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Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 10:58 pm
by OfonsBandusiae
Hello all,

I am new to this forum and have to say how helpful it has been to find so much information freely available during what is such a stressful time for parents. I have entered my child into the 11+ exam, but am no longer able to afford a tutor because I was recently made redundant. I decided after all the hard work he has put in that it would be a shame to not allow him to take the test.
The only problem I am having is in how to best prepare him. He is very bright and seems to be getting good marks in all the books I have bought, but I would like to know what is the best preparation in terms of books and practice papers? We are currently using Bond, Susan Daughtrey and Learning Together, but he is starting to get bored and rest on his laurels. Are GL Assessment/NFER/Letts any different/better? What is most similar to the format of the 11+ test? Who publishes the test for Redbridge? And which offers the most challenging content?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:16 am
by muffinmonster
Hi and welcome to the forum. My DS is also preparing for the Redbridge 11+; he is currently working from Bond papers in English and Maths (to improve basic skills) as well as Bond Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

I don't know who publishes the test for Redbridge - there are no past papers available. However, it's generally said that the NFER papers are the most similar to the Redbridge tests. They are also harder than the Bond, I think, and because there aren't that many available. it's best to save them until nearer the test date for for 'mock exams'.

There is an Essex - Redbridge thread on the forum, though it's not all that active.

I sympathise about the boredom - I think my DS is getting bored too, and tired - all the open evenings we've been to recently don't help. Maybe you can combine doing papers with more general activities such as maths- and literacy-based games, or mix in bite-sized practice sessions with doing whole papers.

I'm sure you're right to continue working with your son and give him a chance to take the test. Best of luck.

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:25 am
by DIY Mum
Redbridge exam is set by Nfer or GL Assessment. So you should use their papers. Since they only publish one set of papers a year, you do need to look at alternatives. Susan Daughtrey are very good for VR and she has a set of books to teach you the techniques.

Redbridge only does 21 types of VR, so you'll need to remember that whilst doing her books as she covers a wide range.

Don't use Bond at all! It's not relevant for the Redbridge exam. Walsh (Bumblebee) papers are good and are probably more challenging that GL Assessment/ Nfer. For alternative papers which replicate the Redbridge exam, AFN, Secondary Selection Portfolio.

To pass this exam, only practice, practice, pratice and mastering of technique is required. It's no wonder that kids find it boring and tedious (mine did!). Supplement work with thesaurus work and learn as many compound words by heart as you can.

There are two exams involved, first is NVR in Dec followed a month later by VR in Jan.

See the 'sticky' advice on this forum about VR and NVR. It's very good.

Best of luck!

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:43 am
by muffinmonster
DIY Mum wrote:
There are two exams involved, first is NVR in Dec followed a month later by VR in Jan.
The format is being changed this year. Both VR and NVR exams will be taken on the same day, Monday 20th December.

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:33 pm
by patricia
Dear OfonsBandusiae

To be clear Secondary Selection Portfolio is not relevant for the 21 types of Verbal Reasoning. Agree to keep clear of Bond.[for VR]

Does Redbridge include a maths paper? I though it was just VR and Non VR.

Please do check out the Essex - Redbridge section further down the front page of the forum.

Patricia

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:53 pm
by DIY Mum
You're right Patricia! Meant the Tutors and also, C_ _ _ra.
Shouldn't this post be moved into the Redbridge section as there's definitely no Maths or English paper for the Redbridge exams?

Dear OfonsBandusiae,

Apart from ICH (and ICH is the only GS in Redbridge) are you considering CSSE?

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:55 pm
by patricia
OK.

Will move with the flick of my wand! :wink:

Patricia

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 2:00 pm
by muffinmonster
Hi DIY Mum and Patricia. This thread has got me worried as I now feel I know nothing at all about the Redbridge 11+. Can you explain why the Bond papers are totally irrelevant? Are you saying that none of the types of question in the Bond papers are likely to come up on the Redbridge papers?

Re: Preparation for 11+ Redbridge

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 9:44 pm
by DIY Mum
muffinmonster wrote:Hi DIY Mum and Patricia. This thread has got me worried as I now feel I know nothing at all about the Redbridge 11+. Can you explain why the Bond papers are totally irrelevant? Are you saying that none of the types of question in the Bond papers are likely to come up on the Redbridge papers?
Dear Muffinmonster,

Yes, the Bond style of VR questions aren't relevant for Redbridge 11+ (WCH / ICH). You need to stick to papers that follow the 21 types of VR (as mentioned before).

But if you are considering independent schools then the Bond Maths and English papers are useful. :wink: