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School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 2:08 pm
by GreenGables
Hi everyone, this is my first post here. My son's school have suggested he try 11plus in Sept; we're only five miles away from a super selective. Trouble is, I hear such mixed things about how amazingly clever you have to be to get in that I wonder if the school just want as many children to try as possible to up their chances of saying they've sent children there. (Or am I being really cynical?) I do think my DS is a bright boy. He reads a huge range of books and is good at English especially, and apparently level 4a now for maths. But don't they have to be level five to have any chance of passing, or does it vary round the country? Obviously I am in favour of him having a go but don't want to set him up for disappointment now if really he should be over a level five to stand a chance. Haven't much idea of the competition!

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 2:24 pm
by Okanagan
Where abouts are you? It does vary hugely from one area to another.

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 3:30 pm
by GreenGables
Am in Devon...

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:32 pm
by 999 mum
GreenGables wrote:Trouble is, I hear such mixed things about how amazingly clever you have to be to get in that I wonder if the school just want as many children to try as possible to up their chances of saying they've sent children there. (Or am I being really cynical?)
Have you weighed up the pros and cons.

Would you want your son to go to the grammar school?

Would it demoralize him if he fails? (How many sit the exam in relation to the number of places)

What format is the exam?

Do you need to consider tuition?

Just be grateful that the school have even suggested it - around this part of london the schools never mention grammar school and give you funny looks if the parents do!

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:26 pm
by GreenGables
Yes, we'd like him to go if it would make him happy. I think there are 4 children sitting test for each place, on average. I guess the being demoralised thing is what I worry about.. My cousin still recalls bitterly his 11plus failure 30 years on! I suppose we want to know objectively if his levels make it worth a go. Or will the children sitting range from level 4 through five and even higher?

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:27 pm
by Reading Mum
Maybe try posting in the Devon section as people will have relevant local knowledge there

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:52 pm
by stevew61
We have arrived in Devon, is it raining? :-)

If you don't try you don't know, the effort and learning skills in giving it a go will be useful wherever he ends up.

Once a brain has been expanded it will continue to grow. :)

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:15 pm
by Kit
Hi there,
For the 1 Devon superselective I know of:
Virtually all children will be level 5 in English and Maths (at end of Yr 6, not when taking the 11+), but I know of at least one child this year who had a level 4 in one subject on entry.
Virtually all children manage very well. They are all bright but definitely not all super bright- you do NOT need to be a genius!
The children work hard at a fast pace in lessons, and need to be bright to keep up (but bright children enjoy this- the teachers are generally very creative as well). Homework is no more than most other schools in the area. Some children do it on the bus, others are much more keen and spend much longer.
There are a ridiculous number of myths that circulate about the school- take no notice of them.
About 1 in 3 children pass- my own opinion is that the top 15-20% across a typical mixed ability class should get in, although there is an element of luck from performance on the day.
If you think your child would be fine if it doesn't work out, then definitely go for it. It is a great opportunity to have available to you on your doorstep.

Re: School encouraging 11plus but not sure..

Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 8:58 pm
by GreenGables
Few months have gone by and DS v keen to try though I'm still not convinced, probably selfishly as don't want the worry and heartache if he doesn't get in!. He was level 5b in reading and writing and borderline 5 in maths in his mock sats in may. Is that the sort of range to have a go...? Will all the children be level 5 or 6 when they sit in Oct? Should we be working all summer to bring up his maths? Be grateful for any thoughts... Thanks