Bucks 11+ and ADHD

Advice on Special Needs and the 11 Plus Exams

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Dad40
Posts: 359
Joined: Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:40 pm
Location: Chiltern District, Bucks

Bucks 11+ and ADHD

Post by Dad40 »

Daughter 2 has just been diagnosed with ADHD. Does anyone have any tips on how one should approach the Bucks 11+ in such circumstances?

Cheers
mitasol
Posts: 2756
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:59 am

Re: Bucks 11+ and ADHD

Post by mitasol »

Hi Dad40,

Sorry you've not had any response. I'm going to copy the post into SEN where you may get more assistance.
drummer
Posts: 529
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:47 pm
Location: South Bucks

Re: Bucks 11+ and ADHD

Post by drummer »

Do you mean tutoring for the test? It really depends on their relationship with you (ie how they react to you teaching/tutoring). Also, I have tutored children who were regarded as severly ADHD (in the classroom) but who were absolutely fine in one-on-one tutoring.

What specific difficulties does your child present?
Dad40
Posts: 359
Joined: Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:40 pm
Location: Chiltern District, Bucks

Re: Bucks 11+ and ADHD

Post by Dad40 »

drummer,

I mean anything at all really (sorry not helpful). e.g. If she sits it, can she get extra time (how)? Should she even sit it/go to grammar?

The whole SEN thing is new to me.
drummer
Posts: 529
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:47 pm
Location: South Bucks

Re: Bucks 11+ and ADHD

Post by drummer »

Extra time: don't know, haven't any experience with an ADHD child but on experience with a dyslexic child I wouldn't bet your house on it. The difficulty presented would have to be severe and the school would also have to be in the habit of making similar special provision. It might be that short breaks might be in order, or sitting the test in a room on their own with fewer distractions. The school must apply to County on your child's behalf.

Should she sit?: I don't see any reason why not in fact I personally think that bright children with SEN are much better catered for in Grammar Schools than in non-selectives.

You haven't said anything about what 'symptoms' your daughter presents with, ie what specific problems does she have that impair her learning, ability to function in a classroom, ability to perform in a test. One characteristic of ADD/ADHD is the converse ability to 'hyperfocus' when very motivated. Will she sit down and work one-on-one with you (or a tutor) for 20/30/40 mins

Who has diagnosed her? What have they said about extra time in exams and if and why that would be necessary?
Morning Glory
Posts: 310
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:46 pm
Location: Bucks

Re: Bucks 11+ and ADHD

Post by Morning Glory »

dad40

My DS took the 11+ (Bucks) last year, he had just been diagnosed with Aspergers. We also had to ask whether a GS was the best option for him and that is a very difficult question to answer. We arranged appointments with both GS and secondary schools and asked them how they would teach our DS, with his difficulties. I recommend you take the time and effort to do the same it is an important choice. It was clear that the GS was the school we felt would suit him but you are never sure until they get there. Having decided which school we felt was right we just had to get him there. We knew he would struggle with the 11+ and he did fail with extremely low scores but we went to appeal and to cut a long story short he was granted a place. He started in September and is thriving.

In the first instance I would speak to the HT she can give you an opinion as to how they think your child is likely to cope with GS. They will have a document from BCC outlining all the available access arrangements and what evidence is required e.g. EP assessments etc. For example if her problem is concentration you may be able to put in a submission for a break and seperate room, which the HT will need to do and provide evidence. There are two dates these submissions have to be in one is March (I think) and the other is September. Just to warn you that from my experience and others it is not easy to get extra time even if you do have supporting professional evidence.

I would see the HT sooner rather than later as if you do need any supporting evidence this can alway take longer than you think and time seems to fly.

Good luck - let us all know how you get on.
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