Tutoring - in Year 4??

[hatsybatsy]

A friend told me that she intends to get her son tutored from the beginning of year 4 for the 11+ exams. She's aiming for one of the major independent schools close to where we live. I just find this OTT- our kids go to a good school and seem to be doing well.

But I seem to be alone- rumour has it that most parents are getting their kids tutored by the end of year 4. I know I'm going to find it really hard not to follow the herd. Please reassure me - no need to tutor brright kids for TWO years before the exams???

and DD1 loved going to her tutor. Doing the tough comprehensions every week, not so much, but never once complained about going. An hour one on one is lovely for them.

Do it yourself. Really. You're only talking about teaching a 10 year old! Yes, I've done, yes it was successful. Year 5 on is fine - year 4 is overkill unless their school is Really Bad.

That many panicking parents = good money for tutors. No other advantage at all.

Tutoring from year 4 is OTT. You risk pushing your child into a school they won't cope with naturally.

Our DS got state primary school national curriculum. He had levels that suggested he would be bright enough. We gave him 10 hours (total) with a tutor, 1 hour a week for the 10 weeks in the lead up to 2 independent school exams in January. All she did was exam technique and some reasoning questions.

The schools had a lot of applicants from prep-schools that will have been tutored to the eyeballs, I guessed between 150 - 200 for each school, 10 places and 30 places up for grabs.

He got places at both.

Don't tutor them to death. It isn't necessary.

Just to say I tutor children (not just for 11+) - my experience is that they love the 1:1 attention. My own children were both tutored (not by me) - my daughter loved it and even my son (who is a minimalist where academic work is concerned) didn't complain.

Rereading this thread. It's no wonder people panic and over prepare with tutors.

If your child needs extra-curricular assistance with English and Maths from a tutor from 6 to 24 months because all the hours they spend at school on English and Maths is not enough then ...... you are pushing them too hard.

Take a look at www.teatimetutors.co.uk
A unique and interesting way of tutoring your child and preparing for entrance exams