Grammar school admissions can be confusing and daunting. The Kent Test is the 11 Plus exam that your child will need to take to secure a place in Kent’s competitive grammar schools.
For parents who are keen to support their child’s ambitions, understanding the intricacies of this 11 Plus test is pivotal. Here, we delve deep into the structure, content, and strategies for the Kent 11+ Test and touch upon the rich traditions of Kent’s grammar schools.
Kent’s Grammar School Legacy: More than Just Test Scores
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the Kent Test, it’s essential to appreciate the legacy of Kent’s grammar schools. With a history that spans centuries, these schools have been the nurturing ground for many of Britain’s brightest minds. Beyond academic excellence, they emphasise a holistic approach to child development. This encompasses fostering critical thinking, nurturing creativity with resources like the Write and Bloom Course, and instilling values of community and leadership. By understanding this ethos, parents can better appreciate the significance and objectives behind the Kent Test.
The Kent Test Structure
The Kent Test is designed to assess whether grammar school is a suitable option for your child. It typically consists of:
- Reasoning: This section tests both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills.
- Mathematics: Questions in this section evaluate your child’s numeracy skills and understanding of mathematical concepts.
- English: Reading comprehension and literacy skills are assessed in this part of the exam. To enhance these skills, consider our Geek Readers Online Reading Sessions.
The test is divided into multiple-choice format papers, and there is also a writing task. It’s essential to note that the writing task is not always used for the initial marking but might be referred to in borderline cases. We recommend our Free Creative Writing Courseto prepare for the writing section.
Sample Kent Test Questions
Verbal Reasoning:
Choose the word closest in meaning to “abundant”:
a) Scarce
b) Plentiful
c) Limited
d) Rare
Answer: b) Plentiful
Mathematics:
If Sarah has 12 apples and shares them equally among her 4 friends, including herself, how many apples does each person get?
Answer: 3 apples
English:
Read the following passage and answer the question:
“Samantha loved the days she spent at her grandmother’s house. The aroma of baked cookies and the tales from yesteryears were her favourites.”
What did Samantha love about her visits to her grandmother’s house?
Answer: The smell of baked cookies and her grandmother’s tales.
Preparing for the Kent Test
- Practice Papers: Regularly working through practice papers can familiarise your child with the test format and types of questions. Also, consider our Creative Writing Mock Test for in-depth preparation.
- Feedback Loop: With each assessment test your child completes, it’s important to mark them and review the answers. Focus on understanding mistakes and learning from them.
- Balanced Routine: Ensure a balance between study, play, and rest. Overburdening can lead to burnout.
- Read Widely: Encourage reading diverse genres. This will aid in the English section and improve general knowledge and reasoning skills.
- Stay Updated: Regularly visit the official Kent Test website or local school sites for any updates or changes in the test format. Explore our in-person and online 11+ tuition, and book a free assessment.
Your role is to prepare your child to the right standards and instil confidence, resilience, and a love for learning. Remember, every child is unique, and while the Kent Test is a milestone, the broader education journey truly matters. Stay informed, be resourceful, and ensure your child can access the best resources, such as our Creative Writing Crash Course.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.