Tiffin Girls Stage 2 Test

[Azi]

I was trying to find some information about the maths, english and writing tests for Tiffin girls stage 2 entry, there aren't much information about it on their website neither the school could help me(they said they will get back to me once they have the information, will update once I hear from them), I want to know if their maths and english comprehension tests are multiple choice and NFER format with 50 minutes to spend on each like their VR and NVR tests?
Also about their writing tests, will they be given different topics to choose one from them or do they have to finish a half done text or story? how long do they have for this test? do they get thinking or planning time in addition to the writing time?
I wish there was more information about these since its their first time testing maths, english and writing they should give parents enough information as to at least the format if not the sample of the tests.
I am not being over optimistic but just want to know what line of preparation to follow which could be useful to DD incase she pass the stage 1 rather than wasting time on papers and formats not being any use to her, any advice is appreciated.

[tiffinboys]

Good topic, Azi.

I think all parents should write to the School and any information available be posted on this site.

Meanwhile, go to the website of other grammar and independent schools and download their practice/sample papers. You will also find many threads on this forum related to Sutton Grammar/Wilson's/Wallington etc. Tiffins wouldn't be much different.

[Elizabeth3]

I rang the school this week and they confirmed no further information will be provided on the Stage 2 tests. As you mention, this is most unhelpful as it's the first year these tests are done .

[suzanne]

.

[dlb]

I guess it makes it much fairer for the 2nd test this year! However, next year there will be more information available from those who took it this year and preparation could be helpful! Never a fair system for grammar entry.....??!!

[tiffinboys]

In my view, TGS should have provided more clarity and model papers as many other schools do. School should also have clearly spelt out format of each of the three papers, allocation of marks to each of the three papers etc.

Absence of this information will make the children taking entrance tests in 2013 guinea pigs. For next year, lot of information will be available on forums like this. So why put this year's chilren at disadvantage.

By now, all English/maths tutors would be very busy, including Tiffins teachers who may be tutoring part-time or on weekend (pls don't be shocked about this; many people have to supplement their income and this may create conflict of interest at times). Every one doesn't live on the other side of the China Wall (if you know what I mean).

[London_Mum]

If Tiffin teachers, working as tutors, give some pupils information that others won't have this would indeed be unfair.
But if the information is unavailable to all then it isn't such a problem. The 2013 pupils are only competing with each other for places. If next year's pupils know more, this won’t harm the performance of this year's pupils at all. The same was discussed when Nonsuch added a comprehension paper for the first time last year or the year before.

My view is the more unpopular one though (considering I am posting on a forum that discusses preparation for these exams) that the tests and formats should be changed regularly so that people cannot prepare in very specific ways for them. I am sure next year’s applicants will scrutinise information from those who take this year’s tests to learn more about format and targeted revision. If anything therefore, this year’s applicants will have a more level playing field because nobody will have this advantage over anybody else.

[tiffinboys]

London_Mum, you made a valid point, if no-one is getting an unfair advantage and all are on the same boat. I also like your idea of exam formats being changed every now & then.

[mynameisbond]

Please explain what is meant by "the other side of the China wall" ? I am confused.

Also, where is the evidence that Tiffin teachers are working as tutors and giving "insider" information re the tests ?

If there is no evidence this is unhelpful speculation and possibly libellous.

[panicattack]

I think the two stage process must be fairer as it tests a wider range of skills. Is there any evidence at all that Tiffin teachers are involved in tutoring and having a "conflict of interest"? An odd piece of speculation....