Crammed and courses summer 2012

[FizzyPop]

Hi,
My DS will be sitting the 11+ in the autumn this year and I was wondering whether there were any established revision courses run in the area over the summer hols. Anyone able to recommend any courses? He is keen to attend STR but I am happy to take him elsewhere for a crammed. I also wondered if some of the courses run in Ealing might be suitable.

I've been doing some DIY prep for a while but think he might need to tidy up some of his bad habits with a professional. Plus he isn't the most cooperative student.

FizzyP

[Red]

I have PMd you!

[Stressed?Moi?]

Tommies do "crammer" courses after Easter and in September which are about 6 weeks each. When dd did it last year it was extremely busy and was bedlam at dropping off and picking up times. It was split into two classes and seemed to consist mainly of working at computers and they weren't all reliable so she ended up sharing a couple of times. DD really thought the course was no use tbh as there were just too many other kids and concentrating (after a day at school) was really difficult for her. That said though, she goes to a very small school, so is not used to being in the same room as lots of kids anyway, so it may not be the same for everyone. Others may have had different experiences. We didn't tutor as we didn't get organised in time so she managed on working through papers by herself. I wish we'd saved the money on the courses. On the other hand, if he wants to go to Tommies, it would be quite a good way of getting a feel for the place and also to meet other boys (especially if you are coming from out of county).

[Orson]

Money poorly spent. Presuming courses/crammers will adequately prepare your child is somewhat 'dangerous'.
Every child has weaknesses particular to them. Better off investing in some 1-2-1 tuition with a professional. Care should be taken here too. There is an increasing no. of charlatans out there, all preying on parents' anxieties, many of whom don't appear to realise they're actually not very good!

[FizzyPop]

Money poorly spent. Presuming courses/crammers will adequately prepare your child is somewhat 'dangerous'.

Dangerous is an interesting word to use. What makes you describe it as dangerous?

[Orson]

Maybe not the most appropriate word
However, parents who rely on these courses (and nothing else) are taking a huge risk.