Year 7 entrance test

[Hannahmum35]

In one years time my daughter is taking an entrance test for Year 7 (maths, creative writing and verbal and non-verbal exams). She really wants to go to this school but it is selective.

She's bright however not the brightest of her year. I think one year to try and work on these test is a good time manner but for those whom done this, how much time do you suggest we focus on this without going mental and putting her under extreem pressure without compromising on achievement (sorry of that doesn`t make sense).

She has about 1 hour homework each evening already. I have the time 7 days/week evenings to tutor her but am really unsure to what degree time wise we should be working ...

Any advice please?

Hi Hannahmum35

Have been there & done that with DD1 (Y6 now) who sadly looks to have just missed a place. But our starting point was Bond's Parent's guide for the 11+ - e.g. www.amazon.co.uk/Bond-The-Parents-Guide-11/dp/1408515822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389976918&sr=8-1&keywords=11%2B+guide+for+parents

Basically this will explain what the 11+ involves but has an assessment test for your child. This helped us to decide whether it was worth going ahead - DD1 was borderline. But we found the assessment bit of the guide a really useful gauge to judge whether it was achievable or not.

My advice for studying is this:

1. READ - and read quality. Lots of lists out there for what to read for the 11+. With reading don't just leave your DC to it but ask them to read for you and really chase them up on meaning of words/ comprehension.

2. make sure math skills are sound. In essence the 11+ assumes you have fully mastered the entirety of the primary curriculum to end of Y6 - therefore you really do need to know how to handle fractions/ decimals/ percentages and things like perimeter/ area/ angles.

3. practice can be intensive - but you can also do a lot in small chunks. 10 minute quiz books with bond, on-line quizes with various providers, etc...

4. use school homework as an opportunity as well - don't let them just do the bear minimum, ensure they show all calculations and if it is a writing task get them to improve vocabulary - i.e. if your child has written very briefly have them expand it a bit or if they have used simple words like sad, mad, glad - can they think of other better words.

5. play games like scrabble, boggle or banangrams to build vocabulary/ think of anagrams.

DD1 did this kind of thing and I think my only regret was we really didn't do a lot of mock tests - partly because at the last minute we decided to have a late summer holiday as an opportunity presented itself - so just brought 10 minute quiz book along. DD1 didn't like long sessions and I think that left her a bit unprepared for the length of the exam day so she flagged at the end. Around here most people get really intense the summer before the exam (so late Y5 & summery holiday).

Many 11+ workbooks are rated by age. If you DC is 9 look at 8-9 and 9-10 books and decide which is a good fit for what you know they can handle. My long-term advice is that if you are working comfortable with the 11-12 year range books by the end of the year you will be in a good position.

Finally visit the forum on eleven plus exams - link here: www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/index.php - they have advice by region & regional discussion boards which are a huge help and often describe generally the nature & content of exams in your area.

HTH