Stress-free entrance exams? If you have your sights set on an academically selective school for your child, the entrance exam may be the most daunting aspect of the process. Ian McKenna, director of studies at Withington Girls’ School, the north west’s top performing independent school, discusses taking the stress out of entrance exams
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he prospect of entrance exams may worry pupils and parents: we understand that. We also recognise that our exam may be one of several a child is sitting, and we want their experience to be a positive one. To that end, at Withington, exams are taken in small groups of 25. On arrival, candidates are shown to their room by our Year 7 pupils, who remember clearly their own experience. Fun activities are offered during breaks, to give candidates the opportunity to unwind and get to know one another. We recently asked for feedback on the examination from our current Year 7 pupils and many actually enjoyed the day! While performance in the entrance examinations is important, stress is likely to be a significant factor so try to relieve pressure where possible – candidates are, after all, 10- to 11-year-old children, many of whom will be taking a formal examination for the first time. Selective schools usually test for ability and potential rather than how well a child has been tutored. Like many schools, we assess English, mathematics and verbal reasoning. We make past English and mathematics papers available, but do not provide answers to questions, as we want children to think for themselves rather than learn responses. Practice resources for
verbal reasoning are available in stationers, bookstores and online. Schools are usually not at liberty to make past verbal reasoning papers available. In all elements of the exam, candidates are encouraged to tackle every question, even when they are unsure, as their approach to questions tells us a great deal about their potential. Children should be encouraged to read widely; reading will not only give them a good foundation on which to tackle exams and interviews, it will also benefit them throughout their lives. At many schools, an interview is an important aspect of the assessment process. At Withington, we are not looking for a particular ‘type’ of pupil, and there are no correct answers to most of the interview questions; we hope to see genuine enthusiasm for learning, curiosity and an ability to think independently. Parents can help children to prepare for interviews simply by actively conversing with them about a range of subjects. Competition is high at both state and independent selective schools. By the time you have decided to apply to a school, or schools, you have probably invested a great deal in the process. If a school is the right fit for your child, you should have confidence in their assessment process. Any good school will know how to assess candidates and will want to offer places to children who they believe will thrive in the educational environment they provide. Ian McKenna is director of studies at Withington Girls’ School (wgs.org)
“Reading will not only give them a good foundation on which to tackle exams and interviews, it will also benefit them throughout their lives. ” 114