All questions are answered on a separate answer sheet, with each correct answer gaining one raw mark. The tests are age standardised to ensure that no students have an advantage based on their age.
How The Course is Structured
Year 5
This year is designed to familiarise your child further with the essential elements of the 11+ and to build on the basic knowledge and skills in such a way so as to allow your child to successfully implement what they have learned directly to the 11+ question format.
Terms 1 and 2 will be devoted to going over individual question types, building up a vocabulary bank and increasing mathematical skills.
In Term 3, children will be given the opportunity to take practice test papers under test conditions in order to familiarise themselves with the format of the real papers. At this stage, timing becomes a major focus
Assessments
There will be a mini assessment on the key 4 areas (Comprehension, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics). This will be done once a term and these results will be sent out to you so that you can monitor your child’s progress. These marks will highlight any gaps in learning and show whether your child is on target for a successful 11+ result. If your child is struggling, you may stop tuition at any half-termly point, given reasonable notice. You will find, however, that this tuition is beneficial in promoting all round progress in English and Mathematics at school.
Homework
Homework is given at the end of each session and will take about 1-1½ hours a week to complete. Schoolwork comes first, of course, but a certain level of commitment is required here.
This will also act as a preparation for working in a grammar school setting, where homework plays a key role.