What’s in the Exams

This is pretty straight forwards. It differs from school to school but assuming you go for a mix of schools you will certainly need to prepare for the following. We have lots of topics on each of these so this is just an introduction

  • Maths
  • English
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-verbal Reasoning
  • Interviews

Maths

Get a copy of the year 6 syllabus from the school – the maths exam should mostly cover that but there will be more – and we have information on that in the dedicated Maths section.

The exam is actually quite a bit harder than you would think – simultaneous equations and the angles between clock hands (remember the hour hand moves for each minute of the minute hand) – that is pretty tough for a 10 year old

English

This is likely to be in two parts: a comprehension and creative writing but there may also be grammar tests.

Non-verbal reasoning

This is what you and I probably think of as an IQ test – it is image based. Initially I thought these were easy but they can become very difficult very quickly

  • reflecting and turning patterns
  • Spotting similarities and differences
  • Codes
  • Combining shapes

Verbal Reasoning

This tests your logical approach to written text. I think of it as a sort of Non-verbal reasoning test but using letters and words instead of images. It includes the following:

  • Antonyms and Synonyms
  • Spotting words in words
  • Number patterns
  • Joining words to make new ones

Interviews

OK – so its not exactly an exam but its just as important. Imagine this scene: your child has made the cut, they have beaten 2-7 other kids to get through to the final stage – you are jubilant for them. You imagine the interview will be a breeze because, after all, you find them so charming and interesting. Then you realise that only one third of the kids interviewed get offers. Don’t leave it too late.

The interviews may be based around an image or a piece of prose or poetry. It may start with current affairs or science. There is a vast array of considerations here so check our interview topics for more information.