C.A.T.S. Exams! on Cascade Hall

Headmistress Kijewski-Jareau

September 14, 2013 2:11 PM

C.A.T.S. Exams! by Headmistress Kijewski-Jareau

Today was the first day of the Critical Assessments of Talents and Skills exams. Also known as the C.A.T.S. examinations. The very exams that had most of the Fifth year class ripping their hair out, taking calming draught potions, and pulling all nighters for the last ten months of their lives. These examinations were extremely important for students as they would determine the course of actions the students would have for their future not only at Sonora, but for the rest of their lives. These exams were just as important as the exams to be taken by Seventh years.

Like every year, there are four examiners in charge of testing these students. Aurora Septentrion was the first examiner. She had replaced Bernard Starsky when he had finally retired. Aurora allowed her blonde hair to remain free and down, giving her a youthful appearance that went well with her petite frame and blue eyes. Some of the males in the group were bound to find her attractive and, although she rarely smiled, the atmosphere around her was warm and friendly. However, students should not take this to mean she was an easy target to persuade or trick, Aurora took her responsibilities seriously and could be ruthless when needed.

Nanette Langdon was the complete opposite of Aurora in every way both physically and in personality. She had a fierce look to her caused by her straight back posture, so tight bun that her face was pulled back, and the pinched up look on her face as though she was constantly smelling something foul. Beyond that, she had such sharp hard features that only matched her hard cold eyes that anyone who was unlucky enough to have her as their examiner might feel as though she was going out of her way to fail them.

Roland Ashburn was one of the younger ones of the group and although he had been an examiner for many years now, he was still a push over. Roland had a difficult time being strict with the students as he knew they were trying their best under a stressful situation. Due to his need to please people, anyone who had him for an examiner was likely to pass. This wasn’t to say that students would know this going in, but his quick smile, awkward stance, and overly cheerful disposition, put students at ease within the first few minutes of being with him.

The last examiner and the fairest of them all, was David Weatherby. Handsome despite his aging appearance, David always enjoyed these weeks where he went from school to school meeting the students and learning of their abilities. With salt and pepper hair, vibrant green eyes, and a lean body, most of the female population tended to develop small crushes on him. However, it was his fairness and respect for the process in his examinations that had students hoping he would be the one to call out their name.

The mornings where the theoretical examinations were to take place, students were asked to quickly take their seats while the anti-cheating quills were presented to each of them. Examination books and parchments were faced down on desks and only allowed to be flipped once the examinations have begun. Langdon addressed the students in her crisp voice, “We have cast spells to prevent any cheating. Those who are caught will immediately be failed and removed from the room. Anyone who completes the examination prior to the end of the alluded time will remain seated and quiet out of respect to their peers.” Nanette made sure her seriousness of the situation was made clear as she looked at each student before continuing. “You may begin.”

In the afternoons when the practical examinations happened, students would wait outside of the Cascade Hall until their names were called. Once called, they would enter the Hall and make their way over to where the Examiner was awaiting them. The examiner would ask them to perform certain spells or create a certain potion. Once the student had completed each task, they were free to leave.

OOC: Theoretical (written) exams are in the morning and practical exams are in the afternoons. Mandatory classes are covered the first couple of days while electives are handled on the final day. You are free to write for your examiner and choose the one you would like to work with. Have fun!

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