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In this issue:

2009 national curriculum tests resource pack

Key stage 2 national curriculum tests are approaching and QCA has produced a number of materials to help to assist with test administration. In the week commencing 2 March, key stage 2 headteachers and LAs will receive the following items:

  • Circular - outlines key changes for the 2009 national curriculum test cycle
  • Pupil registration factsheet - provides guidance on how to register pupils online on the pupil registration section of the Test orders website
  • Checklist - A3 poster outlining the test timetable and the key dates for the 2009 national curriculum test cycle
  • Test administrators' guide - an essential reference tool for headteachers and tests administrators on how to administer the tests correctly.

Additional printed copies of these documents are not available but can already be downloaded from the QCA Tests and exams website at www.qca.org.uk/tests.

Additional time and early opening deadline

Remember your school can make applications for additional time and early opening for the key stage 2 national curriculum tests until the deadline of 5pm 2 March 2009. QCA will not accept applications after the deadline. If schools wish to make applications they must do so on the Test forms website at www.qca.org.uk/testforms.

Your Test forms login has not changed. If you need your Test forms login details please contact the national curriculum tests helpline on 08700 60 60 40 or email testforms@qca.org.uk with your query and place your schools DCSF number in the subject line.

You can find further information about access arrangements in the 2009 key stage 2 Assessment and reporting arrangements, section 12, available on the QCA Tests and exams website at www.qca.org.uk/ara.

Key stage 2 science tests – control variable and electrical circuits

Schools should note the following information regarding control variables and electrical circuits for the key stage 2 science test. When a question asks for a variable that must be kept the same to keep an investigation fair, pupils giving named pieces of equipment will not necessarily be awarded the mark. ‘Forcemeter’ and ‘thermometer’ will be credited if relevant to the experimental context as the calibration of this equipment often varies. Equipment where calibration rarely varies will not be considered creditworthy even if it is relevant to the experimental context e.g. ruler, stopwatch or measuring cylinder.

Where a question requires pupils to draw a switch in a circuit diagram   and  will both be accepted. Please note, the only recognised standard symbol for a switch shows it in an ‘open’ position. Therefore no credit will be given for alternative symbols in which children attempt to distinguish a 'closed' switch, for example, and .

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