We believe that exam preparation should not be all-consuming and that the broader educational provision remains paramount with regard to pupil attainment.
Reasoning Lessons
Reasoning lessons are introduced in Year 4 because there is a significant focus on this within 11+ exam papers. More formal exam preparation in the way of practice papers are introduced in the last term of Year 5. Each paper is analysed, often with one-to-one feedback, to make sure the children have a very sound and solid idea of what they can do to improve.
Practice Papers
Resisting the temptation to introduce practice papers earlier than Year 5 means that we do not cut our education short by replacing lesson time with exam practice; thus, the culmination of knowledge and understanding (which is what the exam papers are designed to measure) is greater for each individual and the outcomes far improved.
Interview Skills
Some senior schools invite prospective pupils to attend an interview, so that they can get to know each candidate and consider this alongside the entrance exam papers. We provide pupils with many opportunities to practice putting their best self forward and communicating clearly and appropriately. Mock interviews are arranged with familiar staff and building on good social skills is a mainstay of our wider educational provision.
