11 plus support thread

I have loads of queries - my DC is in year 5.

We live in a village that borders a county 11+ system, we are therefore within catchment.

We are about to embark on the tutor journey. I have been very clear with the tutor that if he feels that my DC won't thrive in a grammar school environment that we won't continue - when do you tend to make that call? Around January?

Gosh, more angst for a second stage, that sounds like hard work OP, I feel for you. In Essex we're done and dusted in one hit. That being said, DD also now has some aptitude tests to sit for another couple of potential schools but at least we can't really prep for those.

DS had his test yesterday along with a few other boys from his class (only one was there at the same time, as they had at least two sittings). He had the same problem as in the mocks - not enough time! Plus the room was quite hot and stuffy apparently and he got tired towards the end. It's a long exam for children of 10 or 11. I'm very glad it's over.

OP - do you have a second stage? I hadn't heard of that!

@changingstages never too late, plenty of anxious waiting still to do! They did all seem too young to be doing exams didn't they.

Just discovered this thread, a bit late really, as DD took hers (CSSE) today. She said it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be, but also later said it was harder than the (two) test papers we did, so who knows. We couldn't afford a tutor and I am worried she'd have stood a much better chance if we'd been able to as although she's bright there were things in the maths when we practised she hadn't really come across. She's brilliant at the English stuff.

I was surprised how nervous I was when she was doing it. And I felt pretty awful about the whole thing when I saw them all come out afterwards. They all looked so young. It's a bit brutal. So glad it's over with.

All done here now
Phew. He said it seemed harder than the mock he did and last year's paper. Managed to finish both which is good as he ran out of time in his mock.

Done here too, hard to tell how it went although she seemed happy with the maths in particular as usually runs out of time on that paper. Everything crossed now for results!

We are all done!!

She came out very happy and said it was better than she’d expected.

Have to forget about it now for a few weeks. Nothing we can do to change anything.

DD doing her first right now, then have to go through it all again next Saturday!

ah joining as DP just walking ds to his exam now. we're doing the CSSE paper in Colchester.
ds had a wobble last night so just praying he gets through the door and tries his best at this point.
best of luck to you all

Husband texted to say DD dropped off successfully 9am bang on, he also commented much more smoothly run than last week.

DD Dropped off! Hers very early morning shift. Must admit way better managed by the school than last week’s. Also lot less crowd. Now waiting ...... can hear music, actually loud music .... wine .... dance..... hurray!!! Its all done at last Best of luck everyone!!

DD dropped off, all very smooth and easy.
My stomach is in knots but she seemed ok.

Nowhere near as busy as when DS did it, huge queue then, today we walked in, split into surname letters, handed in paperwork and left.

They are doing 2 sittings today, then some on Monday and maybe some on Tuesday too? Glad to be the first sitting to get it done.

12.15 pickup and then a nice lunch out, with cake.

Well it's all going to be over in a few hours, good luck everyone if your day is also today!

[quote ElvenDreamer]@WithCatLikeTread oh no, everything crossed for you that it all works out, the whole covid bit just makes the already stressful situation a whole lot worse. Hang in there.

Ps as an aside I love your user name, I actually walked down the aisle to that song 🤣[/quote]
ElvenDreamer - cool wedding song!
I have played it in orchestras (clarinet) and I have the tune for that bit, it sticks in my head!

DD seems calm for tomorrow, has a plan for a face mask and a bath - 🤷‍♀️ Whatever works.

Can’t wait for it to be over!

Poor kids.

Thank you, ElvenDreamer. Threads like that are eyes opening. When I read some parents stating tutoring their children for 11+ from year 3, I feel I left preparations way to late. My son just started year 5. I want him to get into grammar school based on his ability, I know he's bright, but he'll compete against other bright children. I want him to go to Ripon Grammar School, the only grammar in our area.

I was so busy at work that I managed not to think about it for a while today - bliss!

@user153876909 I hear you. We've not gone overboard like many seem to, but as you say, it's very stressful and I find it consumes all my thoughts currently, making me behind on life generally.

@Turefu I think most on this thread have DCs sitting 11+ literally this week end, for me it's DD, but I also have to do it all again next year for my yr 5 DS so am right there with you if you need to stress!

Yep, DS is at a super-selective and half his friendship group relocated from various places after securing their place. They had taken 6 or 7 exams and I'm sure scored highly in all of them, but can only choose one school!
Plus many who end up going the independent route also take the grammar tests to have a state option, or as practice.