CEM Tests and Home-schooling

What are CEM Tests?

CEM Tests are run by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, based at Cambridge University. They are a type of entrance exam used by schools with entry points at 11+, 13+ and 16+ to assess the academic ability of students. CEM tests have a number of different sections including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematical skills. They are adaptive (the questions get harder if the child gets a question right, and easier if they get one wrong) and results give a clear indicator of aptitude and, more importantly, potential.

How can homeschooling help with CEM Test preparation?

Homeschooling a child will mean that they are exposed to a custom curriculum and a tailored and flexible approach which allows potential to shine through. Parents who homeschool can adjust the learning to the child’s needs and can focus on one particular area (for example, shapes and patterns) which will foster careful preparation for aptitude tests.

Homeschooling resources for CEM Tests

When considering CEM preparation, it’s important that resources are accessible and familiar to the child. Whilst practice papers, online courses, educational apps, and books which reference the CEM tests do exist, parents may also wish to think about patterns in nature, or shape recognition when out and about. The beauty of the CEM test is that it measures potential, and showcases the homeschooling work that the child/parent collaboration is all about.

Advantages of homeschooling for CEM Test prep

An advantage often cited of homeschooling is the ability to create an academic and pastoral learning plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual child. The critical thinking and problem solving skills which homeschooled children have in abundance will be fantastic preparation for taking a CEM test, and the ability to make links between topics is something which a personalised curriculum can, for some children, foster much more successfully than a traditional classroom environment.

Challenges of homeschooling for CEM Tests

Parents may be worried that children educated in school would be more likely to be well prepared for these types of tests and assessments, but as the CEM test measures potential, it is actually a great leveller. A CEM report will allow you to see any gaps in a child’s knowledge and any areas you may wish to focus on in your personalised homeschooling curriculum.

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