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
Following the interview, successful candidates will be offered a place,
subject only to a satisfactory result in Common Entrance, the academic
scholarship or the 13+ transfer 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. We expect
candidates to reach the required standard in their qualifying examination
(as detailed above) but if this is not the case, the deposit will be returned.
Late applications
The School will view sympathetically later applications from parents, such
as those who move into the area after the pre-test period, provided that
places are still available.
Induction
In late June, following the Common Entrance examination, the confirmed
Third Year entrants are invited to the School for an induction day.
admi s s i on a nd reg i s t r a t i on
4
Procedure
Listed below are the three main methods of entry to the Third Year. Prior to
sitting one of these sets of examinations boys should take a pre-test. This
usually takes place about two years before a candidate is planning to join
the School (UK national curriculum Year 7). A conditional offer of a place in
the Third Year is made on the basis of a candidate’s performance in the
pre-test, a confidential report from his current school and an interview.
Places are then confirmed following a satisfactory performance in one of
the following examinations (taken in Year 8 of the UK national curriculum).
• Common Entrance: this examination, which is set externally by the
Independent Schools’ Examinations Board, is taken by boys attending
independent prep schools in the June preceding the September of entry.
• 13+ examination: Abingdon’s own examination which is taken in the
spring preceding the September of entry by those attending maintained
schools, some UK independent schools and schools overseas. This
examination consists of papers in English (reading comprehension
and an essay), mathematics and reasoning. Candidates will also be
expected to prepare for interviews in their modern language or
languages, the sciences and a general interview. In addition we will
ask a pupil’s current school to supply a confidential report.
• Academic scholarship: this examination is taken in early March
preceding the September of entry (see further information in the
Third Year Scholarships section). If you have any queries about
scholarship entry please contact the Admissions Registrar.
The pre-test process
Candidates sit the pre-test in late October of Year 7 (UK national curriculum
year group) with papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Details of
the arrangements are sent to the parents of all registered candidates in the
previous May (or on registration for those registering later than this). The
School does not send out copies of past examination papers, but does
send sample questions. The papers are designed to be appropriate for
anyone in a school which has an eye on the UK National Curriculum,
whether the school be an independent or not. 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
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