As your child approaches the final year at prep school, the Common Entrance Exams (CE) loom large. This comprehensive guide provides all the detailed information parents need to understand the process and prepare effectively, including exam formats, subject requirements, and additional resources.
What is the Common Entrance Examination?
The Common Entrance Examination, typically taken at 13+, assesses pupils’ readiness for entry into leading senior schools. Covering a range of subjects, the CE evaluates not only knowledge but also analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills.
Here’s what you need to know about each subject and its requirements.
Subject-by-Subject Breakdown
1. English
- Exam Length:
- Reading Paper: 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Writing Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes.
- What It Tests:
- Reading Paper: An unseen literary passage (prose, poetry, or drama) with multiple-choice, short-answer, and an extended response (10 marks) testing inference, analysis, and evaluation.
- Writing Paper: Two essay tasks chosen from four options, including narrative, descriptive, and practical writing.
- Preparation Tips:
- Practice past Common Entrance comprehension papers.
- Encourage creative writing at home.
- Books to Read: Classic novels such as Great Expectations (Charles Dickens), The Importance of Being Earnest (Oscar Wilde), or Wessex Tales (Thomas Hardy). Poetry by Keats, Yeats, and Tennyson can enhance analytical skills.
2. Mathematics
- Exam Length:
- Mental Arithmetic (short paper).
- Core Non-Calculator and Calculator Papers: Duration varies by school.
- Additional Paper (for advanced students): Duration varies.
- What It Tests:
- Key skills include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving.
- Advanced topics like simultaneous equations, Pythagoras’ theorem, and probability appear in higher-level papers.
- Preparation Tips:
- Work through past papers provided by ISEB.
- Use practice books such as Common Entrance Mathematics by Galore Park.
- Regular mental arithmetic exercises can sharpen quick-thinking skills.
3. Science
- Exam Format:
- Covers three disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Questions require knowledge application, experimentation, and scientific methodology.
- Key Topics:
- Biology: Life processes, adaptation, and human systems.
- Chemistry: States of matter, reactions, and the reactivity series.
- Physics: Forces, electricity, and thermal energy.
- Preparation Tips:
- Use the ISEB Common Entrance Science Revision Guide.
- Engage in practical experiments at home, such as basic chemistry or physics projects.
- Keep a revision folder with notes.
4. French
- Exam Format:
- Written Paper: Vocabulary, grammar, and composition.
- Oral Examination: Prepared topics and role-play (e.g., booking a hotel).
- Key Skills Required:
- Proficiency in present, past, and future tenses.
- Ability to discuss personal topics such as family, school, and hobbies.
- Preparation Tips:
- Use textbooks such as Tricolore 3 and KS3 vocabulary books.
- Practice conversational French at home and use online platforms like Duolingo or Quizlet.
- Encourage participation in cultural activities, such as watching French films or reading simple French books.
5. History
- Exam Format:
- Includes essay-based questions and source analysis.
- Key Topics:
- Agricultural, Transport, and Industrial Revolutions.
- Battle of Trafalgar, Duke of Wellington, and Public Health.
- Preparation Tips:
- Review resources like ISEB History Revision Guides.
- Practice analysing historical sources for reliability and bias.
- Discuss historical events during family outings to museums or landmarks.
6. Geography
- Exam Format:
- Written examination and a fieldwork project (20% of the final grade).
- Key Topics:
- Earthquakes, rivers, climate, and population studies.
- Environmental issues and economic activity.
- Preparation Tips:
- Use CE Geography for ISEB by Widdowson and Froud-Yannic.
- Complete map-reading exercises using Ordnance Survey maps.
- Participate in field trips to collect data for projects.
7. Religious Studies
- Exam Format:
- Includes comprehension, analysis, and evaluation questions based on biblical texts.
- Key Topics:
- Christian practices, parables, and theological themes.
- Evaluation of moral and ethical questions.
- Preparation Tips:
- Use resources like Theology and Philosophy for Common Entrance.
- Encourage philosophical discussions at home on topics like ethics and belief systems.
Preparation Timeline for Common Entrance
- Two Years Before Exam:
- Begin reviewing key topics from textbooks and notes.
- Encourage independent reading and research.
- Participate in school-organised competitions like poetry or geography projects.
- One Year Before Exam:
- Focus on past papers and mock exams.
- Finalise fieldwork projects and oral presentations.
- Regularly revise using revision guides and school-provided resources.
- Months Leading Up to the Exam:
- Establish a daily revision schedule.
- Engage in timed practice papers to build exam stamina.
- Seek feedback from teachers to address weak areas.
Resources to Support Learning
- Books:
- Common Entrance Study Guides by Galore Park.
- Revision Guides for CE (subject-specific).
- Websites:
- BBC Bitesize for interactive learning.
- Quizlet for flashcards and vocabulary practice.
- Additional Activities:
- Visit historical landmarks, museums, and science exhibitions.
- Encourage creative tasks like model-making and essay writing.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the Common Entrance Examination is a rigorous but rewarding process. By fostering a love of learning, staying organised, and utilising the wealth of resources available, parents can support their child in achieving academic success. This exam is not just a test of knowledge but a platform for students to develop resilience, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.