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©ISEB 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
NOTES FOR GUIDANCE ON THE COMMON ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
The current syllabuses can be downloaded here.
The core subjects - English, Mathematics and Science - are compulsory. In addition, it is hoped that candidates will attempt papers in a wide range of subjects chosen from French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Latin, Religious Studies and Spanish. Usually senior schools expect the majority of candidates to offer Geography, History, Religious Studies and a language. The Common Entrance examination, however, is flexible enough to allow candidates from schools which do not prepare pupils for the traditional range of Common Entrance subjects to offer a reduced number of papers. Additionally, weaker candidates are not expected to tackle papers beyond their ability.
If there is any doubt about the choice of level, it is emphasised that junior schools should contact senior schools. Senior schools may, if they wish, state which level they prefer in Mathematics. In some circumstances it could be a matter of negotiation between the relevant junior and senior schools.
ENTERING CANDIDATES
Every September a photocopiable entry form is sent to all schools which regularly enter candidates. If a school does not receive such a form, but is in membership of IAPS, it is in order for the names of candidates and their senior schools to be sent to the ISEB office by email. The form has boxes for senior school codes, including codes for ‘trial run’ candidates. The codes can be found below:
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EXAMINATION ENTRIES
The closing date for the spring Common Entrance examinations at 11+ and 13+ is 1 December. The closing date for the summer 13+ examination is 1 March.
Schools receive separate forms for each examination; they are asked to ensure that they are using the correct form for the relevant term. In Mathematics, Classics and Religious Studies only one option should be chosen. In order to ensure that forms are scanned properly, they should be sent by post and not by fax.
There is a late penalty (£50 per candidate) for new or amended entries received one week or more after the closing dates. There is no penalty for the late withdrawal of candidates who have been awaiting results from other schools.
SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES
If candidates are to sit the Common Academic Scholarship Examination set by the Independent Schools Examinations Board, they will be entered by the relevant senior school. Normally they will take the examination at the senior school.
Some senior schools select their scholars from candidates who sit Common Entrance in the spring term. These candidates will be entered for Common Entrance in the usual way.
COURSEWORK
Submission dates for coursework are as follows:
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geography fieldwork: 14 January (spring CE); 15 March (summer CE)
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religious studies coursework: 14 January (spring CE); 15 March (summer CE)
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SpLD CANDIDATES
Schools which have candidates with any specific learning difficulty should contact the relevant senior school to discuss how much extra time each candidate needs to complete Common Entrance papers. In addition, they should send to the senior school a report from an appropriately qualified psychologist, updated where necessary by the school SENCO, together with the candidate’s latest IEP and the ISEB special needs report. It is essential that requests for extra time are made at least three months in advance of the examination period; this time scale also applies to the submission of reports.
Computers may be used by candidates certified as having specific learning difficulties. In exceptional cases, schools may provide a reader or an amanuensis. For visually-impaired candidates the Board will arrange for enlarged or Braille copies of the examination papers to be printed; a year’s notice is required.
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INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES
Common Entrance candidates whose mother tongue is not English are allowed to use bilingual dictionaries in Mathematics, Science and Humanities. They are also allowed up to 25% extra time if they have studied in the medium of English for less than two years.
EXAMINATION SCRIPTS
Examination centres are reminded that all scripts should be sent to senior schools on the day of the examination. They should be dispatched to ensure that they arrive the following morning, by special delivery if necessary. It is essential that senior schools start marking as soon as possible in order to meet the tight deadlines for the publication of results.
EXAMINATION RESULTS
Results are sent to schools in the week following the examination week. They are announced on the Thursday for the 13+ examination and on the Friday for the 11+. Senior schools are reminded that they must adhere to this timetable; it is not fair to keep candidates waiting for their results after the agreed date. In the case of failures, it is helpful if junior schools are informed in advance so that they can negotiate a positive outcome with a second-choice school. Junior schools should not divulge results before the agreed date.
Scripts should be assessed by grades. Where there is a choice of paper or level, a clear indication of which paper taken by each candidate should be given, e.g. Paper 1: A; Paper 2: B. Senior schools are reminded that all grades should be available at all levels.
Senior schools are asked to send to junior school heads an overall report on their candidates’ performance. Junior school heads appreciate general comments on each subject. They are also invited to send copies of their reports to the General Secretary at the ISEB offices because the setters always appreciate feedback on how candidates tackled questions in the papers.
ORDERING PAST PAPERS
Each term an order form is sent to schools for them to order in advance the next round of papers. These papers are despached immeidately after the examinaiton period, providing the advance order form has been returned by the prescribed date. The dates for the receipt of these papers are as follows:
Autumn 11+ and 13+ Practice Papers - first week in November
Spring 11+, 13+ CE and Scholarship Papers - end of February/beginning of March
Summer 13+ CE and Scholarship Papers - first week in June