CAT scores
Moderators: Section Moderators, Forum Moderators
-
Stressed?Moi?
- Posts: 1844
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:28 am
CAT scores
Something's been bugging me and I wonder if anyone can help please.
In my daughter's parents' evening in December last year, her teacher said that she was bright, good at English, methodical but slow and would be suited to the arts rather than being academical. We asked if she would pass the 11+, to which she said that she probably wouldn't.
Fast forward to her parents' evening last Easter and her teacher reported a major turnaround in her work and attitude. She said that she thought she was capable of passing the test and that she should try for it.
When we received her report on the last day there was no mention at all of how well she is doing (relative to others) apart from the general report (which was very good). I had hoped there would be some sort of formal assessment (she's at an independent school and doesn't do SATs, but I know she has had completed some tests there). I had read that you can request CAT scores. I telephoned the school who were a bit sniffy TBH and said that they don't do CATs until Year 6 and there is no other indicative "ranking" on her ability. I was hoping that we would have an indication of her overal ability, but there was none.
Is this the case at most schools, or are we just unlucky?
Thanks
In my daughter's parents' evening in December last year, her teacher said that she was bright, good at English, methodical but slow and would be suited to the arts rather than being academical. We asked if she would pass the 11+, to which she said that she probably wouldn't.
Fast forward to her parents' evening last Easter and her teacher reported a major turnaround in her work and attitude. She said that she thought she was capable of passing the test and that she should try for it.
When we received her report on the last day there was no mention at all of how well she is doing (relative to others) apart from the general report (which was very good). I had hoped there would be some sort of formal assessment (she's at an independent school and doesn't do SATs, but I know she has had completed some tests there). I had read that you can request CAT scores. I telephoned the school who were a bit sniffy TBH and said that they don't do CATs until Year 6 and there is no other indicative "ranking" on her ability. I was hoping that we would have an indication of her overal ability, but there was none.
Is this the case at most schools, or are we just unlucky?
Thanks
Re: CAT scores
Sounds strange to me - most schools these days are testing, testing, testing (too much usually, but at least you have something to look at), but I don't know about indies. Does the school carry on until 18? Maybe they are trying to keep you there and paying the fees 
. Why don't you get some practice papers and see how she does?
. Why don't you get some practice papers and see how she does?scary mum
-
Stressed?Moi?
- Posts: 1844
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:28 am
Re: CAT scores
The cynic in me would have thought the same as you but no it's primary only. I posted on here earlier about papers, so I'll have a look at those. Thanksscary mum wrote:Sounds strange to me - most schools these days are testing, testing, testing (too much usually, but at least you have something to look at), but I don't know about indies. Does the school carry on until 18? Maybe they are trying to keep you there and paying the fees
Re: CAT scores
Is your DD just about to go into Y6 or Y5? State primaries do the CATs in Y5. If your DD has finished Y5 and is about to start Y6 then you need to work fast for upcoming 11+ tests. Here they are at the beginning of Oct. If your DD is about to go into Y5 then you have plenty of time to prepare but you could try an easier type paper with her. Walsh has one for age 9-10 and there are lots of VR books. See how she gets along with those and check her x tables are up to speed.
-
Stressed?Moi?
- Posts: 1844
- Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:28 am
Re: CAT scores
Hi Mum23
Yes she starts Y6 in September and time is marching on. As has been suggested, I've ordered up some practice material which she will be cracking on with. Fingers crossed that it's not too late and that she can pass with what she's got. Other than that, our local comp is very good so I'm not going to get too worked up about it (if I say it often enough, I might believe it!!). We are, however, up against it times tables wise as she hits hurdles on 6 and 7 each time (just like me actually).
Yes she starts Y6 in September and time is marching on. As has been suggested, I've ordered up some practice material which she will be cracking on with. Fingers crossed that it's not too late and that she can pass with what she's got. Other than that, our local comp is very good so I'm not going to get too worked up about it (if I say it often enough, I might believe it!!). We are, however, up against it times tables wise as she hits hurdles on 6 and 7 each time (just like me actually).
