Introduction 引言
Applying to international schools, especially those following the British curriculum or UK independent schools around the age of 10 or 11 (Year 6/7 entry), often involves specific entrance assessments. These tests help schools understand a student’s potential and readiness. Commonly used assessments include CAT4 and, particularly for UK entry, UKiset. Let’s explore these (adapted by Wellington College Shanghai & Dulwich College Shanghai), along with other similar exams like the CEM Select used by schools such as YCIS (Yew Chung International School).
申请国际学校，特别是那些遵循英国教育体系或英国私立学校、面向10至11岁（即准备进入6或7年级）学生的学校，通常需要参加入学评估测试。这些测试旨在帮助学校了解学生的学习潜能和准备情况。常用的评估包括CAT4，以及针对英国学校的UKiset。本文将为您解读这些测试，并介绍耀中国际学校(YCIS)等学校使用的CEM Select等其他类似的11+类型考试。
What is the CAT4? 什么是CAT4？
CAT4 stands for the Cognitive Abilities Test: Fourth Edition. It’s not a test of academic knowledge (like math facts or historical dates) but rather an assessment of cognitive reasoning abilities – how students think and solve problems. Many schools use it to gain a broad understanding of a student’s potential, identify learning preferences, and sometimes as part of their admissions process. It helps schools see beyond current attainment levels.
CAT4是认知能力测试第四版的缩写 (Cognitive Abilities Test: Fourth Edition)。它测试的不是学生掌握了多少学科知识（如数学公式或历史日期），而是评估其认知推理能力——即学生如何思考和解决问题。许多学校使用CAT4来全面了解学生的学习潜能、识别其学习偏好，有时也将其作为入学筛选过程的一部分。它能帮助学校看到学生在当前学业成绩之外的能力。
Understanding the CAT4 Sections CAT4考试包含哪些部分？
The CAT4 assesses thinking across four main batteries:
- Verbal Reasoning: Understanding relationships between words, logical thinking with words.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Thinking with numbers, understanding numerical relationships and patterns.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Solving problems using shapes and patterns, independent of language.
- Spatial Ability: Visualizing and manipulating shapes in space, thinking in 3D.
CAT4通过四个主要方面来评估学生的思维能力：
- 言语推理 (Verbal Reasoning): 理解词语之间的关系，运用词语进行逻辑思考。
- 定量推理 (Quantitative Reasoning): 运用数字思考，理解数字关系和规律。
- 非言语推理 (Non-Verbal Reasoning): 运用图形和模式解决问题，不受语言限制。
- 空间能力 (Spatial Ability): 在空间中想象和操控图形，进行三维思考。
Beyond CAT4: Other 11+ Style & Entrance Assessments CAT4之外：其他11+类型及入学评估
The term “11+” often refers to entrance exams used by selective grammar schools and independent schools in the UK for entry into Year 7. Many international schools, especially those with British roots or selective entry, use similar assessments. Besides CAT4, other assessments include:
- CEM Select: Developed by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, this test is often used for 11+ entry and is known for adapting its content. Schools like YCIS use CEM assessments. It typically includes Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Numerical Reasoning.
- GL Assessment: Another major provider of 11+ exams, often covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- UKiset (UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test): This is a significant assessment specifically designed for international students (typically aged 9.5-18) applying to UK independent schools. UKiset is unique because it assesses both cognitive abilities (verbal, non-verbal, quantitative reasoning) and English language proficiency (including reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and a written essay). It provides UK schools with a standardized profile comparing the applicant to British students of the same age, helping determine academic potential and necessary English language support (EAL).
“11+” 这个术语通常指英国的文法学校 (grammar schools) 和私立学校 (independent schools) 用于筛选7年级入学学生的考试。许多国际学校，特别是那些源于英国教育体系或实行选拔性录取的学校，也会采用类似的评估方式。除CAT4外，其他评估还包括：
- CEM Select: 由评估与监测中心 (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) 开发，常用于11+入学评估，以其内容调整的灵活性著称。耀中国际学校 (YCIS) 等就使用CEM的评估工具。它通常包含言语推理、非言语推理和数字推理。
- GL Assessment: 另一家主要的11+考试提供机构，其考试内容通常涵盖英语、数学、言语推理和非言语推理。
- UKiset (英国私立学校入学测试): 这是一项重要的评估工具，专为申请英国私立学校的国际学生（通常年龄在9.5至18岁之间）设计。UKiset的独特之处在于它同时评估学生的认知能力（言语、非言语、定量推理）和英语语言水平（包括阅读、听力、语法、词汇及一篇限时写作短文）。它为英国学校提供一份标准化的评估报告，将申请者与同龄英国学生进行比较，有助于判断其学术潜力以及所需的英语语言支持（EAL）。
These tests aim to assess aptitude and potential for success in a more rigorous academic environment.
