Bournemouth school for boys - test 2009
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Dear Bumblebee
The Method and Technique books by Susan Daughtrey are not recommeded for the 21 types multiple choice, they use 35 plus types and are in standard form.
For Method and technique use:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=85
IPS, also publish a book of additional questions split into the 21 types.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/ ... %3D8%23b90
Or download the Tutors M and T free resource.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/pdf/th ... hnique.pdf
Patricia
The Method and Technique books by Susan Daughtrey are not recommeded for the 21 types multiple choice, they use 35 plus types and are in standard form.
For Method and technique use:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=85
IPS, also publish a book of additional questions split into the 21 types.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/ ... %3D8%23b90
Or download the Tutors M and T free resource.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/pdf/th ... hnique.pdf
Patricia
. I am glad I have the right information now. You are very kind and quick to reply. Thanks.confusing revising
Hello Bumblebee!
You know what, I've been feeling the same way... there is no one source of easy revision for these tests... I think you're right the Bright Sparks sounds better, as Tolstoy said the Susan Dougherty covers too many types which is possibly (arguably) a waste of revision time.
We are in the doldrums at the moment, DS is refusing to go to grammar school now... I have managed to salvage a little hope by saying we will try and keep an open mind until we see the schools in September.
Have been trying to set out a revision schedule for September. I was planning on just getting him to do 10 mins of the NFER tests, building up to the full 40 minutes and going over the points he doesn't understand with revision sheets I make myself.
Our problem is, our local comp. has had an Outstanding Ofsted report and is a specialist Arts and Drama school. DS is gifted at maths and science, Definitely NOT Art
. What shall we do? I do not have any easy answer....
You know what, I've been feeling the same way... there is no one source of easy revision for these tests... I think you're right the Bright Sparks sounds better, as Tolstoy said the Susan Dougherty covers too many types which is possibly (arguably) a waste of revision time.
We are in the doldrums at the moment, DS is refusing to go to grammar school now... I have managed to salvage a little hope by saying we will try and keep an open mind until we see the schools in September.
Have been trying to set out a revision schedule for September. I was planning on just getting him to do 10 mins of the NFER tests, building up to the full 40 minutes and going over the points he doesn't understand with revision sheets I make myself.
Our problem is, our local comp. has had an Outstanding Ofsted report and is a specialist Arts and Drama school. DS is gifted at maths and science, Definitely NOT Art
. What shall we do? I do not have any easy answer....Hi MrsK0, You're lucky to have an outstanding comp in your catchment. I wish we did. I would love my son to go the outstanding comp which is close to us but, unfortunately we live on the wrong side of the river. I would prefer that even to the grammar school. but ho hum...such is life. DS teacher says he will do well wherever he goes and I try to bare that in mind. He is very good with the schedule I have set up (half hour every other day) and I am trying to boost his vocabualry still. This site is a valuable mine of information though and is making me feel more confident that we are doing all we can for him.
Maths and Science
You know what Guest 55.... that is exactly my thinking... maybe the first couple of years at grammar school will be a slog as we live so far away... but once DS is 13/14 he will really enjoy the benefit of three sciences and a greater choice of maths subjects that the Grammar school provide.
Bumblebee, your DC doing 1/2 hour every other day sounds great...
!! I'm sure that's going to stand him in good stead. Our head teacher told us that our son will also do well wherever he goes... but I do think he is following a popular mis-conception that clever children will be fine. I don't think that's true, DH left school at 16, having taken his o-level maths 6 months early ... as he was totally bored with his comprehensive and mucking about all the time... 
Here's hoping DS can be swayed ....
Bumblebee, your DC doing 1/2 hour every other day sounds great...
!! I'm sure that's going to stand him in good stead. Our head teacher told us that our son will also do well wherever he goes... but I do think he is following a popular mis-conception that clever children will be fine. I don't think that's true, DH left school at 16, having taken his o-level maths 6 months early ... as he was totally bored with his comprehensive and mucking about all the time... Here's hoping DS can be swayed ....Entrance test torture
Caught DS1 looking at the calendar the other day... after I asked him why, he said he was just checking when the test was,... Oh, I said, trying to remain calm and neutral...having completely gone off the idea at the end of the summer term...this was a surprise!! it's such a roller coaster of emotions this ridiculous entrance exam performance.
How are you getting along Bumblebee? Any one else out there struggling with the thought of the studying.? So, DS looked at me nervously and asked if he was too late to start studying and if he would have to work every day, never have friends over ... I have to admit I have concocted a study plan for this very scenario, just in case he did change his mind about taking the exam, that does include days off and friends for tea ... !!
well good luck to everyone in the same boat as us, and it would be great to hear from some of you.
How are you getting along Bumblebee? Any one else out there struggling with the thought of the studying.? So, DS looked at me nervously and asked if he was too late to start studying and if he would have to work every day, never have friends over ... I have to admit I have concocted a study plan for this very scenario, just in case he did change his mind about taking the exam, that does include days off and friends for tea ... !!
well good luck to everyone in the same boat as us, and it would be great to hear from some of you.
well MrsK40 we are kind of following my schedule but not too rigidly. we are going through a stage of making silly mistakes and NOT READING THE QUESTIONS PROPERLY. I put that in capitals on purpose. 
We have worked our way through the Tutors verbal reasoning method and technique download for the 21 questions which has been invaluable.
i think his biggest problem will be doing the thirty (forty?) minute writing excercise. He has good writing skills but finds it very difficult to think of something to write and then plan it and then execute it and include all the writing skills in such a short time.
it is nerve wracking for a parent all this, but i am trying not to let it rule our lives. I really do think he is the right sort of child for grammar school and would do well there, but I know there are so many applicants for each place. i reckon its 50/50 at the mo.
We have worked our way through the Tutors verbal reasoning method and technique download for the 21 questions which has been invaluable. i think his biggest problem will be doing the thirty (forty?) minute writing excercise. He has good writing skills but finds it very difficult to think of something to write and then plan it and then execute it and include all the writing skills in such a short time.
it is nerve wracking for a parent all this, but i am trying not to let it rule our lives. I really do think he is the right sort of child for grammar school and would do well there, but I know there are so many applicants for each place. i reckon its 50/50 at the mo.
I'm new to this forum but have been a 'lurker' for over a year and have found it extremely helpful, both for advice and just knowing that people going through the experience feel the same way...like Bumblebee we have an outstanding comp not too far away but unfortunately live on the wrong side of the river out of catchment. That said however, we feel better now about the alternative should our DS1 not get through the exam.
Also like Bumblebee. DS1's problem is timing (especially for VR and the writing exercise) although i have since learnt that quality is far more important than quantity.
I agree with all though that it is a stressful process (DS is fine and doesn't seem bothered by it!) but we just try and get on with things. We have done all that we can at this stage, with under 3 weeks to go so reckon its all about what happens on the day!
Good luck to everyone!
Also like Bumblebee. DS1's problem is timing (especially for VR and the writing exercise) although i have since learnt that quality is far more important than quantity.
I agree with all though that it is a stressful process (DS is fine and doesn't seem bothered by it!) but we just try and get on with things. We have done all that we can at this stage, with under 3 weeks to go so reckon its all about what happens on the day!
Good luck to everyone!