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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Harris Academy Crystal Palace

14 replies

lscott000 · 04/05/2011 19:17

Hi
This is a first for me...
Does anyone know what the 'technology aptitude' test is for the entrance to HACP? I am well outside of the 1 mile catchment but thought I would give it a punt as its such a great school. Thought it would be really helpful if I had any idea what a technology aptitude actually is?

OP posts:
bruffin · 04/05/2011 21:07

There was this thread recently if it helps.
DS got a technology aptitude place at a different schools but it sounds as if the test is different.

Original poster
lscott000 · 04/05/2011 21:19

I'll take a look - many thanks bruffin.

OP posts:
admission · 04/05/2011 23:33

Iscott, If you look at the website of the school and previous threads about this schools then you will understand that this is a massively oversubscribed school. It admits some pupils from zone b which is outside the 1 mile catchment zone but realistically you need to see this as an outside chance of being offered a place at the school and plan accordingly with your other preferences.

CrystalChandelier · 05/05/2011 08:24

DS took the Harris CP aptitude test last year. There was a lot of emphasis on IT - identifying icons such as 'print', 'email' and so on were certainly some of the tasks. So it helps to know your way around a keyboard and OS.

And there were several technical diagrams of levers and wheels, and he had to try to predict which way wheels would turn if certain levers were pushed or pulled.

Sorry I don't have any more, but hope it's useful.

Original poster
lscott000 · 05/05/2011 11:12

Admission - yep this will be a lonmg shot but one I think is still worth considering - many thanks for the realistic advice.

Crystalchandelier - amazing tips, many thanks - I originally thought that the NVR test WAS the technological aptitude test so many thanks for clearing this up.

Wish me luck!

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CrystalChandelier · 05/05/2011 11:46

I'm sure the test was much more taxing and difficult than the questions my DS was able to remember - he's incredibly vague when he emerges from exams. But you get the idea. Good luck with it.

ToffeeCoffee · 06/05/2011 12:13

I'm in the same boat lscott. We're in the catchment for HACP, but it still seems like a long shot, but it appears to be the best performing school for miles around.

I can't find anything out about the test (ok, I've only googled and looked on the website). At the risky of sounding dense, I don't even really know what 'technology' is. Is that ICT? Design and technology?

Any other good ideas for schools in the area?

Magenta100 · 11/05/2011 11:28

Just saw your posting - you might be interested to know that a new Harris Federation school is now operating in Beckenham and as yet the catchment hasn't been determined. It might be worth attending the open day in September to see whether it is a viable option for you?

Original poster
lscott000 · 16/05/2011 11:37

Toffee Coffee
Sorry I have been away and just back to see this. yes, I feel the same - some ICT knowledge but also basic general technology. I will be looking at some books to help over the coming week so I'll let you know if / when I find anything. Other schools - well Haberdashers Aske has a scholarship out of catchment then there's Kingsdale which also has no catchment and is a great school. In the immediate Crystal Palace are though I'm not sure of any others. the Harris in Norwood I haven't looked at yet.
lets stay in touch.

OP posts:
Original poster
lscott000 · 16/05/2011 11:38

Magenta 100
Thanks so much for this info. I'll definitely take a look.

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alison60 · 16/05/2011 15:08

If you are looking at other Harris schools - they do not all have the same policies on GCSE options. Crystal Palace ones are more academic. If this matters to you, you need to ask them - but be warned they may not tell you.

ToffeeCoffee · 17/05/2011 14:26

Good point about GCSEs Alison.

I'll be watching the Harris Beckenham within interest. They are switching to a science specialism, rather than a sports college. Can't help thinking this is a really good idea. And moving to mixed, which I'd also prefer to boys only. But I don't know how many girls will be interested (and Harris Bromley, the new name for Cator Park, is staying all girls).

Does anyone know how near you need to be to Harris Norwood to get in? These schools are not very good about disclosing information on admissions, which makes me very suspect.

alison60 · 18/05/2011 15:54

When I was doing my secondary application for my daughter, which was 5 years ago now, I discovered that Croydon Council had a map of all the previous year's admissions, and were able to tell me exactly which schools I could get into, might get into, and had no chance of getting into. The following year I rang them again, to get the same information for my son's application, and the staff member I spoke to claimed that there was no such map and never had been.

So, you could try ringing Croydon Council and see who you get.

Original poster
lscott000 · 21/05/2011 09:12

What a minefield -thanks

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