Catalyst Stream Admissions

The Application Process

Click on the link below to register your interest in the Catalyst STEM Stream and taster sessions. By completing the registration form, you will be invited to our taster sessions and information evenings, and will receive updates about Catalyst STEM Stream.  

Please note, application for September 2025 entry is closed and we are now recruiting for Year 7 in September 2026.  

If you have any further queries about Catalyst STEM Stream or the application process, please email catalyst@novahreodacademy.org.uk.  

Aptitude Assessment

All applicants will be invited to complete an aptitude assessment.  This aptitude assessment cannot be prepared for and assesses the applicant’s ability to learn.  Some sample questions are shown below. 

Verbal Reasoning

Example 1

The words in bold are similar in some way. Decide how they are the same.  Then choose the correct word from the answer choices that goes with the first three words. 

rain        fog           snow 

Answer options:     weather       wet        hail         cold          horrible 

Example 2

For each question there are three words in dark type.  The first two words go together.  The third word goes together with one of the answer choices. Choose the word from the answer choices that goes with the third word. Look at the example. 

cat > kitten : horse > ? 

Answer choices:        baby        small        calf        foal        puppy 

 

Non-verbal Reasoning

Example 1

In each question the first three figures are similar in some way. Decide how they are the same.  Then choose the figure from the answer choices that goes with them. Look at the example below. 

 Picture 8, Picture

Answer Options 

Picture 7, Picture

 
Example 2  

The first line below shows how a square piece of dark paper is folded and where holes are punched in it.  You must select an image from the answer options which shows how the paper will look when it is unfolded. 

A grey square with a white circle

A grey square with a white circle Description automatically generated, Picture

Answer options: 

A grey square with a dot Description automatically generated, Picture

 

Quantitative Reasoning

Example 1 

The question starts with two numbers that are linked together in some way. Next there are two more numbers that are linked in exactly the same way.  You have to work out how the numbers are linked and then finish off the third pair. Look at the example. 

[ 2 > 4 ]  [ 6 > 12 ]  [ 13 > ? ] 

Answer options:           15            18            20             26              130 

  

Example 2

Each question shows a series of numbers.  You have to work out the rule or rules used to arrange the numbers.  Then decide what number should come next in the series. Look at the example. 

3 6 12 24 ? 

Answer options:           12  30  32  48  56 

  

The Interview Process

Once students have completed the aptitude assessments they will be informed in writing whether they will be taken to the next stage of the process. 

At this stage, the candidates are required to produce a a single sheet of A4 about a STEM topic of their choice; this could include subjects such as renewable energy, coding and articial intelligence, hydrogen and electric vehicles, or any other topic that interests them. It can include diagrams and pictures if they wish. The topic that students choose to present is an entirely free choice however it should not be a general presentation on why the students wishes to be a part of the Catalyst STEM Stream. Scholars will be invited to introduce their research and this will be followed by a five-minute chat about why they are interested in the topic, what they have learnt and will also include some questions from Dr Clapp, Mrs Unwin or Mr Delap.  

Once all students have been interviewed all applicants will again be informed by email whether they have been successful with their application and will be invited to join the Catalyst STEM Stream.  Interview feedback is available on request. 

Further Questions

If any further information is required or you require any assistance with the application process, please email catalyst@novahreodacademy.org.uk.

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