SECONDARY ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
The aim in Secondary school is to allow pupils to become independent young adults with the skills and qualities to succeed beyond school education. The Secondary School curriculum is based on the Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum as well as IGCSEs and university entrance qualifications. The overall curriculum is broad in nature with all subjects taught by specialist teachers. For pupils applying to join MCE from Year 10 and above, the College requires parents to submit 2 full academic years reports and academic report for current year from the current and previous school. These reports are required prior to any assessment being scheduled. The reports will allow the College to identify the suitability of the prospective pupils to enter the examinations year group being applied for. Our curriculum in Year 10 and beyond is largely guided by pupil options in subjects ranging from History to Drama. However, certain MCE timetable constraints may restrict a new pupil from being able to continue in courses on offer at their current/old school or picking up new courses that they have not previously studied. Once the school reports have been evaluated parents will be advised on the relevant assessment options then available and a pathway should be appropriate to the pupil.
What we look for in our entrance assessments
All Secondary School pupils undertake different sets of assessments during the admissions process:
- Online Cognitive Ability Test – this is a diagnostic tool used to help the College understand what the pupil’s academic potential might be. It also assesses how a pupil thinks in the areas that make a difference to learning.
- Written assessment – these are largely designed to give the College an indication of the child’s ability within the reading and writing of English. For pupils to be able to access the high demands of the MCE curriculum they need a secure level of English language proficiency.
As part of the entrance assessment process all pupils will meet one or more members of the academic staff. During these meetings, pupils will be asked a range of questions to explore their approach/attitude towards learning. Although academic background and potential are important factors within our admission process, we also put equal weighting into the overall potential for the child to be an active learner in all aspects of life. From sporting achievements to community service, the College appreciates the influence co-curricular activities can have on a child’s ability to flourish and achieve at school.