This week students in Year 7 completed the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).

This test measures students’ reasoning abilities in three areas:  verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal.  The verbal battery measures how well the student is able to learn and solve problems related to words.  The quantitative battery measures your child’s ability to apply numerical concepts.  The nonverbal battery assesses skills in using figures and pictures to solve problems.  Like any standardised test, the CogAT measures only some of your child’s skills, and the results represent ability on the day the test was given.  Therefore, these scores form one point of reference to measure a student’s potential.  Test scores should never be used alone to make decisions about services or supports, but they can be helpful when interpreted in conjunction with other information and metrics.  In the Maitland–Newcastle Catholic Schools Diocese, CogAT results are used as one of several measures to inform classroom differentiation, supports, enrichments, and extensions.

Congratulations to all Year 7 for their effort in completing this task.

Julie Rowsell
Gifted Education Mentor