In recent years, there has been a growing trend of parents hiring private tutors to help their children pass11+. The 11+ is an entrance exam used by grammar schools in England to select Year 7 students. It is made up of a Maths and an English test, and sometimes a Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) test.
There is no doubt that tuition can help pass the 11+. However, it is not essential. Many children pass the 11+ without any extra help. In this article, we will discuss how students can better prepare for the 11+ with some key studying tips. So let’s just get right into it, shall we?
What Is The 11+ Test?
The 11+ is an academically selective entrance examination for secondary schools in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The test is administered by the Grammar School Association, the Independent Schools Council, the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools, and many schools.
The 11+ is usually taken by children in their final year of primary school to secure a place at a grammar school. The test comprises a series of cognitive ability and academic achievement tests, which are used to identify the ablest students.
There is no pass or fail mark for the 11+, but students who achieve high scores are typically offered places at grammar schools. The test is designed to be challenging, and only a small proportion of students who take it will be offered places at grammar schools.
What Is The Format Of The 11+ Test?
The 11+ test comprises a series of cognitive ability and academic achievement tests. The cognitive ability tests measure students’ abilities in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial awareness. The academic achievement tests assess students’ abilities in English, Maths, and Science.
When Is The 11+ Test Taken?
The 11+ is usually taken by children in their final year of primary school to secure a place at a grammar school. However, some students may choose to take the test in Year 6 if they feel they are ready.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking The 11+ Test?
Taking the 11+ can give students a head start in their education, as it can identify those who are academically able and allow them to access specialist teaching in grammar schools. Students who do well in the 11+ are likely to achieve good GCSE results and go on to study at top universities.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Taking The 11+ Test?
There is no guarantee of success in the 11+, and some students may find the test stressful. Those who do not achieve high scores may be disappointed and may feel that they have not lived up to their potential.
There is also a risk that students may be pigeonholed by their results and that they may be placed in an educational environment that is not best suited to their needs.
Useful Tips For Students & Parents
It can be a big decision for parents whether or not to send their child to a school that uses the 11+ test for admission. If you are considering this route for your child, here are some tips to help them prepare for the test.
1. Start Early
Don’t leave it until the last minute to start preparing for the 11+. The earlier you start, the more time your child will have to get used to the format of the test and the types of questions they will be asked.
2. Use Practice Papers
One of the best ways to prepare for the 11+ is to use practice papers. There are plenty of these available online and in bookstores. Doing as many of these as possible will help your child to get familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions they will be asked.
Here are some resources for 11 plus exam papers. In addition to practicing questions, it’s also important for your child to get used to sitting for long periods. So make sure they take regular breaks during their studies and build up to longer stretches of focus in the weeks leading up to the test.
3. Time Each Section
When doing practice papers, time each section so that your child can get used to working within the time limits. This is important, as they will need to be able to pace themselves during the actual test.
4. Identify Areas For Improvement
After doing a practice paper, sit down with your child and identify any areas where they need improvement. This could be specific topics that they struggled with or simply taking too long to answer certain types of questions.
Then, you can work on these areas together to make sure they are ready for the test.
5. Get Plenty Of Rest
Make sure your child is getting plenty of rest in the lead-up to the test. A good night’s sleep will help them to feel refreshed and focused on the day of the exam.
6. Have A Healthy Breakfast
On the day of the test, make sure your child has a healthy breakfast. This will give them sustained energy throughout the exam. Avoid sugary snacks or drinks, as these can cause an energy crash midway through the test.
7. Stay Calm
Both you and your child must stay calm on the day of the test. If they feel nervous, reassure them that they have prepared well and tell them to take their time and focus on each question.
Help them manage their stress by maintaining a healthy routine and keeping things in perspective. Encourage them to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals and get some exercise every day.
And remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes – everyone does it! The important thing is that they learn from their mistakes and keep trying their best.
8. Familiarize Yourself With The Format Of The Exam
The 11+ exam usually consists of two papers: a verbal reasoning paper and a non-verbal reasoning paper.
Make sure you know what format the exam will take so that you can familiarize yourself and your child with the types of questions that will be asked.
9. Encourage Your Child to Think Positively
Encourage your child to think positively about the exam and remind them that they have prepared well. Help them to visualize themselves doing well in the test so that they approach it with confidence.
Conclusion
As the 11+ test looms on the horizon, it’s normal to feel a little anxious. After all, this test can determine which secondary school you’ll be attending. But don’t worry, as long as you practice these tips to help you prepare, you will surely ace it! Best of luck!
