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MOVING FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

Transitioning from primary to secondary school can be a very stressful time for parents and children. Ensuring you get a place at the school in which your child with thrive is essential to give them the best start in life and the chance of further education or career of their choice.

Many schools now run entrance tests as part of their selection criteria, and schools in SW Herts Consortium run both academic and music entry tests.

As large numbers of children take the academic tests, the music tests offer a better chance of being selected.

11 PLUS MUSIC APTITUDE TESTS FOR SW HERTS CONSORTIUM SCHOOLS

The 11 Plus Music Aptitude Tests give an indication of a student’s musical aptitude and forms part of the 11 plus secondary transfer process for the South West Herts Consortium of Schools. Each year 10% of places for entry into year 7 will be allocated under the music criterion.

The Music Aptitude Test is not a test of musical ability. No information is required about the instrument, including singing, or the standard to which your child plays.

With a combined professional music teaching experience of over 50 years, the Soundbox teaching team brings this knowledge to support and guide students through the music testing process.

WHAT SCHOOLS DOES THE MUSIC APTITUDE TEST COVER?

The South West Hertfordshire School Admissions Consortium consists of the following schools:

  • Croxley Danes (music only)
  • Rickmansworth
  • St Clement Danes
  • Parmiter’s
  • Queens’
  • Watford Grammar School for Boys
  • Watford Grammar School for Girls


Your child will be allocated a test venue within the consortium of schools.

The test takes place after school, usually in the main hall of the school test centre, in the first week of September. The test venue allocated has no relation to the school of your choice.

Stage two of the test follows in weeks 2 and 3 of September.

WHAT DOES THE MUSIC APTITUDE TEST LOOK LIKE?

Children applying to any of the schools under the Music Criterion, must complete a written aptitude test in music consisting of 60 questions in four sections.

All applicants must achieve or exceed the qualifying score to be called back for the 2nd Stage Music Practical Assessment. This changes each year depending on the cohort results. As a guide a score of 45 or above is sufficient in recent years to proceed to stage 2.

STAGE 1  60 QUESTIONS IN 4 SECTIONS

Pitch 20 questions
Rhythm 10 questions

Candidates listen to two sounds and have to indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or if it is higher or lower than the first sound.

Candidates listen to two patterns of notes comprising four beats and have to decide whether the second pattern is the same as the first, or if it is different, and where the difference occurs by giving the beat number.

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Candidates listen to two tunes consisting of five notes and have to decide if the second tune is the same as the first, or if one of the notes has been changed by giving the note number.

For these questions, Candidates listen to a number of notes played together at the same time. Candidates need to decide whether each chord has 2, 3 or 4 notes.

SOUNDBOX MUSIC APTITUDE 1 TO 1 SESSION

Soundbox offers individual sessions designed for students who require in-depth and focused teaching and practice across the four key areas of the test after taking a Mock Music Test. Using Mock Music Tests, we allow students to familiarise themselves with the Music Aptitude Test under exam conditions.

Our program of 6 sessions, includes a mock test to assess ability across the four key areas. We then provide education and practice to improve understanding and ability, leading to improved scores in a final test at the end of the program.

HOW TO BOOK

To book our 1:1 programme, discuss what is involved complete the form below, or ring us on 07905 766913

Our programmes run from may all the way through to the test in September, with sessions available to book to suit your diary, with additional practice sessions available if required.

TIPS FOR CANDIDATES

This about your choice of music – you want to stand out not be one of many.

  • Do not play music from a graded exam book
  • Pick a piece with a quirky title to initiate discussion
  • Go for a piece with an upbeat tempo and/or mood
  • Find an unusual composer that will be another discussion point
  • Avoid popular show pieces or chart music – they don’t want to hear the same song from every
    candidate.

 

Plan early so you can choose your piece and practice it, but also so you can learn and practice the stage one test. You wont get to perform if you don’t pass stage one. May is the best month to start the programme giving you plenty of time.