In today’s society a quality education is an important factor in being able to achieve your future dreams and goals. Grammar schools are undoubtedly the best of the best with top notch education and extra curricular activities to help give students a well-rounded experience preparing them for college, university and beyond.
Being ‘clever’ or ‘top of the class’ is simply not enough to ensure your child gains a place at their school of choice. With thousands of students taking the test each year and only a hundred or so places available, chances of success are slim. However, parents can improve this if they are fully armed with all the facts.
Remember, as well as filling in your local authority form which will be made available to you through your child’s primary school at the end of Year 5, you must also fill in a separate application form for any school you wish your child to take the test for. These are available from the schools directly. All entrance exams are taken at the start of Year 6. Some schools offer the chance for younger or older students to take the test- further information is available from the schools directly.
Schools
In Birmingham there are several schools to choose from. Below is a list of the schools with details on what the tests entail.
1) The Grammar Schools of King Edward the Sixth (www.kingedwardthesixth.org)
There are five free King Edward’s grammar schools in Birmingham and two independent fee paying schools. The five free schools all have the same test which is usually held at the beginning of November.
King Edwards VI Aston School for Boys (Frederick Street, Aston)
King Edwards VI Handsworth School for Girls (Rose Hill Road, Handsworth)
Camp Hill School for Boys (Vicarage Road, Kings Heath)
Camp Hill School for Girls (Vicarage Road, Kings Heath)
King Edward VI Five Ways School for Boys and Girls (Scotland Lane, Bartley Green)
The test consists of maths, verbal reasoning, non verbal reasoning and some reading comprehension/literacy skills.
Maths: The King Edwards maths test is perhaps the most difficult of all the entrance exams. During Year 5 and 6 students are studying maths at key stage 2 but the test can involve some questions more suited to key stage 3. This is why extra help at home is necessary - you cannot rely on your child’s primary school to teach them all the necessary topics before the entrance exam. Included below is a list of topics - this is not a comprehensive list but covers most of the subject areas that may come up. This list is also relevant to other schools maths tests.
Basic algebra - substitution and forming equations
Area, perimeter, volume
Sequences and series
Fractions, decimals, percentages
Ratio
Probability
Averages
Reading timetables
Angles and properties of shapes
2) Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School for Boys and Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls (www.bvgs.co.uk and www.suttcold.bham.sch.uk)
The test is in three parts consisting of verbal reasoning, non verbal reasoning and maths.
Verbal Reasoning: This paper will test pupils' ability to reason and will be of 30 minutes duration.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: This paper tests the ability of pupils to reason with shapes and symbols, and will be of 35 minutes duration.
Mathematics: This paper emphasises problem solving skills applying mathematical knowledge appropriate for key stage 2 of the National Curriculum and will be of 50 minutes duration.
3) Handsworth Grammar School for Boys (www.handsworthgs.co.uk)
Handsworth Grammar School is located on Grove Lane in Handsworth. The test is made up of verbal reasoning, maths and English.
Verbal Reasoning: This is the most important component of the Handsworth Grammar entrance exam. Maths and English are only taken into account if a child does not reach the requisite mark in verbal reasoning. The paper will last 1 hour.
Maths: 30 minutes duration
English: 30 minutes duration
4) Queen Mary's Grammer School for Boys (www.qmgs.walsall.sch.uk)
The test at Queen Mary’s Grammar school (for boys) is usually held in December.
Non verbal reasoning: 50 minutes duration.
Verbal Reasoning: 50 minutes duration
Maths: As of this year (2009) Queen Mary’s will also hold a maths tests.
5) Queen Mary’s High School (Walsall) (www.queenmaryshigh.org.uk)
The entrance exam consists of two exams both under an hour in duration. The tests include non verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning and some maths.
To be successful it is important to practise practise practise! Bond and NFER Nelson provide exellent books and practice papers which can be bought from most bookshops. Free resources are also avilable at www.chuckra.co.uk.
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