Page 3 - Additional Information
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curriculum). For this entry point, we recommend that prospective pupils
are registered before October in the academic year prior to joining.
The Assessment Process
The offer of a place in the First Year is made on the basis of a
candidate’s performance in the entrance test, a confidential report
from his current school and an interview. Details of the arrangements
for the entry test are sent to the parents of all registered candidates
in the previous October (or on registration for late registrations).
The School does not send out copies of past examination papers,
but does send sample questions.
The tests
Candidates sit an entrance test in early January with papers in English,
Mathematics and Reasoning. These papers are designed to be
appropriate for candidates from primary schools as well as independent
schools. There are two English papers. The first paper (45 mins) tests
boys’ reading skills by asking them to respond to two prose passages via
multiple choice questions. Also in this paper are some questions testing
grammar and spelling as well as facility with manipulating words. The
second paper (30 mins) asks for a composition, and assesses boys’
writing skills. Boys will have the option to write descriptive, narrative or
discursive writing according to where they feel they are strongest. The
mathematics paper (50 mins) contains questions on such topics as
fractions, decimals, averages, percentages, coordinates, sequences,
perimeters, areas, nets, currency and ratios. Metric units will be used
throughout and calculators are not allowed. The reasoning paper
(3 sections, 45mins in total) tests verbal, numerical and pattern skills,
and each test section is preceded by a set of 6 practice questions.
The reasoning test is conducted on computers; the English and Maths
exams are on paper. Candidates are not required to wear school uniform.
Lunch and snacks are provided.
Interviews
Candidates are selected for interview at the School following the written
papers. The interview is a friendly affair, providing the School with an
opportunity to get to know a candidate’s personality and interests
outside the classroom. The School is happy for candidates to bring
something with them, such as an object of interest or an example of their
work, to provide talking points. Under certain circumstances some
candidates may be asked to attend a second interview.
Results
Offers of places are usually sent out about three weeks after the written
examination. Parents will be asked to give a firm acceptance of the place
and to pay a deposit which will be credited to the parents’ final account
when their son leaves the School.
Induction
Successful candidates are invited to the School for two induction days,
one in June and the second in September.
First year awards
There are two main categories of award available to boys joining the
First Year:
• John Roysse academic awards – a number of these are made for the
two years of the Lower School to reward outstanding performance in the
entrance tests and interviews. John Roysse academic award winners
are eligible to sit the academic scholarship examination two years later.
• Griffen awards – a number of these are made for the duration of Lower
School to boys considered exceptional all-rounders as they emerge
through the admissions process.
In addition Lower School candidates may also be considered for:
• Head’s awards – a number of awards made at the discretion of the
Head in recognition of a particular strength or talent.
• Music exhibitions – up to two awards are available for the duration of
Lower School.
There is no separate application required for the academic, Griffen and
Head’s awards. There is however an application process for potential
music exhibitioners. Further details are available from the school website.
Third year entry (age 13)
Details of the Third Year entry procedure are listed below.
The key dates for Third Year entry are available on the website.
Application
Third Year boys are usually aged 13 on 1 September in the year of entry.
For Third Year entry, it is helpful if boys are registered with us by the
May in the academic year in which they are eleven (Year 6 in the UK
National curriculum).
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