Amazon.co.uk Review
Key Stage 2 Mathematics National Tests is an excellent CD-ROM for parents to use with 10-11 year old children who wish to prepare themselves for their Maths SAT.
The CD-ROM contains copies of the 2001 official QCA maths tests that can be printed out. This is an excellent resource for children to familiarise themselves with the format of the SAT tests and the types of questions that they will be asked. The questions for the mental arithmetic test can also be found in the parent and child guide.
Once children have completed the tests, the answers can be checked using the Check Answers section, which shows a completed paper. If a child has a problem answering a question or has got a question wrong they can click on either Help with Marking, or Help with Test Paper A/B. Help with Marking guides the child through the question and shows them how the answer is worked out. Help with Test Paper A/B states what the child needs to know and how the question should be approached. They can then choose to be taken through the question if they are still having trouble with the answer. There is also an option to choose to be shown similar questions, so that the child can consolidate what they have learnt.
The QCA marking scheme gives parents very clear information about how the papers should be marked, what is required in a child's answer for a mark to be awarded and if marks should be given for working out. Examples are also shown of the different types of answers a child might write and answers that are unacceptable.
Key Stage 2 Mathematics National Tests would be an extremely useful purchase for anyone with Year Six children as it would help them gain confidence in test situations. The excellent Help section is invaluable for sorting out problems and guiding children through questions they may be having difficulty with. --Amanda York
Manufacturer's Description
QCA National Test Papers Maths This QCA CD-ROM contains the ACTUAL 2001 KS2 National Test Papers for Maths, in printable form for a child to print off and use as they would in the actual Test for practice. The CD ROM includes a parent friendly version of the marking scheme, which explains in non-specialist language when answers do or do not deserve full marks and why.
In additional there is a user-friendly 'Help' section which guides the child if they get stuck on a question or want to see a different approach to a problem.