As I've peeked through social media this week, I have come across many posts regarding the Year 6 SATs tests which have been taking place this week. Honestly, I don't think I will ever know how I feel about this level of testing in schools. Like all things, there are pros and cons, good and bad in all things. In one breath, we are so lucky to have the opportunity to be 'educated' in the U.K and in the other, our education system is so very far from perfect.
Last year, it was my son, Noah who in year two at primary school, was about to embark on his first experience of SATs tests. I remember feeling very conflicted as his mama. One part of me fought with the idea of it. Often failing to see what good could ever come of it. Often questioning the pressure and the feeling of potential 'failure' we may have to pick our children up from.

The other part of me knowing that in life, we sometimes have to do what we don't want to, what we don't agree with and what will make us feel a bit rubbish. It was that side of me that couldn't quite withdraw him from taking them because it is my responsibility as his mother to prepare him for life, for the world and for being a person in it.

All of me though, just wanted him to be a child, to act his age, to have fun, to feel creative, to feel empowered, to feel free and more importantly to know that he is enough. I just wanted him to know that the SATs tests didn't in any way define him. How could they, when they didn't know him? They didn't know a single thing about the boy holding the pencil and about all of the thinks that make him great.

The SAT's tests are a process that don't have very much to do with our children at all. A lot of it is for the benefit of our schools, streaming and ticking boxes.

And this is why I was conflicted...

But he did them in the end and we didn't make a very big deal out of it in our home at all. We allowed him to take it in his stride and sent him off to school with the message that ' like you are...your best is always good enough'... as we do every morning. Along with, 'Have fun today!' and 'I love you!'

Isn't it hard sometimes, being a parent? Making decisions for our children? Sometimes going against our better judgement? Trying our damn hardest to make the best of things...to get it right?

Anyway guys, how are your children taking them coping this week? what are your opinions on SATs and testing in our schools? It would be interesting to know what any of you think about The Kent Test. Julia has had her two children attend the local Grammar school as a result of it and feels that it is another process in place to ensure our children end up at the right school and doing work that is right for them. Gemma's eldest is due to take it in September after a lot of doubt, qustioning herself and 'the system' and I, just like the SATs will probably never know how I really feel about it but am glad I have a little bit of time on my side. Even though, the years go by just way too fast...but that is for another blog post.

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Love Ria & The Gals x x x