Scholars - Aptitude Paper

It has become clear that the format of the aptitude paper may be limiting the opportunity for some candidates to show real flair and imagination in their solutions. Therefore, as from February 2011, although still based on designing, the paper will have a different format. The key features of the new format are:

The paper will be split into TWO sections.
Candidates will have to answer TWO questions, ONE from each section.
Candidates are expected to spend ONE HOUR on each section.
Section 1 will have open-ended design questions. We are looking for creative and innovative concepts. They are not expected to be fully detailed solutions but the key features and working principles of each concept should be identified.
Section 2 questions will require candidates to solve a very specific design problem in detail. Key specification points will be provided.
Candidates will not be required to produce a specification in either Section 1 or Section 2.
Please see the mark scheme (included in the handbook) for the new format.

One consequence of this decision is that the exemplar material on the website is no longer an accurate reflection of the new style questions BUT it does give an indication of the standard of work we are looking for. New exemplar material will be placed on the website in summer 2011.

Schools' Handbook