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Original poster

St Mary Magdalene Academy Islington, Aptitude test

28 replies

worriedandstressedAAA · 15/10/2018 22:54

Did anyone's DC's sit the test last Saturday? DS did so curious to know how others found it. DS said it was ok ish but that he ran out of time on the VR so had to leave a whole side of questions, so not holding out much hope that he got into the top 20. Apparently 400 sat the exam for 20 places to the odds are pretty rubbish. Surprised that many took the test as it's not an outstanding school. Guess we are just pretty limited for secondary school options in this area.

OP posts:
Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 16/10/2018 10:32

DS not set on going at all so won't be disappointed. Quite funny as he said in one of the VR questions with the mixed up letters, he came up with the word "shit" but wasn't sure if he was allowed to use it so called the teacher over to ask who found it very funny!

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Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 16/10/2018 10:30

Thanks hothouse. Did your DD say how many questions there were in the VR section? DS said he missed out a whole side so really don't think he has much of a chance. He is usually good at VR. Did you tutor/do any prep? Also, how does it work with the places? How can they offer to top 40 or 50? Do they over offer? Also, any ideas when we will get the results? thank you!

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Hothouseorflophouse · 16/10/2018 09:15

Mine took it said it was fine though there was a section she had to guess. Timing ok but she's never done anything like it before so I don't know that I entirely believe her. The few snippets that have come out subsequently (is 'totally-made-up-random-series-of-letters' a word?') aren't particularly inspiring.

It's 18 places but you don't have to come in the top 18 to get offered one, top 40 or even 50 is fine. Because of Highbury Grove's travails, SMMA has become the best local co-ed option and because of the primary school and the faith spaces has a small catchment, hence the aptitude places being only option for loads of families who might live pretty near. It's by far our nearest secondary but we wouldn't get in on distance.

From the school's POV, they get 18 high ability children who wouldn't get in otherwise, plus all their siblings. The very act of applying and turning up on a Saturday morning means the parents are more than averagely invested.

Do you want your DS to go there?