I provide cognitive/admissions testing for children and adolescents for whom cognitive testing is required as part of the application process to private / independent schools in the United States, Europe, Australia and The United Kingdom. Unlike many others, I have both the USA and UK versions of the WPPSI-IV and WISC-V. This is important as schools in the USA require the administration of the USA WPPSI-IV and WISC-V.
Many private and independent schools require the WPPSI-IV or WISC-V as part of their admissions process. Schools request the results of the WPPSI-IV or WISC-V to get an indication of a child’s potential for success.
These tests do not measure achievement. Instead, they measure a child’s general cognitive abilities, knowledge, verbal and visual/spatial abilities. Each school uses the results of the test differently. Some schools use the test as a way to place a child in a group. Others may use the scores to learn more about how an individual child processes information. And finally, others may use the scores to determine if the child is the right fit for the school.
Most children find the WISC-V and WPPSI-IV activities engaging, interesting, and often fun. My goal is for every child to be as comfortable as possible so their performance is the best representation of what they can do in this novel and unfamiliar situation. I will work to ensure that the assessment process is a positive one for your child and be assured, that testing is conducted in a relaxed, child-friendly environment designed to elicit your child's best performance.
The WISC-V and WPPSI-IV are classified as intelligence tests rather than content or achievement tests so your child can’t really “study” for them. It is important to understand that the WPPSI-IV and WISC-V are protected tests; i.e., knowledge and use of its contents are limited to qualified professionals.
Children under the age of 6 take the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV). Testing time typically runs 45-60 minutes.
Children ages 6 years and older take the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V). Testing time typically runs 60-90 minutes.
In some cases, children are also asked to take the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III), which is an individually administered measure of oral language, reading, written language, and mathematics. Testing time typically runs 90-120 minutes.
Your child will be asked to participate in a series of activities that assess their cognitive functioning. No practice is needed for these tests. While practice kits certainly exist, any practice or familiarity with the test invalidates the test and may lead to disqualification of the school application for your child. Often, children who have experience with test activities will report things like, “Oh! I did this at home!” at which point I will have to end the assessment. It is not worth it to try to give your child “the upper hand.”
Both the WPPSI-IV and WISC-V can be administered only once per year for the results to be valid, so please let me know if your child has taken the test within the prior 12 months.
Instead, prepare your child for the test by saying something like, “This morning we’re going to see Bridgit to do some different activities like working with blocks and looking at pictures.”
Avoid telling your child that I will be “playing games” with them as this often leads to disappointment when games are not offered. You can tell them that they will perform tasks that are similar to activities they do in school.
I encourage you to refer to me by my first name so your child feels relaxed about the meeting. If your child wears glasses in school, please have him/her wear them for testing. Medication should be taken just as on a regular school day.
The Actual Test
Children 5 years and younger take the WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence). It usually lasts around 45-60 minutes, and consists of multiple activities that measure different aspects of cognitive function. Development at this age is often uneven, so you may find that your child scores better in one area than another. This is normal.
The WPPSI-IV provides subtest and composite scores that represent intellectual functioning in specific cognitive areas. The subtests on the Verbal Comprehension Scale assess a child's ability to conceptualise, process verbal material and use language to reason and express ideas. The Visual Spatial Scale subtests measure nonverbal reasoning, spatial perception and ability to analyse abstract visual stimuli. Subtests on the Fluid Reasoning Scale assess visual-perceptual processing, classification ability and conceptual thinking. The Working Memory subtests evaluate visual recall and working memory (i.e., the ability to hold information in conscious awareness, simultaneously perform some type of cognitive task with it and then produce a result). The Processing Speed subtests measure the ability to process visual material in problem-solving activities with speed and accuracy.
Children 6 years and older take the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children). It usually lasts from about 60-90 minutes, and consists of multiple activities that measure different aspects of cognitive function.
The WISC-V provides a composite score that represents your child’s overall cognitive ability (Full-Scale IQ) and primary index scores that represent intellectual functioning in five specified cognitive areas: Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed.
Be relaxed about the testing:
Children generally enjoy the process, and do not inherently feel worried about it. It’s also okay if your child does appear nervous. I work with lots of children and I am very experienced with helping them feel comfortable.
The Night Before:
The night prior to the assessment, make sure your child gets a good night sleep. If he or she is ill, reschedule the appointment.
The morning of the test, do your usual morning routine and make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast.
It is best to take the test in the morning rather than later in the day when they can begin to tire. I offer appointments in the morning for both younger and older children to ensure that your child is alert and attentive so they can do their best.
When will the results of testing be available?
After the test is administered, the results of the WPPSI-IV or WISC-V are presented in a report, which goes to the parent. I will also forward the report to the schools for which you have provided written consent. The report will be written within 3 business days. A report will be emailed to you and a hard copy will be posted to you.
The report provides schools with a snapshot into the child’s skills and developmental level at the time of assessment. The test is only administered once, and the results can be shared with all schools to which a child is applying.
An in-person feedback session can be scheduled for an additional fee if you would like to further discuss the results of testing.
Next Step………………………………
If you would like to schedule an appointment please send me an email bsoellaart@gmail.com or call me on 07713011052.
Once an appointment has been scheduled, I will send you a parent questionnaire for you to complete prior to your child’s assessment.
The assessment takes place at my practice in East Horsley, Surrey
I have a recent DBS check, which you are welcome to see at your first consultation. I am a registered Educational Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). You will be able to confirm my registration with both bodies online, should you wish.
I hope this information has been helpful. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions about the testing process.