Grammar school - tutor or not?

[KitZacJak]

We looked around the local grammar school and my son really liked it. I think he could pass the 11+ but less than half that pass get in.

I was planning on just familiarising him with the papers so he knows what to expect. But part of me feels that by not tutoring I am not giving him the best possible chance especially as a lot of grammar pupils come from local prep schools that provide in school tutoring. On the other hand, I don't want him to feel under pressure.

What do other people think?

[summerends]

VR can be used to measure different types of ability. In one superselective, which may even be the one you are referring to, one year the test included more sequences etc, another year it was apparently more biased towards vocab knowledge. A level playing field is never going to happen as some children will be more exposed to a wider range of vocabulary than others. It would be better if the primary schools in areas where grammar schools are an option simply started after school clubs for all, teaching the same pattern recognition skills that private preps do. A lot of theses tests are quite good fun I hear and would serve to expand vocabulary for those who may not be exposed to much reading etc. The teachers might even pick up some unsuspected bright sparks.

[BetsyBidwell]

agree with laqueen

i knew my kid was clever enough. He jsut needed to know how to show it

[Kenlee]

I cant agree more well said LaQueen...

Furthermore does anyone realize the damage they do to their children if they are over tutored and over tired. I have first hand experience and when a child is pushed and pushed and then pushed some more they tend to burnout....

Im not saying it will happen to all Over tutored children but there is that risk. Where parents would say at Primary s/he did so well...now they dont want to work...at all....I see its like a marathon you dont have to go full pelt all the time. When tutoring is needed get in that expert help firefight the problems. At least that way they may finish the race...

Although often enough sitting down with them and working it out together is way more fun than doing that extra hour at work or talking to your mates. I know many will say that's tutoring and it is but your kid appreciates your help. So they want the attention and thus want to do it. So in their minds its good not a bad thing.

BTW if you are a tutor please don't just force the kids to rote learn...I think the role of a good tutor is to make the child enjoy what they are being taught. I suppose that is my line distinction on over tutoring.

Sorry for hijacking the thread but I do think these things need to be considered if you want your child to be tutored.

Dont forget if you over tutor and they become over tired upset and resentful .....

Then wait and see if the Crash and Burn...I've seen many Aces fall .....