KS1 and KS2 SPaG assessments (sometimes referred to as GPS) check pupils' understanding of spelling, punctuation objectives related to their year group. These objectives can be found in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the English National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2. SPaG assessments often which often take place during the summer term. In some schools they may take place more frequently such as on a termly basis.
SPaG assessments for all the year groups often mimic the format used in official end-of-year 2 and 6 English, Grammar and Punctuation tests. In order to do well in these tests, pupils need to have good understanding of their year group SPaG objectives and be confident in answering the question types common to these tests. Here are some ideas which will help pupils prepare for SPaG assessments.
Teaching SPaG Concepts
In the majority of schools, KS1 and KS2 long term and medim term English planning incorporates teaching appendix 1 and 2 objectives in an organised manner throughout the year. A variety of different materials may be used for this purpose.
Learning the mechanics of sentence structure, grammar terminology and vocabulary is not always exciting! If SPaG teaching is not done in an engaging way pupils may switch off. This will obviously effect their learning.
Primary Texts provides an extensive range of SPaG teaching PPTs for KS1 and KS2. These PPTs are easy-to-use, bright and engaging with intergrated discussion prompts and practice exercises. Press the buttons below to find out more.
Want to try before you buy? Try one of our free sample SPaG Lessons which are available for primary year groups from years 1 to 6. Lessons for years 2 to 6 include a free SPaG mini-assessment. Click the images below to access these free resources.
Paper 1 Preparation
SPaG Paper 1 typically assesses vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation through questions. To succeed in assessments, pupils need to be familiar with common question formats like multiple-choice, underlining or ticking answers, and using punctuated sentences.
Misunderstanding the question format can hinder their performance in SPaG assessments. For example, I have frequently seen pupils demonstrate good understanding of how to change an active sentence to a passive one but fail to get the mark because they forgot to use a full stop.
If your pupils need more practice with test-style questions, you might be interested in Primary Texts SPaG Assessment Packs. They cover all primary year groups. Click the images below to learn more.
Paper 2 Preparation
The ability to spell words linked to spelling patterns is tested in paper 2 of a SATs assessment. Continuous spelling practice throughout the school year is essential.
For KS1 pupils, we would recommend clicking on the BBC Bitesize link in the section below to find a range of fun presentations which will reinforce understanding of spelling rules and patterns. For KS2 pupils check out these free PPTs from Primary Texts. They contain spelling patterns from appendix 2 of the English National Curriculum.
Click the images below to download these fabulous freebies!
This work is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International 
Free resources may be adapted for personal teaching purposes, but must include attribution to www.primary texts.co.uk and must not be used for commercial purposes. Click the link above for more details.
Recapping and Reinforcing
Once SPaG concepts have been taught, they are likley to be easily forgotten unless they are constantly referred to throught the teaching year. Grammar concepts should never be taught and left. Keep SPaG terminlogy fresh in children's minds by mentioning it during reading and writing lessons. This will also help pupils to understand how concepts are applied in real life. For example, the meanings of expanded noun phrases could be be discussed and recapped when exploring the author's craft during a novel study or when pupils are writing a description.
Check out BBC Bitesize to find an extensive range of quality resources which are great for recapping SPaG concepts. These excellent, fun and engaging SPaG resources are available for every year group. Click the button below to explore.
We hope you found these tips, resource and website links useful. Good luck to your pupils in their upcoming SPaG assessments!
You may also be interested in the following blog posts:
How to Help Children Write Simple Sentences in Year 1
5 Simple Ways to Boost KS2 Spelling Skills
How to Prepare Pupils for the Year 6 Reading Test: 10 Steps for Success
