Panic attack during VR test

Eleven Plus (11+) in South West Hertfordshire

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Mani73
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 7:30 pm

Panic attack during VR test

Post by Mani73 »

Hi

Looking for some advice.

My niece sat her 11+ yesterday and had a panic attack half through the VR test, so unfortunately was unable to complete the test. She was asked if she wanted some water and then was escorted out of the test. Is there anything we can do? Is it worth calling the admissions department of the school in question?

Thanks
Daogroupie
Posts: 11100
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:01 pm
Location: Herts

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Daogroupie »

I would ring and ask if she can complete the second half of the test on the backup date for those who were ill on the first day. My elder dd missed the first paper of a set of three papers because the snow was really bad and we could not get there in time. We were allowed to return on backup day and sit the first paper and then leave while the rest sat the other two. As she is very unlikely to have looked ahead at the questions to come I would consider it to be a very reasonable request. It is a shame that they did not give her a chance to calm down and then go back in or finish the test in the room with those who are allowed more time. How were her parents alerted? Did she have to sit and wait until the end or were they called in to take her away? How does she feel about it? Does she want to go back and have another go? DG
Mani73
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 7:30 pm

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Mani73 »

Hi there

Thanks so much for your response, really appreciate it. I didnt know there was a back-up opportunity. Thats good to know, I'll definitely give them a call tomorrow.

No, alas her parents werent alerted, she was made to wait until the end when her parents came to pick her up. I'm a little disappointed that they didnt wait for her to calm down and let her back again, but then maybe that would have been unfair on the others?

She is really upset, I think if we asked her if she wants to give it another go she'd run a mile!, but now she knows there is nothing to be scared of, so I think if there was an opportunity to give it another go she'd take it.

Thanks again!
Daogroupie
Posts: 11100
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:01 pm
Location: Herts

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Daogroupie »

Every school has a backup date for those who are ill on the day which is what happened to her. I assume this was the Herts Consortium. I dont understand why they did not let her continue the test in the small room with those who are allowed more time. Did she ask to go out or did they make the decision? Dont let them fob you off. She has the right to finish the paper. I have invigilated secondary school exams and it is a legal requirement if a candidate leaves the room to note down the time they left and the time they came back if they do return, so they will have a note of that time. Ask for that time and then work out how much time she had left and ask that she be allowed to have the rest of her time on the backup day and then leave quietly when her time has ended. Good Luck. DG
Mani73
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 7:30 pm

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Mani73 »

Hello again

Thought I'd update you. Not the best news in the world. They say that since she has seen the paper she would be at an unfair advantage so on that basis she would not be allowed to retake the test. To be fair, I dont think she would have remembered her name at that time let alone any questions, but I guess I can see where they are coming from. I spoke to the admissions department of the school she wants to get into and the school she sat her exam in, and they both suggested writing a letter, which could be used in the event of an appeal if she doesnt get a place, so thats what we will do. Not sure we have any other option.

By all accounts, this happened early on in the exam, say after about 5-10 mins, shouldnt they have called the parents and let them see if they can calm their child down? Seems a bit odd not to?

Thanks for all your help!
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Sally-Anne »

Hi mani73

I must admit I wasn't optimistic about her being allowed to take the remainder of the test after having seen the paper already.

If her academic track record says that she is clearly grammar school material I suggest that the parents start to gather together as much evidence as possible of her academic ability to support an appeal. The Appeals Q&As are their best starting point http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeals" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As you say the attack happened very early on in the exam, her score is likely to be very poor indeed. The task at an appeal will be to get the panel to completely ignore the score and examine the evidence instead. It is an unusual situation, and one where a report from an Educational Psychologist would be absolutely invaluable as a substitute for the 11+ result, provide it demonstrates high ability. I suggest that the parents consider that if they can afford it (around £500). They can search for an EP in their area here http://www.bps.org.uk/psychology-public ... ychologist" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sally-Anne
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Etienne »

I think an appeal panel might be quite sympathetic, especially if parents adopt such a very reasonable tone ("To be fair, I dont think she would have remembered her name at that time let alone any questions, but I guess I can see where they are coming from.").

However, the key - as Sally-Anne points out - will be the alternative academic evidence of ability.
Etienne
Mani73
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 7:30 pm

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Mani73 »

You are all so lovely, its like having an extended family. :)

I'll let her parents know what they need to do...and I'll get onto writing the letter the school suggested I write, any hints and tips as to what I should say? Do you think I should make it read like a formal appeal letter (given that nothing has happened yet, and there may still be a chance given the proximity to the school) or do you think I should make it more informal. I know that it shouldnt be whiney!

Anyway, thank you again. Hope I can return the favour one day!
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Etienne »

Do you think I should make it read like a formal appeal letter
No, just keep it very simple, stating the facts of what happened, and asking that these be noted 'for the record'.

Good luck!
Etienne
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Re: Panic attack during VR test

Post by Sally-Anne »

As Etienne says. :D

The parents now need to keep very close to her current school for the next few months. They need to garner every ounce of support from the Head and teaching staff that they can and ensure that they are aware of any key dates for tests, etc. If the school does CATs tests (or can do them if required) the scores from those could also be very helpful at an appeal.

Please could you PM me the name of the school(s?) that the entrance test was for?
mani73 wrote:You are all so lovely, its like having an extended family. :)
(Aunty) Sally-Anne
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