Welcome to Navigation Primary’s update on the Trafford Selection Tests 11th October 2017

Introduction The Trafford 11+ no longer exists and each grammar school in Trafford has its own entrance examination. If you wish your child to take part in these examinations, you must apply to the relevant school to take the tests, as well as submitting your common admission form to your home authority.

Trafford Grammar School Consortium For 2018, the following four schools will be known as the Trafford Grammar Schools CEM Consortium (TGSCC): Altrincham Grammar for Girls, Sale Grammar, Stretford Grammar, Urmston Grammar Closing date for applications to sit the test - in June TBC – please check the secondary schools’ websites Test dates – TBC 18th September 2017 Test types - two multiple choice tests approximately one hour in length. The questions will assess verbal reasoning, non verbal reasoning and maths. Examiners - CEM (Durham University) Test Scores - the qualifying score is 334. Other criteria will apply if the number qualifying exceeds the school’s admission number (see school website.) Test Results - Posted on TBC mid October School allocations - 1st March

Non consortium schools Altrincham Grammar School for Boys Test dates: TBC Saturday 17th September 2016 Test Types: Verbal reasoning – 50 minutes & 80 questions, non verbal reasoning – 40 minutes & 40 questions , maths - 50 minutes & 50 questions and creative writing – 20 minutes Examiners: GL assessment. Copies of GL Assessment Multiple Choice practice papers are available to purchase at AGSB’s Open Evening/Parent Information Evenings and from School Reception during school hours for the price of £9.99 per pack. Alternatively, you may also purchase these from any good book store. Test scores: Qualifying score is 334. Maximum 423 all three tests are equally weighted. Test results mid October School allocation: 1st March

Non consortium schools Loreto Grammar School - girls Test dates: TBC Saturday 23rd September 2017 Test Types: Verbal Reasoning, English, Maths and Creative Writing Examiners: Verbal reasoning & English - GL assessment; maths & creative writing – school’s own Test results mid October School allocation: 1st March St Ambrose College – boys Test dates: Saturday 23rd September 2017 Test Types: Verbal Reasoning, arithmetic & English Examiners: NFER by GL assessment; Test results mid October School allocation: 1st March

NVR style questions

ANS AP

Maths

Verbal reasoning

Verbal reasoning P Y MO PR

Type 6 Here you have to calculate the word that will come in between so one word is changed logically into the other in two steps by changing one letter at each stage. Every word created must be a real word. BEAT _____ READ FIVE ______ GAVE

Here you have to find two ( or more) words – one from each set which: Type 7 Here you have to find two ( or more) words – one from each set which: Have a similar meaning to each other OR Have an opposite meaning to each other OR (two words) One which is similar to and one which is opposite to another word given. 1 – underline two words ( one from each set) which are SIMILAR to each other Replace/mend/avoid : recall/repair/shout - underline ONE word inside the brackets which is OPPOSITE in meaning to the word in capitals outside the brackets: STRONG (calm, tired, big, weak, numerous)

VR EXAMPLES   P E N POT /TEN /PIP /ORE/ IRE

VR examples You are looking for a similar connection between the two sets of facts. Underline the correct relationship. BIRD is to [egg, nest, feathers] as CAT is to [mice, fur, tail]   TENNIS is to [court, net, racquet] as CRICKET is to [ summer, bat, pads] One letter is taken from the word on the left and added to the word on the right so TWO new words are made   LEAP and BAT become _________________ and __________. LEARN and CAT become _________________ and __________.

COMPREHENSION

Homework The children will need your support initially in working out the answers and later timing them. It must be done each week and brought in. It can be substantial e.g. comprehension and verbal or non verbal practice technique and vocabulary practice, maths work or papers to complete There will be half-term homework also. If your child attends exam class the expectation is that homework is completed every week.

Exam class expectations Thursday morning 8am start– be punctual. Homework completed and brought every week. Thursday lunchtime – help clinic! Half term homework is a requirement. Bring a ring binder folder which comes every week.

Remember You have to register to sit the exam. Special circumstances - if you feel that there are any special circumstances that might affect your child’s performance on the test day , it is important that you let the school know on the Special Circumstances Form which will be included in the information posted. Illness on the day must be notified and a doctors note would be required. It is imperative to complete the online school preference form by 31st October. Keep an eye on the secondary school websites for up to date information and dates including open days