What are World Class Tests?
World Class Tests help to identify and challenge able students. They are tests of problem solving and mathematics and are aimed at the top performers in the upper primary and lower secondary age groups. Each test requires students to apply creative thinking and logic to respond to problems and clearly communicate their thought processes.

Where are World Class Tests held?
World Class Tests are available all over the world. Since the first test session in 2001, over 18,000 students in over 25 different countries worldwide such as Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States have taken the tests. To find out how to be a test centre please go to How to register.

Mathematics and problem solving
Students can take World Class Tests in either problem solving or mathematics, or both. The problem solving questions use contexts drawn from science, design technology, and mathematics, but require high level problem solving skills rather than subject knowledge. This means that students do not need to have followed a specific curriculum to do well at the problem solving test. Students need some prior knowledge for the mathematics test, but will need to be able to apply this knowledge to new situations and use deductive reasoning to solve unfamiliar problems.

Age groups
The tests are aimed at nine and 13 year-olds. However, these ages are only a guide. The nine year-old tests can be taken by students in the 8-11 year-old range. The 13 year-old tests can be taken by students in the 12-14 year-old age range.
Paper and computer components
Each test has a paper component, and a computer component. To gain a certificate students must take both components of whichever test they enter. This means that test centres or schools hosting the tests must be able to meet certain Technological requirements and Administration and marking requirements.

Costs
World Class Tests are sold in packs of 5. The price of a pack of 5 includes the paper test booklet(s) and the on-screen computer test for 5 students, plus the relevant mark scheme.

If you do not use all materials during your test session, the materials can be kept for future World Class Test sessions. The materials should be stored in a secure location.

If students take the test at a centre other than their own school, there may be an additional charge of £4.50 per student to cover administration costs. These are UK prices only. For costs in other countries, please telephone +44 (0) 20 8996 8440 or email information@gl-assessment.co.uk

Test dates and test codes for 2008

Sitting B in November 2008
The November 2008 World Class Tests will be held from 10 November - 28 November. Students can sit the paper and computer components of the Mathematics and Problem Solving tests at any time during this 3-week window. Registration will open on 29 September and close at 5:00pm Friday 24 October. The November 2008 test session will shut down completely at 5 pm Friday 2 January 2009, ie, by this date you must have finished marking, inputting and generating student certificates and group reports for your students.

Test centres can schedule students to sit the paper and computer components of the Mathematics and Problem Solving tests at any time during the 3-week test window except Sundays. A booking system will be in place on the website for scheduling the computer tests which will operate on a first come first served basis. This is to prevent excess traffic on the website at any one time during the test period.

English language
World Class Tests are in English. Students will need to be able to read and understand the questions, and write their answers in English. However, teachers may translate words that students do not understand.

Chinese language
World Class Tests can be taken in Chinese. For more information please visit www.worldclassarena.hk or email info@worldclassarena.hk.