Before the test
- Choose a quiet area for your child to complete their test, away from distractions.
- Give your child their test at an appropriate time when they are physically and mentally alert. Some parents find it helpful to set the test at the same time their child would take the real exam. Many entrance exams are held on a Saturday morning
- Make sure your child has the question paper, answer sheet, and equipment they’ll need before starting the test.
Introducing the test
- Ask your child not to open the question paper until you tell them to.
- Give your child clear instructions about the structure and timings of the test. This information is provided in your child’s question paper.
- Explain to your child that there are some places in the test where they will be asked to stop working and not turn the page until you tell them to.
- Before your child starts the test, ask your child to carefully read the instructions on page 2 of the question paper. Alternatively, you can read the instructions to them.
During the test
- Paper tests can help your child become familiar with exam conditions. We recommend completing the test on their own and in silence.
- If your child asks you a question during the test, think carefully about how to answer. In the real exam, invigilators will not be able to answer questions that help children reach the correct answer.
- Monitor the test timings carefully, and let your child know once their time is up.