results.  

This is shown quite evidently when the children were asked to describe themselves in 3 words when applying for their Pathway To Life role.

The SATs Experience at John Ball

Our pupils look forward to SATs week with excitement and pride! At John Ball, SATs are celebrated as an opportunity for children to showcase all they have learned in a calm, supportive, and encouraging environment. The atmosphere during SATs week is filled with enthusiasm as pupils feel motivated to do their best. We create a positive experience that includes a delicious hot breakfast each morning, games, and a family-like atmosphere, helping students feel relaxed, excited, and prepared.

During our mock SATs week, we also mirror any access arrangements needed to ensure all children have an equitable opportunity to show their best. These arrangements might include smaller rooms, one-on-one support, additional time, enlarged print materials, rest breaks, and other accommodations. This allows every child to become familiar with the support structures in place and feel confident on the actual test day.

Communicating with Secondary Schools

We ensure a smooth handover of academic and support needs to secondary schools:

• Transition Meetings: We conduct transition meetings with the KS2/3 leads from receiving schools, where all relevant academic and SEND information is shared.
• Extended Taster Days: For children with specific needs, many secondary schools offer extended taster days to aid in a smoother transition.

Post-Year 6 Support

Our connection with pupils doesn’t end when they leave John Ball. We continue to offer support to those who may need it as they transition to their new schools. Former pupils are always welcome to visit John Ball to share their successes or discuss any challenges they may be facing—something they all love to do, and we love to receive!

At John Ball Primary, we’re dedicated to making Year 6 a time of growth, support, and enjoyment for all our pupils. We are proud of how well-prepared they are for secondary school and how easily they adapt to their new environments. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out—we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.