11+ preparation

Hi @Turefu, I recall seeing you over on the 11+ support thread, my DD yr 6 has just completed so when we get her results in a couple of weeks can let you know if what we did worked! Meanwhile DS1 is in yr 5 and I start the journey again 😫 For us our focus has been definitely not to over pressure as that is counter productive, I actually used to do a bit of visiting teacher work in a grammar school and did come across some very unhappy yr 7s sometimes who had been tutored and pressured within an inch of their lives to get in and then just couldn't cope when they got there. A little prep on the other hand is definitely required to give the naturally bright kids a chance against that hot house approach I'd say . Maths practise we've found is the most important thing, have a look at some past papers to get an idea of the standard, and it's to do with being able to work quickly as much as anything. We would naturally practise maths anyway as school of course encourage it so this was no great change in a way. Nearer the time some past papers just for a bit of exam technique is useful, time management is a tricky thing. We did a past paper fairly early ish in yr 5 to give a rough idea, then 2 or 3 more in the summer term. Books like Schofield and Sims, Bond or CPG are nice if you just use their 10 minute test ones, they're like quick little fun puzzles then. As I say, I do not yet know DDs results so can't claim my methods to be perfect but I like to think we stuck a balance of practise, which will only stand her in good stead wherever she goes, and no pressure. She enjoyed the experience over all and came out happy on the day with lots of excited chat about everything she'd seen so that's all I can ask really. We're choosing (after discussion with her( not to tell her her actual marks when we get them so that her having to think about anything is now all over.

You don’t have to have a tutor, but in my view it is unfair to put a child in for these exams without suitable structured preparation (which can be done at home without huge financial outlay, according to the needs of the child). It probably was different years ago, but the reality now is that the bulk of candidates in most 11+ areas will be receiving significant help, one way or another, to prepare them for these competitive exams.

OP: we are also at the start of Y5. Happy to discuss more offline if you want to PM me.

You do not have to have a tutor. Children do sit for the grammar school test beginning of year 6 and they are expected to complete entire KS2 syllabus. Both my daughter and son were in top set in their primary school and the school did complete the year 6 maths in year 5. There can be VR and NVR components as well which the school will not cover. Depending on the exam structure of your area you will need to make a plan, collate resources and start preparing.