这些考试旨在评估学生在更严谨的学术环境中的学习潜能和成功潜力。
Preparing for These Assessments 如何准备这些评估？
For cognitive tests like CAT4 and the reasoning parts of UKiset/CEM/GL, intensive “coaching” on specific answers is less effective than developing underlying skills. However, familiarization is key:
- Understand the Format: Help your child become familiar with the types of questions asked in each section (Verbal, Quantitative, Non-Verbal, Spatial, English components). Practice examples can reduce anxiety.
- Develop Core Skills: Encourage reading widely (builds vocabulary and verbal reasoning), practice mental maths, solve puzzles (logic, non-verbal, spatial), and discuss reasoning processes.
- Focus on English (for UKiset/GL etc.): For tests with significant English components like UKiset, consistent development of reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills is essential.
- Time Management: Practice working steadily and accurately under timed conditions if the test format involves timing.
- Reduce Anxiety: Reassure your child that these tests measure potential and skills, not just memorized knowledge, and are only one part of the application process.
对于像CAT4以及UKiset/CEM/GL中的认知推理部分，高强度“辅导”的效果不如发展基础技能。然而，让孩子熟悉题型至关重要：
- 了解考试形式: 帮助孩子熟悉每个部分（言语、定量、非言语、空间推理以及英语相关部分）的题型。练习样题有助于减轻考试焦虑。
- 发展核心技能: 鼓励广泛阅读（建立词汇量和言语推理能力），练习心算，玩智力游戏和解谜（锻炼逻辑、非言语和空间能力），并讨论解题的思考过程。
- 专注英语能力 (针对UKiset/GL等): 对于像UKiset这样包含大量英语内容的测试，持续提升阅读理解、词汇量、语法和写作能力至关重要。
- 时间管理: 如果考试形式包含计时，练习在规定时间内稳定、准确地完成题目。
- 减轻焦虑: 让孩子放心，这些测试是衡量潜力与技能，而非仅仅是记忆性知识，并且这只是整个申请过程中的一部分。
How Sprout Education Can Help Sprout Education 如何提供帮助？
Navigating school entrance assessments can be challenging. At Sprout Education, I help families understand these different tests – including CAT4, CEM Select, GL, and UKiset – within the broader context of school applications. My guidance includes:
- Explaining the purpose and format of various assessments.
- Providing resources for familiarization with question types.
- Helping interpret assessment results (where available) to understand your child’s learning profile.
- Guiding school selection (in the US, UK, and internationally) based on fit, considering assessment results alongside many other factors.
- Supporting overall student development, focusing on both cultivating intellect and nurturing character (启迪智慧·树人根本), which builds the foundation for success on these tests and beyond.
应对学校的入学评估可能充满挑战。在Sprout Education，我帮助家庭理解包括CAT4、CEM Select、GL和UKiset在内的这些不同测试，并将其置于学校申请的整体背景中。我的指导包括：
- 解释各种评估的目的和形式。
- 提供资源，帮助学生熟悉不同题型。
- 协助解读评估结果（如学校提供），以了解您孩子的学习特点。
- 基于多方面因素（包括评估结果）指导学校选择（涵盖美国、英国及其他国际学校），找到最适合的学校。
- 支持学生的全面发展，专注于启迪智慧·树人根本，这不仅为应对这些测试，更为未来的成功打下坚实基础。
Entrance assessments like CAT4, CEM Select, and UKiset are tools schools use to understand potential applicants better. Familiarity with their format and a focus on developing core thinking and language skills can help your child approach them confidently. Remember, these tests are just one piece of the puzzle in finding the right educational environment for your child to thrive. If you have questions about specific school requirements or need personalized guidance for US, UK, or international school applications, please feel free to contact us.
像CAT4、CEM Select和UKiset这样的入学评估是学校用来更好地了解申请者的工具。熟悉考试形式并注重培养核心思维和语言能力，可以帮助您的孩子自信地面对它们。请记住，这些测试只是为孩子寻找能让他们茁壮成长的合适教育环境过程中的一部分。
如果您对特定学校的要求有疑问或需要针对美国、英国或国际学校申请的个性化指导，欢迎随时与我们联系。
I look forward to seeing how these developments will improve service levels and customer satisfaction in the freight industry!