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Original poster

11 plus support thread for exams 2024

638 replies

ElvenDreamer · 11/10/2023 08:55

Hi all,
Anyone fancy joining me for for an 11 plus support thread for those yr 5s who are probably just starting a bit of prep now ready to sit exams in September 2024?

State grammar is the angle I'm personally coming from but all welcome no matter if you're applying to private selective, state aptitude tests etc.

This will be my 3rd and final time of going through this and I've found support threads here really useful the previous times.

OP posts:
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Danascully2 · 19/09/2024 18:57

Ahhh that would explain why I couldn't find them! Have never heard of them, I'll have a look, thank you very much :)

Original poster
ElvenDreamer · 19/09/2024 17:37

@Danascully2 that's exactly our experience too. Btw, I just reread what you said about area specific forums, I don't think people mean on mumsnet, they will mean the 11+ forums which you can find here: https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/index.php

OP posts:
Danascully2 · 19/09/2024 15:45

Yes I have had discussions with him about the many flaws in the 11+ system which mean that if he doesn't pass it doesn't really mean anything much.
It's felt like a long road of getting the right balance between reassuring him that it's ok if he doesn't pass and getting him to practice (because I can see that grammar would really suit him).

Original poster
ElvenDreamer · 19/09/2024 14:27

@troppibambini6 it's hard going isn't it, I don't envy you. Mine are close in age too and it's just felt relentless.
@NoWayRose 🤣, thats probably what was in my head when I wrote it!
@Danascully2 yes Ive had lots of helpful family members say things like that too, no help whatsoever and makes the poor kid feel pressured when I'm trying to do the opposite!

OP posts:
Danascully2 · 19/09/2024 10:07

Yes I've got a year or two before I need to think about it for the younger one so feel for those of you with another one sooner. Younger ones is a very different character so we'll have to see whether it's right for him to work for it. Also if older one doesn't pass he might just want to go to the same school as his brother so that will affect our approach too. Lots of unknowns currently.
Someone mentioned area specific forums but I couldn't find these under education - any tips? Some moral support would be great if we're doing it again... Husband's idea of a helpful comment along the way was 'he's bright of course he'll pass' having not looked at any of the practice questions....

yoshiblue · 19/09/2024 09:55

I don't know how you've all managed it with multiple kids. So glad I have an only child here! 😂

NoWayRose · 19/09/2024 09:25

ElvenDreamer · 19/09/2024 06:06

Hi all, stopped away from the thread for a few days and it's lit up like a firework, just been having a read through the last 3 pages. Lots of you done now, well done, you all deserve that glass! To those saying about children not getting through all the questions, try not to stress too much, while it differs from county to county of course, my impression is lots of the papers are literally designed like this, so there is not enough time to actually complete, otherwise there's no way to differentiate between the top candidates, they need to get all those marks strung out on a bell curve. 2 days left now for Essex and I can't wait for it to be over, thank goodness it's my 3rd and final child, I couldn't face doing it again that's for sure!

My first thought reading this was ‘like a firework - one point for figurative language’. Loosing my mind. 😅 Good luck to all the kids taking it on Saturday!

Examstressargh · 19/09/2024 08:31

@troppibambini6 that sounds exhausting! I have two more to get through but mine are more spaced out so a bit of time in between 😆

troppibambini6 · 19/09/2024 08:15

@ElvenDreamer it's my 3rd too but I have one more to get through. He's just started year 5 my older son sits the exam on Friday and the younger one starts his tuition on Saturday. I actually feel exhausted at the thought of doing it all again!!

MrsDexter · 19/09/2024 06:52

Does anyone know when the Bexley results are out pls. Thanks

Original poster
ElvenDreamer · 19/09/2024 06:06

Hi all, stopped away from the thread for a few days and it's lit up like a firework, just been having a read through the last 3 pages. Lots of you done now, well done, you all deserve that glass! To those saying about children not getting through all the questions, try not to stress too much, while it differs from county to county of course, my impression is lots of the papers are literally designed like this, so there is not enough time to actually complete, otherwise there's no way to differentiate between the top candidates, they need to get all those marks strung out on a bell curve. 2 days left now for Essex and I can't wait for it to be over, thank goodness it's my 3rd and final child, I couldn't face doing it again that's for sure!

OP posts:
BarqsHasBite · 18/09/2024 23:48

yoshiblue · 18/09/2024 17:33

I'm with you @troppibambini6 I'm having some fizz to celebrate and have also booked a solo spa day in a few days to reward myself for the work I've done, let alone my son! 😂

Good for you - it’s absolutely the case that it’s not just the kids who slog and stress for this!

Examstressargh · 18/09/2024 22:00

Love this @yoshiblue !!

troppibambini6 · 18/09/2024 21:33

@yoshiblue spa day sounds amazing!

A friend had booked a golf/ football/ bar place for all the kids and parents on Friday and I will certainly be having a glass or two!

yoshiblue · 18/09/2024 17:33

I'm with you @troppibambini6 I'm having some fizz to celebrate and have also booked a solo spa day in a few days to reward myself for the work I've done, let alone my son! 😂

FrenchieMum2Be · 18/09/2024 17:26

Exam is this weekend in our area. Good luck to all the children taking part!

troppibambini6 · 18/09/2024 15:09

Friends

troppibambini6 · 18/09/2024 15:09

@peachypops it's so hard to tell isn't it?!!

Three years ago Dds friend came out saying it went really well and wasn't too bad.... hardly anyone even got close to the pass mark!

Dd1 came out saying it was really hard and flew through.

I suppose it's just a case of wait and see. I feel like this week is dragging I just want Friday to be heat and it all to be over!

slaybell · 18/09/2024 11:34

Also Trafford here.

DD came out feeling confident and saying it was easier than the mocks she'd done both at home and with her tutor.

Fingers crossed for everyone r

peacypops · 18/09/2024 09:54

@Examstressargh ahh really. Who knows hey! My child said that nothing unexpected came up that they hadn't covered in tuition and they managed to complete everything. From experience I think it's very hard to gauge though. My eldest did the test some years ago and came out very deflated but got really high scores. Middle child thought it was ok and only just got through!

Examstressargh · 18/09/2024 08:58

@peacypops im also Trafford and I have heard the opposite from our tutor 🫣

troppibambini6 · 17/09/2024 17:07

Oh that's good to know thank you for the info.

To be honest after yesterday not sure it would be right for the next ds. I might just put him in for Ambrose I will see how the year progresses.

pocketpairs · 17/09/2024 16:51

troppibambini6 · 17/09/2024 16:42

@pocketpairs oh that's interesting. He gave me the impression it's was a new thing.

Worth remembering for next year when the next one sits it.

Sutton Tutorial (based in Bham) include this format in their mock exams. Not sure how much help practicing does though, as you have 22 seconds to find answer including writing it down. I just advised my DS to just answer as much as possible correctly. He could never do the full 8.

troppibambini6 · 17/09/2024 16:42

@pocketpairs oh that's interesting. He gave me the impression it's was a new thing.

Worth remembering for next year when the next one sits it.

pocketpairs · 17/09/2024 15:38

Also, think if we think of the normal distribution curve, think there will be many clustered around 222-226, so a couple of marks will make a huge difference, so luck will probably play a big factor for marginal candidates needing to meet priority score.