Sutton SET Test

[whataboutbob]

I am trying to find out what the structure is for the English part of the SET Test.
The website says there will be a separate multiple choice answer paper to record answers, so am I correct in thinking there will not be piece of creative writing in the SET? Thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light, it is sometimes so difficult to establish exactly what the grammar school exams consist of.

[Ladymuck]

Correct - no creative writing in the SET.

[whataboutbob]

Thanks Lady. Sorry to ask the inevitable follow on question, but what are the best resources for preparing for the English SET? Just done Bond 11+ English and VR with DS and it was sobering- he scored less than 10/20 in our 1st exercise! Now planning a summer of English practice!

[Ladymuck]

I'd use resources for the SATS tests (L6 in old money). There will be comprehensions but typically shorter ones. There will probably be a cloze test, some spellings and grammar. Not so many traditional VR questions, but still worth looking at antonyms and synonyms.

[whataboutbob]

Thank you very much LM.

[nicp123]

Don't be surprised if your child will have a small piece of creative writing... there will definately be one in the actual exam after the SET.
I would suggest the GL 11+tests packs if you can borrow or buy cheaply. Usually approx. £10 per pack I think & worth as answer sheets included so the child can get used to the format. Good luck!

[nicp123]

You can borrow mine!

[MagicMarkers]

I think the Sutton SET is multiple choice so no creative writing. There is creative writing for the second exams (for those who pass the SET). Wallington County Grammar doesn't do a second exam, but the other schools do.

[whataboutbob]

Thanks everyone and thank you nicp. I think I'll head to WHSmith and look out for the GL+ plus test packs.

[Wimbles101]

Hi I would CGP papers - they are the closest to the real thing. Bond is nowhere near the level required. Sorry for the sobering advice but if he's struggling with Bond you really need to get him up to speed.
No creative writing in SET - that only comes at the second stage.
It might be too late but Wilsons as well as Sutton and Wallington are all running mock exams this year although they get very booked up.
He needs to be scoring about 75-80% on both Maths and English CGP papers by the summer to have a realistic chance. I say this as someone who's just been through it.
Good luck!

[whataboutbob]

Thanks Wimbles it's good to have an honest view.
He's booked in for a mock exam, I suspect it's going to be a rude awakening.
When the grammar school heads say they just need KS2 to get in - Hah!

[whataboutbob]

Have just ordered 2 CGP English books!

[Wimbles101]

Yes unfortunately it's pretty tough - Wilsons second stage had level 7 Maths type questions - they just have too many boys who are able to handle GCSE type Maths.
SET was also challenging - I would say Level 6 as my son is doing some of that stuff now.

[nicp123]

Wimbles101...What year did Wilson's have the second stage L7 Questions?
My DS's Personal experience: Wilson's exams only difference found: a more sophisticated style of questioning and vocabulary compare to those found in SATs exams and classroom based assessments tests.
The Head teachers advise given to us over the years was very useful and accurate.
Grammar schools exams taken by our DS's were based on the National Curriculum and appropriate to the level taught in the classroom.
Other friends we have at Wilson's are not geniuses by any stretch of imagination. They were just above average in their class. Level 5 SAT's

[Wimbles101]

In 2016. Previous years at Wilsons have been easier.
My DS prep had about 8-9 boys go to Wilsons in 2015 only 3 offered last year.
I don't believe that either paper was Level 5 Maths. My DS subsequently did Trinity paper and that was level 5.
I wish parents would start having an honest discussion about this. The SET in 2016 was not Level 5 Maths. The English was but not the Maths.

[whataboutbob]

This is sobering. Shouldn't the selective schools also be having an honest discussion about it- effectively the only ones in with a chance will have been prepped to the Nth degree?

[MrsPatmore]

Ds sat Wilsons last September. The maths paper included a simultaneous equation. The last few questions were undoubtedly Level 6/7 maths (and the timing is tight). Ds sat several super selective tests (incl Westminster Under) and said Wilsons had one of the hardest maths papers. In our experience, many of these very clever boys are amazing at maths but it is English which is the differentiator and I would advise focussing your efforts there if the maths is already good.

[MrsPatmore]

Last Autumn I meant! Don't think the test was in September!

[Wimbles101]

Thanks Mrs Patmore for being honest about this.
Tiggytape- yes and no. Level 6 is fine but unfortunately the heads are still telling parents on open day that they only need Level 5 - I really wish they would stop that.

Unfortunately a lot of it comes down to the age of the boy in September.

[Wimbles101]

Agree English is the differentiator.

[Wimbles101]

Btw Tiggytape I think the suggestion that because a boy is not at Level 6/7 Maths before he needs means that he won't be able to keep up with the 'pace' is slightlh presumptuous and actually wrong.

[Wimbles101]

For me the basic problem with grammars having seen the boys they take is that they very rarely are they taking the brightest - certainly in Surrey they are taking two sorts of boys 1) those are extremely good at Maths at the expense of English and other subjects 2) those who are pushed to often a point that is unhealthy - tbh 1 and 2 are often the same sort of boy.
IMO the competitive privates are setting far more sensible tests. Certainly at my DS's prep more and more parents are realising that even those who thought they were dead set on a grammar