CEM 11+
A considerable number of selective schools and local authorities have now switched their 11+ exam to the Durham University CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) entrance tests. These exams have been selected by schools and local authorities in an attempt to reduce the advantages enjoyed by children who have been tutored over those who have not.
The CEM 11+ exam tends to follow the format of two 45 minute tests, taken on the same day, with a short break between. Children may sit a familiarisation test at their school shortly before the exam date, to help them get used to the style and level of testing.
The CEM tests have been labelled 'tutor-proof' as they are harder to predict, with the subject emphasis within the tests altering each year, and there is a strong focus on a deep and rich vocabulary, which is difficult to cram for. No past papers are available and the examiner, CEM, do not publish any guidance or practice materials to support this test.
It is possible to prepare for this 11+ test, however. Grammar schools, and other academically selective schools, continue to rely on entrance tests to identify the children most likely to succeed in their secondary school education. This restricts any testing at 11+, ensuring that the examiners cannot depart too far from the core skills of English, maths and the ability to problem solve.
Ensuring a strong foundation in core English and maths skills will really help with the 11+ and CEM exam format. Children should aim to be secure in their times tables and mental arithmetic, and able to identify conversions between fractions, decimals and percentages, for example. For English, they will need to be reading from a broad range of material and have a rich vocabulary.
There is no substitute for preparing using materials that most closely resemble the actual test, however. Many verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning questions will look and feel quite different from the assessment many children will have seen before so seek out question types that provide some practice on these.
Finally, don't forget to develop vital exam skills. 11+ tests can be extremely daunting and may be unlike anything your child has done before. Some practice at sitting tests under timed conditions prior to the real thing will help to develop time management skills for the exam and help to reduce stress on the day.
If your local grammar or selective school is using the CEM 11+ exam you will be able to find out more information about the exam on the school website.