How to get ready for 11+ exams?

[MrsClegane]

my ds is in yr 5.... we've been looking at putting him in for the 11+ exam to hopefully get into a local grammar school. He is very bright, top of his class in maths. He is also an august child.

now to questions....
1...does he get extra "points" for being a summer born child? (though I don't know if he needs it.... he flew through his yr2 sats as he was clever AND August)

2...are there any books to help with revision/see what gaps he has?

3...where can I get practice tests? (the GS has a mock test for every test they sit, but once he's done that he will need a few others to practice on/look at, etc)

4...what else should I be doing to prepare him? we are NOT pushy parents. He has the option to go for it or not, if he decides on the morning of the test he doesn't want to do it then that's fine...but I don't want him to go in unprepared when we could have done something to help him. At the moment he wants to go for it.

thanks for any help you can give me... this is all new ground for me x

You need to specify your county/target school. The Tiffin test will be different to the Buckinghamshire test etc.

Yh depends on area. In our area it's not enough to be excellent at Maths, you also have to pass English & Reasoning. So prep depends on any weak areas, technique, time management etc according to what the test covers.

Just so you are aware, at least in our area, SATs results are no guarantee of 11+ success. There is a huge gap in the English and Maths requirements for SATs compared to the standard required for 11+ success. That's why parents at state schools put so much effort into prep.

Agree re SATs - my DD flew through them in Yr 2 and scored near perfect scores in SATs in yr 6 (she's yr 7 now, July born), had been on all top tables from Yr 1 but still found 11+ exams a challenge. If he's in Y5 now at a state school (like my DD) I think you should look into a weekly tutor from now or Christmas. He will (prob) get a couple of extra points in GS exams for being Aug born.

He's good all round, but maths is his specialty and tops the charts so to speak.

we're looking at north Halifax.

is there anywhere to get practice tests? so then I can see where he does have gaps?

I'm sure I read somewhere about some books which were good to help revision....but can't think of the name? does anyone know what they may be?

Www.elevenplusexams.co.uk

Are you thinking of Bond books?

I’d check the exam type in the forums of course he site above before buying books.

Have a look on elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum. There is a section for each area inc Yorkshire.

Tests differ across the country. A quick google it looks like your area is GL. Firstly check the school website to confirm type of test - GL, CEM etc. And what papers they sit some areas are Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, some have Non Verbal Reasoning. Some are all multiple choice, some include essay. There may be links to practice samples on school website. GL website has some free tests on.

You need to ensure he has covered the areas he will be tested on. My DD sat GL last year in Lancashire and they needed to have covered all yr 6 maths by time they sat test 2 weeks into yr 6. Verbal reasoning will not be done in a state school - there are only so many types and a definite knack to it.

Bond, Letts and CGP do practice books. Most suitable depends on area, see forum mentioned above for advice.

Nearer the time eg summer hols you can get practice papers. Get him used to doing them under timed conditions. GL there are 2 packs of practice papers for each subject with 4 papers per pack. Amazon, WH smiths sell.

Scores are standardised for age but I don't think it makes a huge difference.

Also are you in catchment? School with give info but if like our area in catchment only needs about 75% per subject to pass. So a top table child with prep stands a good chance.

Go to school open evening, some are early summer and also ensure you register him for exam in time, they have cut off dates before the exam date.

I went to a comp and knew nothing about grammars until DD was getting ready to sit. It seems daunting but you will be fine.

Reading. You've mentioned his maths strength but reading and vocab are important. If you google you'll see recommended 11 plus reading lists. Mine is a voracious reader anyway but I made effort to encourage some more classic texts.

He reads every night before bed.... for at least half an hour up to an hour completely by choice.

I may suggest some books which may challange him a little. Any suggestions of books?

He is a good reader, he is good at english, vocab etc.... I am stumped at times with some of the words he uses when explaining things and have to ask him to explain what they mean.

www.11plus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/reading-list-11plus.co_.uk_.pdf

This sort of list. If you google lots of similar 11 plus reading lists come up.

Mine is a reader but I guided her to more classic texts sometimes that she may not have chosen on her own.