June 24th 2021
Year 5 focus on the admissions process
On Tuesday, Year 5 spent the morning hearing about the process for applying for Senior Schools and what the next 18 months will entail.
Mrs Squire opened the morning with a talk about the wide variety of excellent Senior Schools on offer and the admissions process for each one. It was explained that our aim is to help find the right school for the right boy, to enable him to thrive and also of the importance of sticking together as a year group during the process.
The boys were split into groups and each group spent time looking at the three components of the admissions process; Testing, Reference and Interview.
Mrs Squire talked to the boys about the Pre-test and the difference between Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The boys had a look at Atom Learning and had the opportunity to have a go at examples of these in order to familiarise themselves with that style of questions.
The boys got to grips with the interview process under Mr Sage's guiding hand and had the chance to practise what they had learnt using role plays. Mr Sage even enlisted Jovi to help with handshake technique!
Mr Holden helped the boys compile their own CVs listing their interests in Drama, Music, Sport, Academics, highlighting aspects of their own personality. The boys could see where there might be gaps and consider ways in which they could fill them going forward. It was a useful exercise and got the boys thinking about all of the positive parts of their school careers.
Finally, Mr Smart introduced the boys to a new website that we have signed them up for - Planet BOFA. This also offers practice English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning practice and is widely used as preparation for the ISEB Common Pre-test.
The boys enjoyed the day and they fed back that they feel more prepared and a lot less daunted by what lies ahead.
