How to help your child prepare for the ISEB Pre-Test
Understanding the best way to support your child as they prepare for the ISEB Pre-Test can be challenging. We have written this blog to help guide you through the process, leaving you feeling confident and well prepared for the process.
1. Get to know the test format
The ISEB Pre-Test is used by many top independent schools in the UK as part of the admissions process for Year 7 or delayed entry in Year 9. The ISEB Pre-Test is an online exam comprising 4 individual subject tests which will take 2 hours 15 minutes to complete.
English – 40 minutes,
Maths – 40 minutes
Verbal Reasoning (VR) – 25 minutes
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) – 30 minutes
Results are age standardised so younger children are not disadvantaged. The tests are adaptive meaning the questions each child is given are based on their previous answers. The adaptive nature of the test is one of the most important features to familiarise your child with as it means they cannot go back to a previous question to check or correct an answer.
2. Create a Study Routine
Create a calm study routine that spans several months leading up to the exam. Instead of cramming all the content into a few stressful weeks, aim for regular short, manageable sessions over months or a year. Consistency is key. BOFA11+ will create a study routine for your child, whether they are 1 month or 18 months from their exam. The automated, adaptive system creates a bespoke schedule for each child.
3. Develop Skills
The most successful candidates tend to be those who have developed a broad range of skills that they are able to apply to a wide range of questions, even if they have not encountered a type of question before. Skills to focus on include:
English: Reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Encourage regular reading and discuss with your child the books and news articles they are reading.
Maths: Ensure your child has a strong understanding of the basic concepts. Identify and address any weak areas as they could be the foundations of more challenging concepts down the line.
Verbal Reasoning: VR tests a child's ability to analyse relationships between words and letters. Play word games and puzzles such as Scrabble, word searches, and spotting the odd word out. More information about verbal reasoning can be found here.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: NVR tests a child’s ability to problem solve using images, shapes and patterns. Develop spatial awareness by completing jigsaws, Lego, and crafting. Play spot the difference. More information about non-verbal reasoning can be found here.
4. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Providing a positive and supportive environment is essential. Try to avoid placing undue pressure on your child to perform well. Focus on effort, improvement, and the learning process rather than on the outcome. Praise your child's efforts as well as their results to help keep them motivated, building their confidence and believe in their abilities.
5. Practice with Mock Tests
Mock tests are an invaluable tool for preparation. They help your child become familiar with the test format and timing, while also identifying areas that need improvement. Completing a few mock tests under timed conditions as part of their preparation will boost your child's confidence and reduce test-day anxiety.
Completing 3 or 4 mock test should be sufficient to familiarise your child with the ISEB exam format. Avoid the temptation to over burden your child with mock tests, this risks burnout and disengagement with the preparation process. A few mock tests completed throughout their study schedule is sufficient to familiarise them with the exam format. Complete one mock test in the final week before the exam as a final reminder of the format.
Practice time management. Ensure your child understands the importance of reading all instructions and questions carefully during the exam. The adaptive nature of the ISEB exam means children cannot go back to a previous question once they have submitted the answer. It is very important that your child reads the question thoroughly and takes care when submitting the answer during the ISEB exam.
6. Prioritise Health and Wellbeing
A healthy body and mind contribute significantly to academic performance. Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and engages in physical activities. Regular breaks during longer study sessions can help maintain focus and prevent burnout. Practice relaxation techniques to manage any nerves or stress they may experience.
Conclusion
Preparing for the ISEB Pre-Test exam can be a daunting prospect. By understanding the test format, establishing a study routine and providing learning resources such as BOFA11+ and BOFA® Mock Tests to support your child's development you can help your child feel confident, capable and well-prepared for the ISEB exam.
You can buy a pack of BOFA® ISEB Pre-Test Mock Tests here.
You can subscribe to BOFA11+ here.
Learn more about the ISEB Pre-Test here.
Find out which schools use the ISEB Pre-Test here.
Read our other ISEB Pre-Test blog posts