Admissions Examination

Format and Content of Admissions Examination

Each 11+ and 13+ candidate is tested in three areas: Reasoning, English and Mathematics.

No special preparation is expected or required for the tests and past papers are not published for tests at any level. Questions are based on the National Curriculum for each age group.

Reasoning

10 minute practice paper 45 minute test paper The reasoning tests examine a range of intelligence skills and will include questions on words and numbers. English

20 minute Reading Comprehension paper 30 minute Writing Paper The Reading Paper requires candidates to answer questions on an extract from a children’s novel. At 11+ it is entirely multiple choice, whilst 13+ also requires written answers. Initial questions involve understanding of basic plot, later ones might ask for interpretation or analysis of language. The Writing Paper requires students to choose from three titles: they may be asked to write a letter, the words for a speech, a debate, a story, a newspaper article and so on. Spelling and punctuation are very important, but focus and structure are also rewarded. The best answers are lively, original and full of flair.

Mathematics

45 minute paper (Calculators are not permitted) This paper checks basic numerical skills, algebra, measurement, geometry and statistics. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate problem solving skills and mathematical reasoning. Questions may be set from the following:

11+

Addition and subtraction of integers and decimals; long multiplication of integers; or division by one or two digit integers; addition, subtraction and multiplication of simple decimals; making sensible estimates of everyday objects; simplifying fractions; finding fractions of quantities; simple percentages; use of common imperial or metric units in context. Recognising number patterns; knowing prime numbers and square numbers up to 10 x 10; Cartesian co-ordinates; using simple formulae; understand the meaning of factor and multiple; use correctly the symbols <, > and =; understand the use of brackets to determine the order of operations. Recognise that angles on a straight line total 180° and the sum of the angles of a triangle is 180°; Simple 2D and 3D shapes; visualise 3D shapes from 2D drawings; reflective and rotational symmetry; translation; finding perimeters, areas or simple volumes; angles. Know how to convert one metric unit to another and know the rough metric equivalents of imperial units in daily use; use units of time – seconds, minutes, hours, days and weeks and know the relationship between them. Interpretation of statistical diagrams (bar charts, pie charts, etc); estimation of probability on the scale of 0 to 1; mean, mode and range of a set of data.

13+ (11+ material is assumed)

The four basic operations applied to fractions; ratios, calculations with decimals, use of estimation to check calculations. Generating sequences using formulae; co-ordinates in all quadrants; solving simple equations or inequalities; simplifying algebraic expressions; substituting numbers into a formula. Solving a pair of simultaneous equations either graphically or by elimination. The graphical representation of simple linear equations. Understanding the meaning of square, square root, cube and cube root; use index notation and know the laws for multiplying and dividing positive integer powers. 2D and 3D shapes; area of plane shapes or volumes of simple solids; types of quadrilaterals; Pythagoras’ Theorem. Find an exterior or interior angle of a regular polygon. Transformations: Rotation, Reflection, Translation and Enlargement. Probability; outcomes of combining two independent events. Have a basic understanding of correlation and be able to use a line of best fit.