CGP vs Bond--advice really appreciated

[LLM]

Hi everyone
Am getting a bit overwhelmed by what material to buy for the bucks 11+ which DD sits this September 2016.So far Ive only bought mainly cgp cem material off their website (practice /assessment /10 min tests),as I was told the cgp cem books are closest to the bucks 11+ cem exam.However Im now worried about whether I should start looking at some bond cem books too or other cem publishers?I dont want to accumulate too much material we cant get through or start getting DD confused/overwhelmed, but just thought id ask for some advice from the forum as its the first time we're going through this exam,and wanted to make sure we were generally on the right track with regards to material.Many thanks in advance

[scary mum]

I don't know if this will help you
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 12&t=30079" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
But if not I'm sure someone will be along to help soon (my DCs went through it before the change to CEM, so I can't offer advice, I'm afraid).

[Daogroupie]

I would use a few different publishers as in my experience each time ten year olds are presented with a different format it really seems to throw them.

I spend a lot of time observing ten year old reacting to CEM papers and it is always the same slight panic with a format that is just a bit different.

In my opinion experience of different exam formats is crtical.

CGP is excellent but so is first past the post available in this forum shop on next day delivery.

I would use CGP in the last few days as several posters have said that it is the closest to the format of the Bucks test.

So mix it up so she gets used to seeing the same info presented in a slightly different way. I would also strong recommend you do a CEM mock, there are plenty around. DG

[Guest55]

There is no need for mocks for Bucks as all local children sit it in their own classroom - it's a different scenario.

They also get the familiarisation test a few days before ..

[Daogroupie]

It is a long time between now and September. A CEM mock now will give you a lot of details about which areas she is weak on so you can focus on them.

Information is power. The practice paper two days before will help with exam format but too late to really remedy problem areas. I would recommend doing a CEM mock now. The three thousand students who are about to start sitting the Sutton mocks in two weeks now will be not just experiencing the exam format but also providing their parents with information on how to organise their preparation in the last critical months.

I deal every day with parents who think their students just need a bit of a brush up and then find out that in some areas they are way behind the other students. This is not information that you want to find out 48 hours before the exam. You need it now. DG

[Guest55]

Sorry DG you are wrong - Bucks is different - children sit tests in their own classroom all the time.

There is absolutely no need for a mock for Bucks - you can know weaker areas through other means.

Mocks are not needed for areas where a qualifying score is enough - it's not based on score.

People would be better advised checking they live near enough and can get to the schools rather than wasting money on mocks!

[Daogroupie]

The OP can make her own mind up based on the data provided.

A mock gives you clear feedback on weak areas and many parents are surprised by the results; I get pms about it all the time from parents who are quite devastated by the unexpected results.

Doing the exam in your own classroom with your class mates is without question a huge advantage but it does not impact on whether or not you can actually answer the questions you are being asked.

Being in your classroom does not help you deal with missing letter or word bank cloze if you take the wrong approach to it. DG

[Guest55]

DG you are a tutor and so it is in YOUR interest to ramp up the '11+ fever' - this is totally over the top for Bucks.

[11+pass]

LLM, I would recommend CGP CEM, First Past The Post and Bond CEM books. Also make sure your DD is reading a wide variety of books.
I have had two children go through the Bucks 11+ exam, one with the old system and one with CEM. CEM papers are definitely a lot more challenging due to the time pressure and so bearing that it mind, I would recommend your DD sits at least one CEM style mock exam. Unfortunately the bar is raised so high by so many OOC children sitting the Bucks exam, most of who are heavily tutored and will possibly also sit QE, HBS, SWHerts, Berkshire, Surrey, Kent and many Indie school exams! It's up to you in the end, but talking from experience a vast number of children do sit CEM mock exams.

[Guest55]

The children in Bucks are in catchment - many others that sit are not and won't ever get in no matter what they score!

Please stop 'ramping up' the pressure - Bucks is not super-selective - the top 30% qualify.

Mocks really aren't necessary - I don't know anyone that has used one and I've taught 1000s at Bucks GS.