12th September 2014
Dear Parent/Carer
On Wednesday 17th September, all year 7 students will be taking part in a MidYis Test. The test is an
opportunity for the College to get a better understanding of the students’ ability so they can be
monitored throughout their continuing education with the College.
The test will take place during tutor time and part of their first lesson.
The MidYIS tests are designed to measure, as far as possible, ability and aptitude for learning rather
than achievement. The tests are comprised of 4 sections;
Vocabulary: This tests the breadth of a student’s vocabulary. Those who have not been exposed to
vocabulary-rich language or a wide variety of reading material or whose first language is not English
are unlikely to have developed as high a vocabulary score as they would have developed in a
different environment.
Maths: The Maths section has been designed with the emphasis on speed and fluency, rather than
knowledge of Maths.
Non-Verbal: This score is composed of the three sub tests: Cross-Sections, Block Counting and
Pictures. It provides a measure of the pupil’s ability in 3-D visualisation, spatial aptitude, pattern
recognition and logical thinking.
Skills: The Skills score is calculated from the Proof Reading and Perceptual Speed and Accuracy
(PSA) sections of the test.
In the Proof Reading section pupils are asked to spot mistakes in the spelling, punctuation and
grammar of a passage of text.
The PSA section asks pupils to look for matches between a sequence of symbols on the left and a
number of possible choices on the right. This section allows speed to be demonstrated free from
the demands of memory.
The Proof Reading and PSA tests are tests for the modern world, and are designed to measure
fluency and speed. They rely on a pupil’s scanning and skimming skills, skills that are desirable in
examination situations.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Miss P. Wyatt, Head of Learning Year 7