Common Entrance
The curriculum for each subject area is developed by the
various Heads of Department in preparation for the
Independent Schools Examination Board’s (ISEB) Common
Entrance (CE) Examination. (add website address)
What is Common Entrance?
The Common Entrance (CE) examinations are used for
assessing boys and girls who transfer to senior schools
at the ages of 11+ and 13+. The syllabuses are devised
and regularly monitored by the Independent Schools
Examinations Board (ISEB), composed of representatives
from the Headmasters' Conference, the Girls' Schools
Association and the Incorporated Association of
Preparatory Schools. The papers are set by examiners
appointed by the Board and marked by the senior school
for which a candidate is entered. Candidates may
normally be entered only if they:
- have been offered a place at a senior school subject
to their passing the examination, or
- are entered for a trial run, in which case the papers
are corrected by the junior school concerned.
Candidates are entered for the examinations according to
age at entry to senior school. Examination papers are
set for entry at the ages of 11+ or 13+ and candidates
should take the papers for their correct age group
unless otherwise arranged with the senior school.
The 13+ examination may be taken in either the Lent or
Trinity terms. The 11+ examination is taken in the Lent
term. Some girls leave Amesbury at the end of Year 6
(having completed the 11+ examinations), however many
girls stay on and take 13+ CE, and all boys take the 13+
examination.
A candidate may be registered at a second senior school.
It is important that the parents have previously
obtained the agreement of that school to be second
choice.
Subjects for 11+: English, Mathematics, Science.
Subjects for 13+: English, Mathematics, Science, French,
Geography, History, Religious Studies, Latin (optional).
Headmaster's Confidential Report: In addition to the
exam, the headmaster sends a confidential report to the
senior school based on the pupil’s contributions made
to, and successes gained at, Amesbury.
Candidates with Specific Learning Difficulties:
Candidates with dyslexia or any other specific learning
difficulty are allowed extra time to complete Common
Entrance papers. The amount of extra time should be
agreed with the senior school concerned. In addition, an
educational psychologist’s report and the ISEB special
needs report is sent to the senior school. Similarly,
with the permission of the senior school, word
processors and laptop computers may be used by
candidates certified as having dyslexia or other
specific learning difficulties.
The Headmaster takes responsibility for advising parents
on senior schools.
 |
