how can I find out more about entrance tests?

[want2sleep]

I have looked at ind school for ds(yr1) as he's not coping in a class of 32. (has asd and functions well educational)

Ds has to sit entrance test on Monday but not a clue what ds has to do? Anyone know? Can I get old papers to practice with ds etc?

You've left it a bit late dear. Have you got any papers for the key stage 1 tests? They tend to work from these, if it's academically selective then they want a child who is working at the higher levels of key stage 1. If it's not academically selective then you need to question why they wish to put children this young through an entrance exam. They normally consist of maths, verbal reasoning and english, the bond books (you can get these from waterstones or somewhere like this), then they have a chat with the head/someone in charge so that they can see that they have interests that the school offer (play chess/music for example). Each school has different entrance requirements, have you looked at their web site?

I doubt there would be a standard test for yr1/2 entry. Do you mean the test is this monday ie you've only got this weekend ? Tricky... if you mean the following mon then call the school next week and ask them what the test consists of and if they've sample papers. I'm very suprised they haven't offered this information without being asked.

If you mean this coming monday then maybe the best you can do is go to Smiths and see if they've any Bond or NFER type papers suitable for this age. My guess - and it is only a guess, based on secondary entrance tests - is that they'd be looking more for aptitude type tests rather than attainment tests (ie not SATs papers).

Hope someone with more clue about this age tests replies. Good luck!

thanks both...only phoned today to arrange it. They are still assessing ds and he did well last week in class (only one to complete the english work in the class, but most of all really happy and beaming with smiles So wil spend another half day and 1 hr exam....to nervous to ask if it was maths or english...hope ds can sit their for 1hr??

If KS1 level thats ok then I think? But this verbal reasoning is a no go as cant communicate with strangers...so wil discuss with Head

What does NFER stand for?

So his gold star key stage 1 book ok to practice with?

Have all dc have to sit test for ind school? Or are they just checking ds able IQ etc re:asd?

Verbal reasoning isn't talking, it's things like finding a jigsaw piece to fit in the space type thing. Ds didn't sit a test as much for his first independent school, he went in for an hour or so because the head wanted to assess what level he was working at, he wrote a story, did a little maths and had a spelling test.

oh I see ds good at jigsaws.

Dont think ds can write a story though and I dont know if ds can spell either? Good at reading though so will test tomorrow!

Excellent at maths.

It really does depend on the school. Is it academically selective? (children are only given a place if they are bright/work at a certain level)

No I dont think the exam results are top priority for them. Maybe just testing ds for stress etc.

It is like a different world in this Ind school...wish I had this opportunity growing up...it really is lovely school from what I have seen and the Head is lovely!

Hope ds passes even if not a criteria, just to show another strength (to outweigh the weaknesses) and also ds crying again in school this week due to noise etc... ds was like a different chid in this 'sensory/stress' reduced environment. The other children were so fostering and ds had more contact with the dc than had all year in MS school! That's the difference 9 in a class makes from 32! Cant wait for him to go in this week again

Where abouts is it?

Ds has been to a few private schools, we found that making friends was a problem as all his school friends lived far away and went away during the school holidays (which are longer then state school holidays) so he was really lonely. Does your son do clubs like beavers?

I wouldn't worry about the test then to be honest, I think at this age it's just to see what levels he's working at as opposed to an entrance exam.

We are in south wales aont worry i have same problem with hols for ds in mainstream...just way society is going and the dc only live accross the road and dont go away!!!

If you were near I'd love for our ds's to have play dates.

Off to WHS now for those papers.

Thanks x

Just been to WHSmith...WOW so much to choose from!! Didnt realise as didnt know what Key stage was till last night.

I now realise I had ds skills totally wrong way round....verbal reasoning is his best strength! The Bond book for this is fab!

English ds is just on par and maths only year ahead....hope they dont give ds the 7+ exam as that will be too hard. They didnt have NFER in WHS.

Right off to see if ds can spell!!??

Good luck!!! I don't think NFER exists for that age group, I think it is only for 11+. Sounds like he is very bright, hope it goes well on Monday.

Thanks Claig He was doing work for 4 hrs today...thing is he doesnt want to stop....he loves doing maths esp!! I couldnt answer a few of the maths KS1

Wish I had another week to prepare ds I'm shattered and a month needed...ds not so good on english as I thought esp spelling... my weakness too. never asked ds to spell before. The stories to read are very long also! Dont think ds will sit in strange room with stranger and do test .... totally different at home.....wish ds could do it at home as would do much better. I know distractions big issue for ds.

Would love to stick with home education but after 3 years it is now driving me to disppair and ds really needs to learn to socialise!

Glad you managed to get hold of some Bond papers they are great.

Good luck for your ds

thanks Berryred not stressed today...what will be will be want them to see ds how ds is