Click here for the WCA homepage  
Click here for the WCA homepage Take a look at some example questions You can find out about test information here Click here for information on how to register You can get hold of support materials on this page We have listed some external sources you may find useful Get in touch with us
Schools profile:
Should my students do World Class Tests?
How do we take part?
Link to Administration site
Commonly asked questions
Parents profile:
Are World Class Tests right for my child?
How do we take part?
Commonly asked questions
Click here to find out more
 

Commonly asked questions

1. How can I tell if my child is gifted?

2. Are World Class Tests compulsory?

3. What skills will my child need to take World Class Tests?

4. How will World Class Tests benefit my child?

5. My child isn't nine or 13. Can s/he still take a test?

6. How do I enter my child for the tests?

7. When do the tests take place?

8. How much do the tests cost?

9. My child's school isn't entering students for World Class Tests. Can we enter him or her     somewhere else?

10. How can I help my child prepare for the tests?

11. What happens after the tests?

12. Can my child take a World Class Test again?

1. World Class Arena defines a gifted and talented child as one who:

  • is in the top 10 per cent ability range;
  • can think quickly and accurately;
  • can think creatively;
  • communicates their thoughts and ideas clearly to others;
  • understands unfamiliar information; and
  • applies their knowledge and experience to solve problems.

Back up to question one

2. No - your child does not have to take World Class Tests. However, if teachers in your child's school think that your child should take part, have a look at the Example questions to help you both make a decision.

Back up to question two

3. World Class Tests are aimed at pupils in the top 10 per cent ability range in mathematics and/or problem solving. Your child will need to be able to:

  • think creatively and logically;
  • use their thinking skills to solve problems and answer questions on subjects that they may not have studied at school;
  • work out and respond to unfamiliar information; and
  • demonstrate clearly how they think through and solve questions.

Back up to question three

4. World Class Tests challenge and extend the abilities of very able children. These children enjoy the high-level stimulation of World Class Tests, and having their achievements recognised can give their self-esteem a valuable boost. If they live and are at school in England, they can also use their test grade to apply for entrance to the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth's talent search.

Back up to question four

5. World Class Tests are aimed at nine and 13 year-olds. However, students can take the tests as soon as they are ready. For example, a very able eight year-old could take the nine year-old test, or a very able 12 year-old could take the 13 year-old test. The mathematics questions use the curriculum for nine and 13 year-olds respectively, so if a younger child took the tests, they would need to be taught the extra curriculum.

Back up to question five

6. Contact your child's school to find out if it is entering students for World Class Tests. If it is, it can enter your child. If not, contact us at information@gl-assessment.co.uk or phone 0845 602 1937 for a list of your nearest World Class Test schools or test centres.

Back up to question six

7. Please click Test information to see the next test dates.

Back up to question seven

8. The 8-11 year-old tests cost £8.00 each and the 12-14 year-old tests cost £10.00 each. Either you or your child's school will need to pay this charge - please check with your school for payment arrangements. If your child is taking the test at another school or test centre, there may be an extra charge of £4.50. These prices apply to the UK only. For the cost of taking the tests outside the UK, please contact us at information@gl-assessment.co.uk or phone +44 (0)208 996 8440.

Back up to question eight

9. Yes you can. Contact us at information@gl-assessment.co.uk or phone 0845 602 1937 for a list of your nearest World Class Test schools or centres. There may be an extra charge of £4.50 (UK price only) for taking the tests elsewhere.

Back up to question nine

10. If your child is entered for a World Class Test, they are likely to be in the top 10 per cent ability range in mathematics and/or problem solving. Your child will need some taught knowledge of these subjects, but they will also need to have a higher level of thinking skills in these subjects. You can buy the Student Guide to World Class Tests on our Support materials page. This is a booklet and CD-ROM which gives extra information on what to expect from the tests. You can also look at the Example questions with your child to get a feel for the kind of questions that the tests involve.

Back up to question ten

11. The tests are marked by the test centre, and if your child has passed, they will receive either a pass, merit or distinction grade and a certificate.

Back up to question eleven

12. Yes. Your child can take another test for their age group later in the same year, in either subject. If your child has taken the 8 - 11 year-old mathematics test, they could also take the 12 - 14 year-old mathematics test when they are ready.

Back up to question twelve