Dealing with the question of coaching

[Jules7]

Firstly I just want to say what fantastic parents and advisors there on this forum, doing everything possible. The cases I have read seem so convincing that I really hope everyone gets the well deserved appeal result. There is so much useful advice that I wanted to ask some info for a friend who is appealing and thinking of what might be asked at the appeal. In another thread, someone mentioned about coaching/tutoring. What would be a good way to handle this sort of question from the panel? I suspect the panel know that many are tutored anyway and I hope this would not adversely affect the outcome but how to word? Also re the order of the marks - does it matter that much if the highest is first or the 2 marks are the same, if they were very nervous for both tests anyway?

[chad]

Hi Jules7

I am not an expert but would think that admitting to familiarisation with the type of paper would be fine. I wouldn't like to think that they would bring the matter up unless the parent did.... as there is no 'proof' it has happened either way. The emphasis should be on academic evidence and any extenuating circumstances.

[hermanmunster]

I wonder if it is a case of one man's intense coaching is another man's familiarisation..... incredibly difficult to define amounts and intensity.
for example - are those at prep schools, just doing their normal work?
is a teacher parent OK to help their child at home but paying for an outside tutor not OK?

[A Very worried Mum]

Evening Jules7,

Having been through two 11+ appeals, I would personally recommend that you do not mention if your child has been formally tutored - however, admitting to familiarisation papers is fine.

We told the panel at our first 11+ appeal that our Daugther had been tutored and I do believe it went against us.

Focus instead on the actual academic evidence you have from school and bring in as much as you can. Outline any comments from the teacher's such as 'outstanding' or 'excellent' work.

I am no expert and I can only offer you my thoughts and advise gained from personal experience.

I wish you all the very best and will keep everything crossed for you!

AVWM ; )

[Etienne]

No harm in mentioning a bit of practice at home, but parents certainly shouldn't volunteer the information that they've used a private tutor. They are, however, in a difficult position if the panel actually ask.

Having said that, I was never aware of any panel member whose decision appeared to be influenced by the answer 'Yes' - even if they were thinking "All that tutoring, and they still didn't qualify?"

[Jules7]

Thanks for all your replies. Had typed quite a longish reply but it just disappeared into the ether after submitting. Never mind, gives me more opportunity to be concise!
Yes I can see it would never be a good idea to volunteer info about tutoring, it was more if one of the panel asked. It is useful to know that this is not a common question!
I am actually gutted about my friends DD - my DD and her are very close and wanted to go to the same school. However there is extremely strong academic evidence so I am keeping everything crossed for a successful appeal for her. I am just trying to think of everything that might be asked so there are no nasty surprise questions to deal with during the actual appeal. It is going to be stressful enough for them.