What exactly is included in my purchase?
Immediately after purchase, you will receive access to a full online diagnostic, specifically designed to assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to the Verbal Reasoning section of the Halifax Grammar Schools 11+ Exam.
Every Verbal Reasoning question type that your child needs to know is covered, divided by topic.
Your child will be presented with a series of short tests to complete, which will be marked automatically.
Based on their performance, we will be able to highlight the specific topics they need to focus on to do well in their exam.
We will also provide specific recommendations on how to improve.
In summary, this diagnostic will not only remove guesswork from the exam preparation process but will also save you time and make sure you are helping your child maximise their potential in the most efficient way possible.
How will this diagnostic benefit my child?
We've mapped out the exact Verbal Reasoning syllabus covered in the Verbal Reasoning test for 11+ entry to Halifax Grammar Schools. Based on this, we've created diagnostic assessments for each topic that will assess your child's knowledge and pinpoint exactly which areas they need to focus on so that they are exam ready.
When should my child take this diagnostic?
The aim of our diagnostics is to highlight both your child’s current level and the level they need to reach to pass their exam. As such, our diagnostics are ideal for students in Years 4, 5 and 6. Of course, a Year 4 student would not be expected to perform as well as a Year 6 student, but in each case, the diagnostic will show you exactly what your child needs to focus on.
How long does this diagnostic take to complete?
This diagnostic covers 25 topics. Each topic takes about 20 minutes to complete. However, they don’t need to be completed in one go. Each topic can be taken separately.
How do you recommend my child uses this diagnostic?
The diagnostic is divided into many short sections, which don’t need to be completed in one go. However, please ensure that your child is in a good frame of mind and is able to focus in a quiet room when they attempt each section. This will ensure you get an accurate assessment of their level. Please also ensure you have a stable internet connection.
What kind of information will I receive once the diagnostic is completed?
You will receive a detailed breakdown of your child’s performance, by topic and level. This will allow you to make informed decisions on which areas to focus on and how much work is needed to get to the right level for the school you are targeting.
How do I interpret my child's performance report?
A simple traffic light system of red, yellow and green is used to highlight where your child has excelled and where they need to improve. At a glance, you will therefore be able to work out how your child is doing and what is needed to bridge the gap.
Can my child take a random sample of diagnostic questions?
We recommend completing the full diagnostic for every level and topic. This is crucial as it allows you to get a full overview of your child’s current level as we’ve made sure to cover every possible topic that could come up in the exam.
I've just bought a diagnostic, how do I know where to start?
To begin, navigate to your dashboard and set up a Child Profile, entering all the required details. Once completed, assign the diagnostic to your child. Your child can then log in using the created child profile and begin the assessment.
How many times can my child take each diagnostic?
Each Exam Beacon diagnostic can be taken once. This is by design. Repeated attempts of the same diagnostic leads to responses based on memory rather than true understanding. Additional practice recommendations are provided for every topic upon completion.
In which order should my child take this diagnostic?
For each topic, we have created three levels of difficulty. Level 1 focuses on foundational knowledge. Level 2 covers common questions that come up in the exam. Level 3 targets more advanced concepts. We recommend beginning with Level 1 and working through to Level 3.
My child needs additional support to increase their chances, what should I do?
Recommendations for further practice are provided for every topic upon completion of each diagnostic.
My child is at the start of their exam preparation journey. How best should I use Exam Beacon?
Exam Beacon diagnostics offer the ideal starting point for your exam preparation journey. Completing one at this stage will set you up for success, saving you time and effort by identifying exactly what your child needs to know and what they need to focus on. We recommend completing a full diagnostic for every subject that will be tested in the exam your child will take.
For example, if the school you are targeting assesses Maths and Verbal Reasoning only, you should take just the Maths and Verbal Reasoning diagnostics.
My child is midway through their preparation. How best should I use Exam Beacon?
Exam Beacon diagnostics offer a great sense check if you are midway through exam preparation. They will alert you to any intervention that may be necessary and also give you an unbiased, external insight into your child’s performance that will empower you as a parent to make the right decisions regarding revision, preparation and tuition.
How are the scores ranked?
Our ranking system takes a number of factors into consideration to ensure we are providing an accurate assessment of your child’s level. This includes specific school exam timings, question formats, difficulty levels and of course your child’s performance. Using our wealth of experience, we are able to provide you with benchmarks to aim for specific to the school you are targeting.
How can I share my results with my tutor/school?
You can provide them with direct access to your child’s account or you can easily export and share your child’s final report for them to view.