* English: Strong comprehension skills, excellent vocabulary, and the ability to write clear, grammatically correct essays and stories. Revision should focus on:
* Reading comprehension: Practicing analyzing texts, identifying themes, and understanding authorial intent.
* Writing skills: Essay writing (different types, like persuasive, descriptive, narrative), grammar (punctuation, tenses, sentence structure), spelling, and vocabulary.
* Mathematics: A solid understanding of the mathematics curriculum up to Year 7. Revision should cover:
* Number: Calculations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
* Algebra: Solving equations, simplifying expressions, understanding functions.
* Geometry: Shapes, angles, area, volume.
* Data handling: Interpreting data, charts, and graphs.
* Verbal Reasoning: This tests your ability to understand and manipulate words and concepts. Revision should involve:
* Analogies: Identifying relationships between words.
* Classifications: Grouping words based on shared characteristics.
* Synonyms and antonyms: Understanding word meanings and their opposites.
* Non-Verbal Reasoning: This assesses your ability to solve problems using visual patterns and shapes. Revision should include practice with:
* Pattern recognition: Identifying and continuing sequences.
* Spatial reasoning: Visualizing shapes and their transformations.
* Logical deduction: Drawing conclusions from visual information.
Beyond the Core Subjects:
* Specific subjects: Some grammar schools may test in other subjects like science or a modern foreign language. Check the school's requirements carefully.
* Previous school reports: Your school reports from previous years will also be considered, so ensure your performance in all subjects is consistently strong.
How to Revise:
* Past papers: Practice with past entrance exam papers is crucial to understand the format and difficulty level of the test.
* Revision guides: Use appropriate revision guides tailored to grammar school entrance exams.
* Targeted practice: Identify your weaknesses and focus your revision efforts on those areas.
* Regular revision: Consistent, shorter study sessions are more effective than cramming.
* Mock tests: Simulate exam conditions to build confidence and identify areas needing further improvement.
Crucially, check the specific requirements and assessment methods of the grammar school(s) you're applying to. Each school will have its own entrance examination, and knowing the format and content is absolutely essential for effective revision. Their websites will usually provide details about the entrance process and sample papers.