5 things you need to know about the 11 plus
5 things you need to know about the 11 plus
How to prepare your child for success in their future
If you’ve set your sights on a grammar school or academically selective private school, then you’re likely to be navigating the complex and often stressful world of entrance exams and interviews. If you talk to other parents or go on any online forum, chances are you will have the fear put into you by other families who say they have been preparing their child for years. Ignore it – the best way to approach it is to understand what is right for your child and your family. Some children will thrive with the extra work, for others the pressure can be really tough. So, where, when and how do you start?
1. Building blocks
An academically gifted child may well be ready to start prepping early. Some will start in Year 4, but a great many will start at the beginning of Year 5. Getting the timing right is important – start too early and they can lose motivation but you want to give yourself enough time to cover the breadth of topics without feeling like you’re cramming at the last minute.
You can begin building the foundations at any stage with English and maths games. This will stand your child in good stead whatever your path. Play Scrabble and other word games and read widely to build up vocabulary – encourage a wide range of fiction and non-fiction including newspapers suitable for a young audience, biographies, history, anything that will get their interest. Listen to them read and discuss the text together. Jigsaws, Lego and following recipes can build up fundamental skills that will all help. Times tables will be important. Have posters in strategic places like the back of a bathroom door.
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2. Tutoring options
Some parents choose to tutor their child themselves. However, it does require discipline to put in the time needed, you must be confident that you can teach what is required, and that you and your child work well together. The popular alternative is to employ a tutor, whether one to one or as part of a group, with the tutor having experience in teaching exactly what will be required for the exams. When choosing a tutor, meet them to see if they will have a rapport with your child, ask about their qualifications, their experience, pass rate and where the tutoring will take place – in a centre, online or in the tutor’s home. Consider what your child will respond to best. If you feel like your child would benefit from a more intensive period of preparation, you can sign up for booster weeks.
3. Thorough practice
There are countless books and online resources available so you can familiarise your child with the style of questions that will be asked in the exams. This is particularly useful for verbal and non-verbal reasoning style questions, which your child may not have come across. Choose workbooks that show how the answer was arrived at. Look at the websites of your preferred schools to see what will be tested and the style of questions. You could sign up your child for mock exams too as this can help them prepare for a formal exam situation. It can also help with learning how to manage their time in an exam.
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4. Prepare for interviews
Some schools advise against interview tuition for interviews, as they prefer to see the child’s authentic self. However, it can be helpful to discuss in advance with your child what they would like to say about their hobbies and interests so they have an idea of topics for the interview.
5. Wellbeing is key
Through all the preparation, make sure they are well-rested, well-hydrated, are eating well and getting plenty of breaks. Have a reward system for effort rather than outcome – it will be a double blow if they do not pass. And avoid piling on the pressure – they will pick up on any stress you show. Even if you’re laid back about it all, they will hear what other children at school are saying. Reassurance at this time is hugely important, as well as communicating in an upbeat way what the solid and attainable alternatives will be.
