Brandon Learning Centre: British Education - process, preparation and practicalities

Based in Asia? Is your daughter trying Wycombe 11+ entry? Usually, you would be planning at trip to the UK but not this year! Here is what to expect in 2020.  1: An individual and group interview Individual interviews are a chance for your daughter to really show where her interests lie. Is she a musician? Be excited about that. A scientist? What has she been trying recently? An artist? What is she working on.  The group interview is where your daughter will be able to demonstrate her critical thinking skills. As a member of a group, she will need to join in, be active and engage with others. At Brandon, we hold regular debates because many of our students need a bit of encouragement in order to speak up.  2: An online CAT4 test Your daughter will have an online assessment which will test her on:  verbal non-verbal spatial  quantitative reasoning The test is designed to assess aptitude but familiarity with verbal and non-verbal reasoning is helpful. So how do yo...

Girls' schools tend to run group interview days for potential 11+ and 13+ candidates. The girls gather in groups and go through a series of activities together. Some schools, Wycombe Abbey, Downe House and CLC for example, also include online testing.   For the most part, the assessment days are a chance for girls to get to know each other. The length of the day gives the chance to different opportunities to shine and a girl who thrives during the debate may be inspired by another who shows herself to be a leader in the sports activities.  Our girls come back from their assessment days raving about Benenden's food or Downe House's muffin baking activities! This year though, all bets are off and all interviews are on Zoom!  If your daughter has a Zoom group interview coming up, don't panic. Firstly, schools know that this is going to be a very different experience and will be kind and patient. A good interviewer will make sure everyone is included. Talk to your daught...