Abbey School is
non-selective, which means
that we accept children of all abilities.
An
explanation of Key Stage 'levels'.
For your information, each SAT level represents a range
of scores and an average child will achieve within that range at the relevant
age. There is no single score. A typical 7-year-old should end up with a SAT
result in the level 2 range. They might just have arrived at level two by being
one mark higher than they were at level one, or they may equally be one mark
away from achieving a level 3 result. This way it may appear that children
remain on a particular level for several years without making much progress,
when in effect they are making progress from the lower scores to the higher
scores within a particular level. The level 3 range is expected of a typical 9-year-old,
level 4 of a typical 11-year-old and level 5 is of a typical 14-year-old.
The government are working towards 80% of any age group achieving a result
within the appropriate target range.
The 11+ Exams, Preparation, and
Results
The Grammar School examination process is a
filter that attempts to select the most suitable candidate for the academic rigors of a
grammar school secondary education, which is deemed the top 20% of any year group. Grammar
school education does not suit all children. For some the pressure would be too
great, while others would simply be unhappy in such an academically based environment. Torbay has three grammar schools and each November candidates are
invited to present for examination. Successful candidates are offered a place from the following
September, when primary Year 6 leavers enter secondary school in Year 7.
Abbey School is non-selective and we are equally
happy to support those children who work more slowly as we are to extend those
who are quicker learners, accepting all children and educating them in the
fullest sense of the word. This means that statistically,
a regular 20% of our Year 6 children would expect to gain a grammar
school place each year. As no year group is a mirror of that preceding it or of
that to follow, the percentage figure will obviously vary year on year.
Each
year at Abbey School we produce more than double the grammar school places than would be
statistically and realistically expected from any group of non-selected
children. For the past five years, our average 11+ pass rate has been a
tremendous 53%. This highlights the ‘added value’ of the education
we provide. However, statistics do not tell the whole story. Within these
figures are hidden the facts that Abbey teachers have consistently forged many
minor and on occasions, major miracles to achieve these results. They have
provided
individual support, meticulous preparation and downright hard work and dedication
to underpin the exemplary results that send so many children to grammar
schools each year.
Preparation
for the actual examinations taken by children in Year 6 is painstaking and
exactly what is required. We do not educate children 'for exams' but
rather 'for life'. Having said this, we want our pupils to be well prepared and
confident on the day of any exam and we work hard to achieve this. If children
‘peak’ too soon in exam preparedness, they become bored, blasé and cocky,
(been there, done that, got the video!) eventually not producing their best
under examination conditions. Conversely, being insufficiently prepared would
also not be beneficial. At Abbey School we have both the experience and the
expertise to support our pupils appropriately through this important phase and,
year after year, prepare pupils well for the examinations facing them in Year 6, as proved by our outstanding 11+ and SATS
results over many years.
Our commendable results show that candidates at 11+ from Abbey School Year 6 are
over twice as likely to gain a grammar school place than from an average
Year 6. Even for some successful
candidates it must be remembered that this type of education is not suitable for all children. In fairness to your child
and to yourself, when considering secondary education, seek the advice and opinions of the specialists involved.
In particular, talk to the Head Teacher and senior form teachers who have known your child over many years and understand
how he or she learns. You will receive open, honest and accurate advice from professionals whose experience includes many
hundreds of children. Do not hesitate to use their understanding of all the issues involved to help you formulate the best
option for your child at this important stage; and remember that for many this will not,
and should not, include consideration of a grammar
school place.
Table indicating the percentage of pupils in
the entire Year 6 year group who have gained Grammar School
places since the year 2000 (as opposed to the results from only those candidates who sat
the exam). A 20% success rate would be the statistically expected result.
Year
| % |
|
| 1999/00 |
53 |
| 2000/01 |
47 |
| 2001/02 |
68 |
| 2002/3 |
75 |
| 2003/4 |
71 |
| 2004/5 |
64 |
| 2005/6 |
53 |
| 2006/7 |
61 |
Noting these results, you will understand how justifiably proud we are of our
academic record, which gains for our pupils so many grammar school places each
year and which at the same time encourages all children to perform to their
optimum, whether or not they are grammar school candidates. An Abbey School
education results in the 'gearing upwards' of all our pupils' academic
achievements, while in our role of true educators, we are
ensuring that all our pupils achieve in areas other than academically, and they
do.
THAT's what
being well rounded means and when our Year 6 pupils leave us, we are proud to
have achieved what we set out to do from the first day they joined us - produce
well educated children, in the truest sense of the word. (To re-visit the 7
Benefits of Good Schools by following This
Link).
If your child is not already part of this success, he or she could be! For an
appointment to visit us, use This Link
or telephone 01803-327868.
