11+ exams and other entrance tests can feel like the mysterious gatekeepers to top secondary schools. While every student’s journey up to this point is different, long term preparation is key. The good news is, your child has likely been preparing for it long before you even considered entrance exams. Here is our best advice for long-term preparation to put into place 1 year or more before exam day.
Building Strong Foundations
Read, Read, Read: Top students are not just reading what they have to at school, nor are they just reading the works of one or two authors. Encourage a love of reading beyond the school curriculum to expand vocabulary, improve comprehension, and strengthen general literacy skills valuable for both school and exams. Explore different genres and time periods to expose children to a wider range of languages. Verbal reasoning, in particular, relies on a wide vocabulary and solid understanding of spelling conventions.
Embrace the “Extra”: Look for opportunities to extend learning beyond the core curriculum. Take up school extension tasks or optional homework projects that push students further, building skills relevant to entrance exams. Online resources like play.freerice.com or wordshake.com/boggle gamify learning as a fun way to stretch your child.
Maths in the Real World: Turn everyday situations into mini-maths lessons. Compare supermarket deals, calculate recipe quantities, or estimate distances on walks – all while having fun! These everyday problems will help prepare your child for worded maths questions common on 11+ papers.
Begin to Build Exam Skills
In addition to a strong foundation, some targeted exam preparation can be beneficial. However, remember, effective long term preparation doesn’t have to be stressful.
Promote self-study time: Encourage habits or routines for self-study from an early age that can start with reading for pleasure. Over time, incorporate word and number puzzles or online learning games. Building these habits early on will help your child develop the self-discipline needed for future academic challenges, such as 11+ exams and GCSEs.
Practice Beyond School: Consider age-appropriate 11+ practice tests or question sets. Introduce these gradually alongside other activities, keeping the experience positive and engaging.
Develop Exam Skills: Many 11+ exams test how students adapt and apply knowledge to new situations. Practise these skills by focusing on understanding core concepts rather than rote memorisation.
Remember
- Long-term preparation is key. Encourage a love of learning, build strong foundational skills, and make learning a fun and enriching experience.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your support to your child’s individual needs and learning style and speak to an expert for more advice.
- Balance is important. Don’t let exam prep overshadow other aspects of a happy and well-rounded childhood.
- Preparation goes beyond test day. Academically selective schools are challenging environments and this long term approach will also help your child to thrive once they get into their chosen school
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