School assessment and entrance tests are significant milestones in your child’s educational journey.
These assessments help determine your young learner’s knowledge, strengths and weaknesses. With the results, you and the school staff will have a clear idea about how you can support your child as they navigate their academic path.
By helping your child prepare for, and ace, their first school entrance test, you are setting them on the right path toward a brighter academic future. In the UAE, your young learner will need all the support they can get to do well on this part of the admissions process, and to get into their dream school like the GEMS Royal Dubai School in Mirdif.
If your child is applying for a place at a GEMS school, the school registrar will schedule a meeting for you and your child with a member of the Education Team once you have completed the registration process.
At the end of this meeting, you will be informed if your child needs to undergo an entrance test or assessment.
Your young learner will be given a schedule to take this test. You need to use the time you have until their assessment to help them prepare for it.
You can help set up your child for success through the following ways:
Most schools will have a set type of entrance or assessment test they use for incoming students. Ask the school education or admissions team about the exam your child will take.
Go online to read about the test and familiarise yourself with the format, content and time constraints.
If you find sample test questions or papers, download, print and answer them with your child so they know what to expect during the actual exam.
When you have a good idea of the test, you can create a preparation strategy that can give your child an advantage.
Speak with your child about their upcoming school entrance test, especially if it’s their first time taking one.
Give them as much information as you can about the test and process. Having sample exam papers allows you to share a lot of relevant information with them.
Assure your child that you will help them prepare for the test and that they can tell you anything, including their worries regarding the exam.
If you want to create a study plan, discuss this with your child as well and involve them in making it.
Having a good study schedule is crucial for helping your young learner prepare sufficiently for the test.
Plan a timetable that accommodates your child’s daily routine. Allocate specific time slots for revisions, taking practice exams and other test-related activities to maximise their preparation.
However, ensure their daily schedule includes time for play, rest and exercise, so they won’t experience a burnout.
Look for different versions of the test your child will take and print out several copies for their practice tests.
You can also make your own questions based on the exams you obtained online to broaden your child’s knowledge.
Have your child take these practice exams at least twice a day before their actual test, especially if they don’t have a lot of time for their revision.
Also, try to simulate the actual test conditions at home. Create a quiet, distraction-free environment for your young learner’s practice tests and use a timer during these sessions.
Keep in mind that the more your little one practices in a similar testing environment, the more familiar they will become with the exam format and content, which will help reduce their anxiety on test day.
After your child completes a practice test, make sure you check their paper. Go over their answers with them, paying attention to the ones they got wrong.
Discuss the answers to the questions they got right. Doing so helps them understand the questions better and remember the correct answers.
Pay attention to the topics or items your child needs help with. These may include reading comprehension, spelling and calculations. Give your child additional support in these areas so that they can achieve their target scores.
Letting your child take practice tests with time constraints allows them to learn how to pace themselves during the actual exam.
When your child knows how much time they should spend on each question and section, they can answer more items, which can make a significant difference in their overall performance.
Also, teach them helpful test-taking strategies, such as always reading the test all the way through, answering the easy questions first and going back to the ones they’re unsure of later.
Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation and visualisation to manage their test anxiety.
These techniques can help them stay composed during the test, allowing them to focus on their skills and knowledge instead of being overcome by stress.
Encourage your child to practise these relaxation methods when they are studying and revising so that they won’t get overwhelmed easily.
Although you want your child to get a passing score, avoid reminding them that they need to do well to gain admission. If you do, they may feel more pressure, which will affect their overall performance.
Foster a positive mindset in your child by highlighting that tests are opportunities to showcase their skills and knowledge.
Lastly, emphasise the importance of staying calm and confident during the test. A positive outlook can help them focus on the exam and improve their performance.
If your child wants to go to a top British Curriculum school in Dubai , focus on preparing them for their assessment test so that they can begin their educational journey on the right footing.
