11 Plus Exams Forum

Dear Etienne,
As you have sat on appeal panels, what is your view on the question Ambridge was asked about whether her son was tutored?
Are the panel in favour of children being tutored, aor do they want to see that children can pass or do well without it, or is it all insignificant.?
What wiould the correct response to this question be?
DP

Dear DP

In my experience the question was never once asked! It may just be one panel member who is doing this.

Panel members in Bucks will have noted the official view that tutoring makes no difference, except perhaps "at the margins".

There is a risk that some panel members could still take the view "This child didn't qualify despite tutoring .....", so I wouldn't recommend volunteering the information.

However, if asked the question directly, one should be truthful. I think, if I were replying, I would remind the panel of the official view: "There was some tutoring. We understand that according to NFER it makes little difference, but it was something we felt we had to try ......"

Regards