Widening Access

PRIMARY SCHOOLS CONFERENCE 2015

Widening Access by Giles HillWidening Access by Giles Hill

“The schools of King Edward VI should be rooted in the communities that they serve and be responsive to the nature of those communities.

In particular, all of the schools are committed to making themselves as accessible as possible to all pupils, whatever their background or circumstances”

Widening AccessWidening Access

Schools of King Edward VI

• Two fee paying Independent Schools• Five Grammar Schools:– Aston (Boys)– Camp Hill Boys– Camp Hill Girls– Five Ways (Mixed)– Handsworth (Girls)

• One Academy – Sheldon HeathWidening Access

Performance of Birmingham Schools

GCSE 2014

National Average – 56.6%

Birmingham – 55.9%

Manchester – 51.4%Bristol – 55.2%Leeds – 51%Sheffield – 53.9%Nottingham – 44.6%

Key Stage 2 2014

National Average – 78%

Birmingham – 75%

Manchester – 77%Bristol – 76%Leeds – 76%Sheffield – 76%Nottingham – 79%

New Admissions Policy

• Introduced for 2015 entry across the Grammar Schools

• School rolls expanded (PAN 120 up from 93 at Camp Hill Boys)

• 11+ cut off score of 215 for Camp Hill Boys• Priority admissions of up to 20% (24 students at CHB)

given to Pupil Premium places – providing they meet the cut off score.

• All other children by rank order of scoresWidening Access

New Admissions Policy

• For 2015 entry:– 15% increase in admissions to take the test to 5,400 for

the 730 places – 16.3% of pupils who took the entrance exam were

eligible for Pupil Premium for 156 places available– 272 pupils on Pupil Premium achieved the minimum cut

off score of 200 – Increase in PP pupils offered places in all grammar

schools with Aston, CHB and Five Ways achieving their maximum

Widening Access

What is on the 11+ Exam?

• Aim to make it accessible for all able students• Four key areas:–English (Comprehension)–Mathematics–Verbal Reasoning –Non-verbal Reasoning

Reading Comprehension

The reading comprehension section is similar to work children will encounter in school. The section consists of a single piece of text followed by a series of multiple-choice questions. It covers a range of reading skills such as direct retrieval of facts, inference and vocabulary.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning and literacy skills sections test a range of skills. These include knowledge of vocabulary, contextual understanding of words and sentence construction. The level of vocabulary used is designed to stretch and challenge children; however varied reading and a wide vocabulary will assist children in accessing the test.

Non-verbal Reasoning

The non-verbal reasoning sections involve using skills such as identifying similarities and differences between shapes and patterns; solving problems using visual reasoning and looking at sequences and relationships between objects.

Mathematics

The mathematics section is based on topics covered up to and including the Year 5 curriculum. The test is centred on standard classroom practice and can include questions focusing on the four attainment targets in mathematics: Using and applying mathematics, Number, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling data. Children will be required to read word problems in a given context and then apply their mathematical knowledge to a range of situations rather than just answer a series of computations.

2016 Entry2016 Entry

Admissions Timetable • Admission packs and Test Registration - Tuesday 12 May 2015

Information brochures are available from each of the schools and you may register on the website

• Deadline for Disability Requests for Adjustments to the Test - Wednesday 17 June 2015If your child has a disability and/or requires additional resources to sit the test you should contact us for a disability form and return no later than this date

• Closing date for receipt of test registration forms - Friday 10 July 2015 at 4pm

All registration forms will be acknowledged within 14 working days of receipt.

• Applications received after this date will not be accepted and children will not be able to take the test. • Grammar Schools Entrance Test Date - Saturday 12 September 2015

• Grammar Schools Test Results - by 16 October 2015

Note this is not the offer of a place

• Local Authority Preference form deadline - 31 October each yearAll parents must complete a preference form in addition to applying for the test. These are distributed through primary schools or available through your home Local Authority.

2016 Documentation

ACTIVITY:-Read the 2016 Admissions Brochure-Identify any issues that parents/guardians may have accessing the information and any suggested means to make it more accessible

Familiarisation

• Series of 5 sessions taking place in June• Four lessons to build confidence and familiarity

with our schools and with the 11+• Final session is a practice test which covers the

various parts of the 11+• Students will assess their own performance• Parents have an opportunity to visit while their

children take the practice test• Staff CPD available while pupils have sessions

with secondary teachers

Familiarisation

• 15 schools took part in June 2014, pupils were selected by their own Headteachers

• 112 students attended – 73% attended all sessions

• 77% took the practice 11+ test • 25 Pupil Premium Pupils took the 11+ in

September from the Familiarisation Group• 240 places available across the two Camp Hill

schools for 2015Widening Access

Familiarisation

• 30% of pupils had not heard of the schools prior to familiarisation

• All pupils found the sessions useful (over two thirds very useful)

• 60% said they were very likely to apply for a KE Grammar School with a quarter more quite likely.

• 95% of pupils who took the practice test said they were confident to take the exam in September

• Successful support for staffWidening Access

Widening Access

Outreach• Open to all schools

• Masterclasses and Saturday Schools• Student Mentoring• Curriculum support for New National Curriculum• School visits for staff• Competitions• Online resources

…enjoy your day!