Page 4 - Abingdon Additional Information
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The pre-test process
Candidates sit the pre-test in late October of Year 7 (UK national curriculum
year group) with papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Details of
the arrangements are sent to the parents of all registered candidates in the
previous May (or on registration for those registering later than this). The
School does not send out copies of past examination papers, but does
send sample questions.
These papers are designed to test potential rather
than attainment. There are two English papers. The first tests pupils’
reading skills, using a poem and a short prose extract, and asks candidates
to respond to how effects are created by writers. The second paper asks for
a brief composition, and assesses pupils’ writing skills. The mathematics
paper contains questions on such topics as fractions, decimals, averages,
percentages, areas of rectangles and currency; metric units will be used
throughout and calculators are not allowed. Candidates are not required to
wear school uniform. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Interviews
Candidates are selected for interview at the School following the written
papers. The interview is a friendly affair, providing the School with an
opportunity to get to know a candidate’s personality and interests outside
the classroom. The School is happy for candidates to bring something with
them, such as an object of interest or an example of their work, to provide
talking points. Under certain circumstances some candidates may be
asked to attend a second interview.
Results
Following the interview, successful candidates will be offered a place,
subject only to a satisfactory result in Common Entrance, the academic
scholarship or the 13+ transfer examination. Parents will be asked to give a
firm acceptance of the place and to pay a deposit which will be credited to
the parents’ final account when their son leaves the School. We expect
candidates to reach the required standard in their qualifying examination
(as detailed above) but if this is not the case, the deposit will be returned.
Late applications
The School will view sympathetically later applications from parents, such
as those who move into the area after the pre-test period, provided that
places are still available.
Induction
In late June, following the Common Entrance examination, the confirmed
Third Year entrants are invited to the School for an induction day.
admi s s i on a nd reg i s t r a t i on
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There is no separate application required for the academic, Griffen and
Head’s awards. There is however an application process for potential
music exhibitioners. Further details are available from the school website.
Third year entry (age 13)
Details of the Third Year entry procedure are listed below.
The key dates for Third Year entry are available on the website.
Application
Third Year boys are usually aged 13 on 1 September in the year of entry.
For Third Year entry, it is helpful if boys are registered with us by the May
in the academic year in which they are eleven (Year 6 in the UK National
curriculum).
Procedure
Listed below are the three main methods of entry to the Third Year. Prior to
sitting one of these sets of examinations boys should take a pre-test. This
usually takes place about two years before a candidate is planning to join
the School (UK national curriculum Year 7). A conditional offer of a place in
the Third Year is made on the basis of a candidate’s performance in the
pre-test, a confidential report from his current school and an interview.
Places are then confirmed following a satisfactory performance in one of
the following examinations (taken in Year 8 of the UK national curriculum).
• Common Entrance: this examination, which is set externally by the
Independent Schools’ Examinations Board, is taken by boys attending
independent prep schools in the June preceding the September of entry.
• 13+ examination: Abingdon’s own examination which is taken in the
spring preceding the September of entry by those attending maintained
schools, some UK independent schools and schools overseas. This
examination consists of papers in English (reading comprehension
and an essay), mathematics and reasoning. Candidates will also be
expected to prepare for interviews in their modern language or
languages, the sciences and a general interview. In addition we will
ask a pupil’s current school to supply a confidential report.
• Academic scholarship: this examination is taken in early March
preceding the September of entry (see further information in the Third
Year Scholarships section). If you have any queries about scholarship
entry please contact the Registrar.
