Year 7
Girls are assessed in Mathematics, English, and an on-screen computer assessment analysing a range of subjects and skills.
English
The English paper includes comprehension and writing and lasts for 60 minutes.
Comprehension
The ability to understand written passages is tested by means of comprehension questions. Candidates read a passage and answer questions on what they have read. The answers expected will range from brief to lengthier responses.
Some indication of the length of the answer required is given by the number of marks allocated to it and the space available on the paper for the answer.
These will require, for example, the explanation of the writer’s meaning, the drawing of reasonable inferences and understanding and explaining the meanings of words.
Writing
The ability to write well is tested by means of a composition. Qualities looked for are the ability to convey meaning clearly, to write in an interesting manner, and to show evidence of liveliness, originality, imagination and thoughtfulness. The use of a wide vocabulary, a variety of sentence structure and a reasonable standard of spelling and punctuation will be expected.
Mathematics
The questions are intended to test the candidates’ powers of reasoning and their ability to apply mathematical concepts. This is a non-calculator paper and the paper takes 60 minutes.
Computer Assessment
Girls undertake a computer-based assessment assessing English, Maths and reasoning. There is no need to prepare for this assessment.