Reading tests - overview
Please note that the Cornerstones tests are currently referenced to the subjects of the national curriculum for England, rather than the new Curriculum for Wales. However, we are aware that some schools in Wales find these helpful and so have made them available within Cwricwlwm Maestro.
The Cornerstones Reading Tests mirror the style and content of the KS1/KS2 SATs papers. The Reading Tests are designed to be used at the end of every term. The tests can be used to highlight the children’s individual needs and track their progress against the programmes of study throughout the year. Results can be used to inform planning, allowing you to address the learning needs of your children.
We invite schools to return their test scores to us s that we can analyse the results and create termly conversion tools that We have a deadline date for schools to return their test scores to us for each term. Using this termly data from schools ensures the conversions and analysis are as up-to-date with current attainment. Teachers can then add in the scores that the children got and the spreadsheet will convert the raw scores into either an ARE banding or an estimated standardised score.
Test scores can be emailed to us at assessment@cornerstoneseducation.co.uk.
Key stage 1
The Cornerstones Reading Tests have been created using the content and cognitive domains outlined in the KS1 Reading Test Framework for test developers. The question types and breakdown of marks also match the government expectations.
In Year 1, the children will sit a paper at the end of the spring term and the end of the summer term. There is no test for Year 1 in the autumn term, to give the children time to transition into Key Stage 1.
The Year 2 Cornerstones Reading Test consists of 2 papers, like the KS1 SATs. For Year 2, Paper 1 is a single reading prompt and answer booklet. The paper includes a list of useful words and some practice questions, both of which can be read aloud and discussed by the teacher. For Year 2, Paper 2 is a separate reading booklet and answer booklet.
Key stage 2
The Cornerstones Reading Tests have been created using the content and cognitive domains outlined in the KS2 Reading Test Framework for test developers. The question types and breakdown of marks also match the government expectations.
Each test is made up of a separate reading booklet and answer booklet for each year group.
The children will have a total of one hour to read the three texts in the reading booklet and complete the questions at their own pace. They should read one text and answer the questions about that text before reading the next text. There are three texts and three sets of questions.
The least demanding text will come first, with each text that follows increasing in difficulty.
Related Articles
Summative Maths tests - overview
Please note the the Cornerstones tests are currently referenced to the subjects of the national curriculum for England, rather than the new Curriculum for Wales. However, we are aware that some schools in Wales find these helpful and so have made ...How do I administer the Reading tests?
Please note that the Cornerstones tests are currently referenced to the subjects of the national curriculum for England, rather than the new Curriculum for Wales. However, we are aware that some schools in Wales find these helpful and so have made ...SPaG tests - overview
Please note these are currently referenced to the subjects of the national curriculum for England, rather than the new Curriculum for Wales. However, we are aware that some schools in Wales find these helpful and so have made them available within ...Arithmetic and Number Progress tests
Please note that the Cornerstones tests are currently referenced to the subjects of the national curriculum for England, rather than the new Curriculum for Wales. However, we are aware that some schools in Wales find these helpful and so have made ...Pupil notes
The pupil notes function allows you to add notes about specific pupils, with the optional to associate this information with Track pupil progress or a test. Pupil notes that you add can be viewed by any Maestro user within the school. To create a ...