Upcoming 11+ nerves (me not DS!)

[Sweetsweetsoul]

My Year 5 DS is sitting 11+ for a state grammar school next month. His brother is already at the school which I feel adds to the pressure. He seems calm about it all but I am feeling more and more anxious. I just hate the thought that if he fails it will knock his confidence and will be compared to his brother, who he’s very close to. I just can’t wait for it to be over and know either way.

Anyone other parents feeling the pressure? (I know it’s our choice etc…)

We were feeling pretty calm and ready but the format for the exam has just been changed. I also have one DC at a grammar school already, so while I feel more confident this time in terms of passing (never a certainty, but she really should do), the changes worry me because the main obstacle for DD is being out of her comfort zone as she isn't calm under pressure like her DB is.

Do you know why they’ve changed it @BumbledBee ?

I know my younger DS is clever enough to pass, but you just never know on the day and he’s not as much of a dead cert as his big bro. We haven’t external tutors for either of them and suddenly regretting it (which I know is ridiculous and just my nerves talking!).

They are generally quite secretive about the papers - make them theirselves rather than use publishers and don't release past papers - but in the last few days they sent an email directing applicants to their website so everybody sees the new question format. This is a good thing in general, I think, because it makes it a more level playing field. But it obviously adds an extra level of uncertainty.

We have done it ourselves with no external tutoring too, but it was the right call the first time around.

@BumbledBee - I think we are trying for the same school but I haven’t had the email and can’t find the information on their website. Do you have a link to the details of the changes. Thanks.

@Lockdowndramaqueen It went into my junk folder and I only saw it when I was searching for something else - it was sent on Aug. 16th. PM me if you still can't find it and I'll send you the links

Oooh thanks @BumbledBeeb- I’ll have a look.

I have a child just going into Y5 and am starting to look at what is necessary for my 11+ area (Birmingham). I feel very worried about how much he has missed. I don't think he was taught any new content at all in Maths in Y4 (lockdown etc.). Really he should be starting to consolidate things this year so he can do it all at the required exam speed, but instead we are having to introduce content which is brand new to him. We can't be the only people in this situation and I wonder what the result will be.

I just posted on another thread 21Sunny - don't stress you can do it, you really can. My child had non-existent maths through out year 5 (lots of different teachers, lockdown disaster and a disruptive class when their was a class).

I will try pm you what helped when I have time.

Like other posters I will be doing 11 plus with my next child, with my first having managed to get through. I still have a bit of time but a watching with interest.

I guess it is a case of managing the stress so you don't stress your child, doing regular work in an engaging way and backing yourselves, especially those who have been through it once.

Good Luck BumbleBee and SweetSweetSoul let us know how you get on.