Best preparation for English test for Sutton Grammar School

[whataboutbob]

DS2 who is currently in year 4 is hoping to go to Sutton Grammar School. He is strong at maths and is also getting some extra coaching in maths once a week from a friend who is a teacher.
However he is not as interested in literacy/ literature. I have formed the impression that SGS does not do VR, but tends to set a longish English paper that requires applicants to do a piece of writing form scratch.
I'd appreciate feedback on whether this is correct, and the best way to prepare for the SGS English paper. Many thanks.

Yes, there is a creative writing exam as part of the second test (for those who pass the Selective Eligibility Test). They give you a piece of writing and the children have to write something based on this piece of writing. You could always get them to practise this sort of thing, eg, finish the story, write the story from a different point of view. Practise writing in different styles like diaries and newspaper articles.

Wilson's and Tiffin also have creative writing in their second exams.

Does your son like reading generally? That helps.

Plenty of reading, himself, you to him, and even audiobooks if nothing else works. Also exposing him to a range of texts, written at different times, do not all current books!

*so not all

Thanks for your good ideas. Currently he is stuck in an Atticus Claw phase and I am trying to get him out of it so he gets exposed to different writing styles , but without being too pushy. I guess one problem with the creative writing thing is it is harder to practise that because you can't just pick up revision books and there isn't a wrong/ right answer. I have started reading newspaper articles with him regularly. Then I plan to graduate onto getting him to write stuff.

You can get some nice books with writing frames and ideas to get them started too.
I love this book (although some of the pages are a bit dated, cassette tapes!!) it gets kids writing creatively without having to stare at a blank page or come up with too many ideas initially.

www.amazon.co.uk/Fantastic-Ideas-Frenzied-Teachers-Educational/dp/0003294757

Wow thanks so much mango i'll be ordering it!

You're welcome!

Do take a look at the Elevenplusexams forum - if you go to the forum then regions sections, they have a Sutton page. I found it a mine of information. DD sat 11+ in SE London so a different region but as regards focus DD wanted to try for the schools in question and we also made good use of mock tests to identify any weak areas and focus on those. Good luck.

Thanks so much Petts. I have looked at the 11+forum a little but not registered. I should get to grips with it, it looks like a useful resource. Sutton does mocks around Maytime and I'll be aiming to register DS for a mock exam. I suspect it'll be quite a wake up call!

You need to look out for the bookings form for the Sutton Grammar PTA mock tests (on the website) around January before the Mocks in May/ June. They sell out within a few weeks. They are certainly worth doing. Wallington County Grammar PTA also does mock tests now.

Thanks Saturday that is excellent advice I've put it in my diary to check the SGS website in January 2017.