A guide to the 11 assessment process Types

A guide to the 11+ assessment process

Types of Assessment ▪ The assessment for all Grammar schools (apart from Upton Hall and St Anselm’s, ) will be produced by CEM selective tests will assess the pupil’s understanding and application of knowledge and skills taught in the Key Stage 2 curriculum, in various contexts. ▪ The new tests will look at a broader range of skills, including English, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics, and are intended to be a better reflection of the child’s ability across multiple domains.

Types of Assessment ▪ The tests will continue to be standardised for the child’s age. There will be two papers taken on the same day, in September of Year 6. ▪ The total score for each paper is 141. ▪ A score of 236 over the 2 papers is required for a pass.

Assessment process • Parents advised their child’s test venue in August • Two multiple choice tests of 45 -50 minutes each • Tests taken on the same day with a short break between • Mixture of verbal, non-verbal and maths questions on both tests • Sections are timed using an audio CD • Pencil and eraser only equipment needed • Tests are marked centrally by an independent body, not by the test venue • Parents cannot see test papers or answer sheets

CEM ▪ Previous 11+ was focused on tutoring not academic ability. ▪ No formula to test format or questions. Format will be different annually. ▪ CEM do not produce any other materials that are available in any form to the public. ▪ CEM do not endorse any commercial materials even if they claim this is the case. ▪ • New test is designed to be congruent with new national curriculum expectations and ‘tutor resistant’ ▪ • Emphasis on reading fluency and speed.

Do I have to coach my child? ▪ CEM Say their paper is tutor resistant. Tutors can help with confidence, fluency and speed but this is not a predictable test. ▪ Most families do work with their children because they want to give them best opportunities and are unfamiliar with aspects of verbal and non verbal reasoning. ▪ In many cases, home support and school booster sessions suffice. It is a mastery curriculum. Practice is essential. Reading fluently and often is key. ▪ Home learning is essential (homework, online resources). Children need to practise their new skills.

St Anselm’s (Roman Catholic School for Boys) ▪ Boys sitting the entrance examination for St Anselm’s will sit 3 papers. ▪ One in English, one in Maths and one Verbal Reasoning. ▪ These papers are written and produced by the school

Upton Hall School FCJ (Roman Catholic Grammar School for Girls) ▪ Girls sitting the entrance examination for St Anselm’s will sit 2 x 50 minute Verbal Reasoning Assessments of 80 questions each. ▪ Each question is worth 1 mark. ▪ At the end of the assessment, their scores are standardised (more about this later) and then added together. ▪ The total score for each paper is 141. ▪ A score of 236 over the 2 papers is required for a pass.

Types of CEM question

Word recognition ▪ For example: ▪ What is meant by the word “tottered” (line 68) A. Limping painfully B. Striding confidently C. Shuffling slowly D. Walking unsteadily

Word recognition – synonyms and antonyms ▪ For example: ▪ Choose the word which means the same, or nearly the same as “meek” A. Docile B. Grateful C. Loyal D. Wary

Word decoding ▪ For example: ▪ The solar system is made up of PL_ _ ET _, asteroids and other bodies orbiting the Sun. A. AE, T B. AN, S C. AN, E D. EN, A E. AE, S

Comprehension ▪ For example: ▪ Why did Alice follow Rabbit down the hole? . A. She was bored B. He was funny C. To see where he went D. He asked her E. She was “curious”

Shuffled sentences ▪ For example: ▪ When you rearrange this sentence, which word will not fit? ▪ Harry the ice-cream beach day always trips enjoyed to

General mathematics ▪ For example: ▪ Decorated boxes cost £ 1. 50 each and individual chocolates are 8 p each. Peter has £ 3 to spend. How many chocolates can he buy if he wants to fill a decorated box?

(Mental) arithmetic ▪ For example: 300 + _ _ _ = 492 9 x _ _ _ = 540 6² =

Non-verbal reasoning ▪ For example:

How can parents help? ▪ Reading. You cannot underestimate the importance of vocabulary. ▪ If your child comes across a word that they don’t know. Encourage them to look it up in a dictionary. ▪ They should also write it down in their vocab books. ▪ Mental maths. Again, you cannot underestimate the importance of mental maths, particularly tables.

What if? ▪ What if the schools are over subscribed? ▪ What if my child under performs in the exam? ▪ What if my child is experiencing difficult personal circumstances? ▪ My child has special educational needs? ▪ What if my child misses the test through illness? ▪ What if, I have to go to appeal (now with LA). ▪ What if I can’t make my mind up over which school (selective or non selective)?