Decoding the London 11+ Consortium Exam
Preparing for the London 11+ Consortium Exam can feel like a daunting task for girls aiming to secure a place to one of the prestigious member schools.
This article provides you with a clear guide to tackle this test with confidence.
What is the London 11+ Consortium?
The London 11+ Consortium is a group of girls' day schools in London. It was originally known as the North London Girls' Consortium and was formed to streamline the entrance process for girls applying to multiple schools within the consortium. The Consortium aims to reduce the number of examinations girls have to sit by implementing a single test for all member schools. They've even revamped their application process recently, adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Schools:
What's in the exam?
It's a 100-minute online assessment that covers five sections. You'll complete them in a specified order and the difficulty level adapts to your performance in some sections. In other sections, everyone gets the same set of questions on a given testing day. Plus, the content of those non-adaptive sections changes on different testing dates, so don’t worry about the date you choose.
Structure of the exam
The test is divided into two parts, with each part consisting of multiple modules. Here are some key points about the test:
Part 1:
Maths: 20 minutes
Non-Verbal Reasoning: 10 minutes
English & Verbal Reasoning: 30 minutes
Part 2:
Puzzles & Problem Solving: 15 minutes
Analysis (Creative Comprehension): 25 minutes
It’s also worth looking at the 11+ Consortium familiarisation test hosted by Atom to get a better sense of what your daughter will encounter in the real thing.
Preparing for success
To tackle the London 11 Plus Consortium Exam, it's essential to have a strong foundation in English and Maths. Make sure you're familiar with the 11+ curriculum in these subjects. You can find the syllabuses on the Independent Schools Examination Board website. But that's not all—verbal and non-verbal reasoning play a big role too. So, it's crucial to practice a variety of question types and get comfortable with time pressure and multiple-choice questions, which aren't as common in regular schoolwork.
Mathematics: let's crunch numbers
In the Maths section, you'll encounter questions that cover mental arithmetic, the four operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, measures, and statistics. The good news is that the exam only tests content up to the end of Year 5. So, make sure you've got these core topics covered. The Maths section is multiple-choice and varies in difficulty, so expect some questions with diagrams or charts to keep things interesting.
Non-verbal reasoning: unleash your visual thinking
This section might seem a bit unfamiliar, as you may not have encountered it regularly in school. But don't fret! Familiarize yourself with the different non-verbal reasoning question types. This way, you'll understand what's being asked and find the best approach for each type. Start by identifying your strengths and areas for improvement, and gradually become comfortable with tackling the questions that initially posed a challenge. Get ready for 2D non-verbal reasoning questions like codes, matrices, sequences, similarities, and transformations. There's also spatial reasoning, which involves block counting, combining shapes, folding and punching, hidden shapes, shape completion, spinning shapes, and rotation.
English: the power of words
To excel in the English section, build a robust vocabulary. Verbal reasoning questions rely heavily on your word knowledge. Reading widely is a fantastic way to improve your vocabulary and make verbal reasoning a breeze. But it's not just about recognizing words; you need to understand their meaning and use them correctly in context. Aim for a strong age-appropriate vocabulary and develop comprehension skills, as the exam includes both literal and inference questions. You'll encounter various question types like synonyms, antonyms and hidden words.
Interview process
Candidates may be called to interview which will vary in type from school to school. Not all schools in the consortium interview all applicants; Francis Holland School (Regent’s Park), Godolphin and Latymer as well as South Hampstead High School invite candidates for interview based on their test results and school reference.
Traditional interviews
Duration: These interviews typically last between 15 and 30 minutes.
Question Topics: Students can expect questions about their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and broader interests.
Format: These interviews follow a more traditional question-and-answer format, allowing the interviewer to learn more about the student's background, experiences, and aspirations.
2. Stimulus response interviews
Format: In these interviews, students may be presented with stimuli such as pictures or objects and asked to respond or discuss them.
Purpose: This type of interview aims to assess a student's ability to think critically, analyze information, and communicate effectively.
3. Group interviews
Format: Some schools may conduct interviews with multiple candidates together, often in the form of group discussions or activities.
Purpose: Group interviews provide an opportunity to observe how students interact with their peers, demonstrate teamwork skills, and express their opinions in a collaborative setting.
4. Assessment day activities
Format: As part of a fuller assessment day, students may be required to participate in various activities, such as problem-solving exercises, presentations, or practical tasks.
Purpose: These activities provide a holistic evaluation of a student's abilities, including their problem-solving skills, creativity, communication skills, and overall suitability for the school.
It's important for students to be prepared for different interview formats and approaches. Reflecting on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, personal interests, and future aspirations can help them respond confidently and provide meaningful insights during the interviews. Additionally, practicing problem-solving skills and engaging in group discussions can also be beneficial.
Practice interview questions
Family:
Can you tell me a bit about your family and your relationship with them?
Do you have any siblings? How would you describe your relationship with them?
Reading:
What is your favorite book and why?
Can you tell me about a book you recently read and enjoyed?
Favorite subject:
Which subject do you enjoy the most in school and why?
What do you find interesting or exciting about your favorite subject?
Extracurricular interests:
What activities do you participate in outside of school?
Can you tell me about any clubs, sports, or hobbies that you are involved in?
Hobbies:
What do you like to do in your free time?
Do you have any hobbies or special talents that you enjoy?
Achievements:
Can you tell me about a significant accomplishment or achievement you are proud of?
Have you received any awards or recognition for your accomplishments?
Character strengths/weaknesses:
What do you consider to be your greatest strength and why?
Can you tell me about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
Ambitions:
What are your future goals and aspirations?
Can you describe what you hope to achieve in the next few years?
Why are you interested in attending our school?
What do you know about our school that makes it a good fit for you?