The 11 plus exam is a crucial milestone for students in the UK who are looking to gain admission to grammar schools. It is an exam that tests a child’s knowledge and reasoning skills in subjects like English, mathematics, and reasoning. Preparing for the 11 plus can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a manageable and rewarding experience. In this blog post, we will discuss how to do 11 plus preparation at home.
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Start early
The earlier you start preparing, the better. Ideally, you should start at least a year before the exam. This will give your child enough time to work through all the material and practice enough to be comfortable with the exam format and content.
Develop a study plan
A study plan is essential to ensure that your child covers all the necessary topics and has enough time to practice. The plan should include a list of topics to cover, practice questions to solve, and mock exams to take. It’s also important to set realistic goals and milestones to track progress.
Create a suitable learning environment
Creating an environment conducive to learning is critical to your child’s success. This includes finding a quiet space for them to study and removing any distractions. You should also ensure that your child has access to all the necessary materials like textbooks, workbooks, and stationery.
Focus on core subjects
The 11 plus exam typically tests your child’s knowledge and reasoning skills in English, mathematics, and reasoning. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on these core subjects during your child’s preparation. Work through the topics systematically and ensure that your child has a thorough understanding of the concepts.
Use a variety of resources
Using a variety of resources is an effective way to keep your child engaged and interested in the learning process. This could include textbooks, workbooks, online resources, and practice papers. It’s also a good idea to mix up the format of questions to ensure that your child is comfortable with all types of questions.
There are various resources you can use for 11 plus exam preparation. Here are some options:
- Books: There are many books available for 11 plus exam preparation, covering various topics such as English, Maths, and Reasoning. Choose a book that is relevant to your child’s exam board and level.
- Online resources: There are many online resources available, including practice tests, quizzes, and tutorials. Many websites also offer free resources, such as past papers, that you can download and use to practice.
- Practice papers: Practice papers are an excellent resource for exam preparation. They provide a realistic exam environment, allowing your child to practice under timed conditions and become familiar with the exam format.
- Private tuition: Private tuition can be an effective way to support your child’s learning and provide them with one-on-one support. Many tutors specialize in 11 plus exam preparation and can offer tailored support based on your child’s needs.
- Apps: There are many apps available for 11 plus exam preparation, offering interactive quizzes and games to reinforce knowledge and skills.
- Study groups: Joining a study group can provide your child with peer support and motivation. It can also help them identify areas of weakness and learn from their peers.
In summary, there are various resources available for 11 plus exam preparation, including books, online resources, practice papers, private tuition, apps, and study groups. Choose the resources that best suit your child’s needs and learning style.
Practice, practice, practice
Practice is the key to success when it comes to the 11 plus exam. Your child should aim to solve as many practice questions as possible and take mock exams regularly. This will help them get comfortable with the exam format and content and identify any areas that need improvement.
Monitor progress
Regularly monitoring your child’s progress is essential to ensure that they are on track to meet their goals. This could include reviewing practice papers, discussing any areas that need improvement, and adjusting the study plan accordingly.
In conclusion, preparing for the 11 plus exam can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right approach and mindset, your child can succeed in the exam and gain admission to their desired grammar school. Remember to start early, develop a study plan, create a suitable learning environment, focus on core subjects, use a variety of resources, practice regularly, and monitor progress. Good luck!
