How to prepare for the high school entrance exam

Not all kids approach exams in the same way. While some are calm and confident, others get stressed or have a fear of failure. Regardless of their learning style, you can help your child pinpoint and work on their needs. For example, you can encourage them to the following:

• Devote more study time to a specific subject or topic
• Review material with a friend or adult who’s well-versed in the topic
• Build their self-confidence
• Develop tricks to avoid memory blanks
• Manage their performance anxiety
• Etc.

In theory, children who have passed Grade 5 should be able to write high school entrance exams. The test is composed mainly of multiple-choice questions and covers the following topics:

• French (spelling, vocabulary, conjugation, punctuation, etc.) (links in French)
• Mathematics (fractions, operations, decimal numbers, angle measurements, areas, volumes etc.)
• General knowledge (art, literature, history, geography, ethics and religious culture, science, etc.)
• Critical thinking (numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, visual reasoning)

With proper planning and the right materials, studying for an entrance exam can actually be fun and easy. For example, to thoroughly review a subject, it’s recommended to study for 10 to 15 hours (spread over several weeks) and to use various study methods. Alloprof is a great study buddy! Here are some resources to suggest to your child (French only): 

• Alloprof’s mathematics and French study materials
• Key concepts in Cycle 3 of elementary school
• Alloprof’s tools and resources, which include videos, exercises, and concept sheets
• Etc.

Surprises are rarely welcome in an exam setting, as they tend to provoke anxiety. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your child about what the entrance exam they’re preparing for will look like. Here are some of the details you could mention:

• The exam lasts three hours
• Students are allowed to use any devices listed in their individualized education plan (e.g., computer)
• Breaks are not permitted
• Etc.

It’s important to study before an exam, but it’s equally important to be physically and mentally prepared. To be at their best, your child will need to be calm and well rested. You can help them get into tip-top shape by ensuring they do the following:

• Get enough sleep the night before the exam
• Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast on the big day
• Use stress-relief strategies
• Etc.