1. A guide to the 11+ assessment process

2. Types of Assessment ▪ The assessment for all Grammar schools (apart from Upton Hall and St Anselm’s,) will be produced by CEM. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. Types of CEM question

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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”

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

15. General mathematics ▪ For example: ▪ Decorated boxes cost £1.50 each and individual chocolates are 8p each. Peter has £3 to spend. How many chocolates can he buy if he wants to fill a decorated box?

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

17. Non-verbal reasoning ▪ For example:

18. 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.

19. 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)?