FAQs
Class 1 and 2 specific
01
Is there an entrance “test” for Class 1 and 2?
No, we do not conduct formal pass/fail entrance tests. The diagnostic assessment helps us to understand each child’s age-appropriate, readiness for school, in:
02
What do teachers look for in the play-based activities and tasks? Which skills are most important for admission?
We consider the whole child: curiosity, communication, confidence, social interaction and willingness to engage. Age-appropriate, school readiness is considered alongside emotional and social readiness.
03
Will my child be required to write or complete worksheets?
Worksheets, if used, are limited, purposeful and developmentally age-appropriate, supporting understanding rather than rote practice.
04
What if my child is shy or takes time to settle?
That is completely okay. Teachers use friendly conversations and play-based activities to build comfort. Shyness is not a disadvantage.
05
Does my child need to be fluent in spoken English?
At this early developmental stage our focus is on communication skills and understanding rather than fluency.
06
Does my child need to read fluently?
Guided reading is observed in English and Urdu with expectations that are developmentally appropriate and phonics based.
07
Does my child need to write fluently?
No. However, children are expected to show readiness for basic writing.
08
How important are social and emotional skills?
Very important. Comfort with routines, peer interaction and emotional readiness are key parts of the admission profile.
09
What if my child learns differently or needs support?
We value diverse learners and recognize that readiness varies. Applications from students with additional learning needs are considered and admission is offered when the school is able to provide appropriate support within its available expertise, staffing and resources. The school works in partnership with parents to support each child’s learning and wellbeing.
Class 1 and 2 specific
01
Will my child take a written test?
Students complete a short, age-appropriate diagnostic assessment based on engaging tasks rather than traditional tests.
02
What will the assessment include?
Students may work with short texts, visuals, data, or real-life scenarios and respond to open-ended questions that encourage thinking and explanation.
03
What skills are you assessing?
We observe how students:
04
How are literacy and numeracy assessed?
Both are assessed in an integrated, real-life context rather than through isolated drills.
05
Does my child need to prepare or memorise content?
No preparation or memorisation is required. There are no recall-heavy questions, timed papers, or syllabus-based testing ahead.
06
What is the purpose of the assessment?
The process helps us understand how your child learns and reflects the inquiry-based, thoughtful approach they will experience in the classroom.
General – all admissions
01
What is the purpose of the Readiness & Partnership Conference?
The conference helps families and the school:
02
How are admission decisions made?
Based on seat availability, decisions are based on the child’s overall profile - developmental, social, emotional and academic readiness. If the child meets our admission profile, then the final offer for admission is made after the Readiness & Partnership Conference.
This process ensures a strong partnership between school and home and supports a thoughtful match between the learner and the IB PYP environment.
03
Is prior IB or Cambridge experience required?
No. Previous IB or Cambridge experience is not required. We welcome students from a variety of educational backgrounds.
04
How does the school support a smooth transition?
We support new students through a structured transition process that includes orientation, teacher guidance and differentiated classroom support. The counselors and teachers help students gradually adjust to inquiry-based learning, classroom routines and expectations, ensuring they feel confident, supported and settled in their new learning environment.