11+/13+ Common Entrance Exams (CEE)/Private Schools Entrance Exams
I have worked with children to prepare them for the UK school entrance exams at Years 7 and 9 since 2006. I teach Maths, English, Latin and French at these levels, as well as Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
I have guided many students successfully through their 11+ and 13+ exams for Eton College, Winchester College and Cheltenham Ladies College among others. I ensure every student is fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the exams for their chosen school(s), whilst keeping parents regularly informed of their progress. I don't merely teach them to rote learn formulae and tables, but to apply their knowledge in any type of situation and not to be caught out by the examiner. I do believe in practice makes perfect, and by using past papers and revision tools, students become familiar with question structures, learn evaluation and answering techniques, and effective time management.
Many independent schools are now holding pre-tests for children who wish to enter at Year 7 or Year 9. The UKiset is becoming increasingly popular with British Independent Boarding schools, as well as the CEM assessment, the ISEB Common Pre-Tests and GL Assessment. All these generally include Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and interviews with a teacher or housemaster may be held at the same time. I also help students with interview techniques, tackling the unexpected and most importantly, how they can bring out their own personal styles and uniqueness.
Mathematics
Some of the topics tested in the these papers may not yet have been covered in the student's school in Hong Kong. I ensure all topics are thoroughly practiced by doing a range of CE and private school past papers, and that students are familiar with the papers' format and expectations, which may be different to what they are used to. Furthermore, students develop their analytical skills, logical thinking and mental arithmetic. As many topics in maths are interlinked, it is important for students to connect individual topics with each other. I teach mathematical concepts and rules by showing students the logic behind them, so they are properly understood, and therefore easily remembered and recalled. The exercises and investigations we do in lessons will adequately train them to think independently, as well as work quickly and accurately. Read more about Primary Maths.
English
The English syllabus focuses on reading comprehension, poetry analysis and composition. To excel in this exam, it is essential students read widely (fiction and non-fiction, modern and classic texts, verse and prose) and develop a broad range of vocabulary. Lessons will focus on building a range of reading and writing skills and techniques. Most importantly, students acquire the skills to read between the lines, recognise and explain the usage of language features and literary devices. Students experiment with their creativity and linguistic skills through factual and fictional writing to gain improvement and confidence in their use of the English language. Read more about Primary English.
Latin
Latin is compulsory in some UK schools from Years 7 to 9. Students have the chance to study an ancient language which is still very much alive in today's society and culture. Latin is the root to many of the European languages spoken today and is particularly relevant to English, since over 50% of the English vocabulary is wholly or partially derived from Latin.
In the lessons, students practise vocabulary and grammatical constructions through reading comprehensions and translations based on Roman history or Greek mythology. Although there is no oral exam, students will learn the pronunciation of Latin words and read out passages aloud. They explore the culture of Ancient Rome, Roman entertainment and beliefs, as well as some of the most influential Roman leaders and emperors of all time. Read more about the benefits of learning Latin.
French
Many students in the UK will have started French at primary school and students in Hong Kong may feel there is some catching up to do. French provides an excellent foundation to learning other Romance languages, such as Spanish, which many UK schools offer as a second or third language. To increase their confidence and fluency, students are strongly encouraged to speak as much French as possible by engaging in conversation, role-plays and reading aloud. They learn to "tune their ears" to the sound of French, enabling them to pick out key points and relevant information. Students build a solid foundation in French grammar and learn essential vocabulary, with which they can employ in their writing and reading comprehensions. Read more about Primary French.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Students are required by most schools to sit these tests at 11+ or at the pre-test stage for 13+. These tests To prepare for these, students are first introduced to the question types and basic techniques. They then complete sets of practice papers to consolidate their skills and knowledge under timed conditions.
For Non-Verbal Reasoning, lessons focus on understanding sequences and codes; developing spatial awareness and logical thinking; and problem solving skills.
For Verbal Reasoning, students broaden their vocabulary and word problem solving skills through word games and puzzles. They discover word patterns and relationships, learn to decipher codes, and follow instructions to get to a solution.
Some of the topics tested in the these papers may not yet have been covered in the student's school in Hong Kong. I ensure all topics are thoroughly practiced by doing a range of CE and private school past papers, and that students are familiar with the papers' format and expectations, which may be different to what they are used to. Furthermore, students develop their analytical skills, logical thinking and mental arithmetic. As many topics in maths are interlinked, it is important for students to connect individual topics with each other. I teach mathematical concepts and rules by showing students the logic behind them, so they are properly understood, and therefore easily remembered and recalled. The exercises and investigations we do in lessons will adequately train them to think independently, as well as work quickly and accurately. Read more about Primary Maths.
English
The English syllabus focuses on reading comprehension, poetry analysis and composition. To excel in this exam, it is essential students read widely (fiction and non-fiction, modern and classic texts, verse and prose) and develop a broad range of vocabulary. Lessons will focus on building a range of reading and writing skills and techniques. Most importantly, students acquire the skills to read between the lines, recognise and explain the usage of language features and literary devices. Students experiment with their creativity and linguistic skills through factual and fictional writing to gain improvement and confidence in their use of the English language. Read more about Primary English.
Latin
Latin is compulsory in some UK schools from Years 7 to 9. Students have the chance to study an ancient language which is still very much alive in today's society and culture. Latin is the root to many of the European languages spoken today and is particularly relevant to English, since over 50% of the English vocabulary is wholly or partially derived from Latin.
In the lessons, students practise vocabulary and grammatical constructions through reading comprehensions and translations based on Roman history or Greek mythology. Although there is no oral exam, students will learn the pronunciation of Latin words and read out passages aloud. They explore the culture of Ancient Rome, Roman entertainment and beliefs, as well as some of the most influential Roman leaders and emperors of all time. Read more about the benefits of learning Latin.
French
Many students in the UK will have started French at primary school and students in Hong Kong may feel there is some catching up to do. French provides an excellent foundation to learning other Romance languages, such as Spanish, which many UK schools offer as a second or third language. To increase their confidence and fluency, students are strongly encouraged to speak as much French as possible by engaging in conversation, role-plays and reading aloud. They learn to "tune their ears" to the sound of French, enabling them to pick out key points and relevant information. Students build a solid foundation in French grammar and learn essential vocabulary, with which they can employ in their writing and reading comprehensions. Read more about Primary French.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Students are required by most schools to sit these tests at 11+ or at the pre-test stage for 13+. These tests To prepare for these, students are first introduced to the question types and basic techniques. They then complete sets of practice papers to consolidate their skills and knowledge under timed conditions.
For Non-Verbal Reasoning, lessons focus on understanding sequences and codes; developing spatial awareness and logical thinking; and problem solving skills.
For Verbal Reasoning, students broaden their vocabulary and word problem solving skills through word games and puzzles. They discover word patterns and relationships, learn to decipher codes, and follow instructions to get to a solution.
Schools for which I have previously prepared or am currently preparing students
Winchester College
Eton College
Tonbridge School
Dulwich College
Charterhouse School
Sevenoaks School
Harrow School
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Wycombe Abbey School
Downe House School
St Catherine's School
St Swithun's School
Benenden School
Badminton School
Royal High School
Roedean School
Headington School
Eton College
Tonbridge School
Dulwich College
Charterhouse School
Sevenoaks School
Harrow School
Cheltenham Ladies' College
Wycombe Abbey School
Downe House School
St Catherine's School
St Swithun's School
Benenden School
Badminton School
Royal High School
Roedean School
Headington School