Anyone fancy a 2016 support thread for Berkshire CEM?

[pii]

On the topic of Mock tests. I wish to say that we did VR/NVR (GL type in 2013 as slough was doing GL type then ) for the older DS and CEM and GL( including math and English )for the younger DS( 2015). we did at mocks.elevenplusexams.co.uk . We did it in June and were more focused on finding the weaknesses of our Ds and removing the fear of real exam. The marking of the papers, feedback and examiners comments were superb in assessing the weaknesses and progressing forward.

we also did 11plusmocktests.homestead.com/ for maths and English multiple choice . The feedback was generic and not much helpful.We did three papers of creative writing (not relevant to CEM) again to check the level of our second DS English for tiffin. we paid to get back the marked answer papers of DS. They checked only one paper and sent the remaining two unmarked. But online they posted result and feedback. There was an elaborate description of his weakness and strengths. God knows how they managed to give that result even without checking the papers. So you have to be aware of such companies raking hundreds and thousands of pounds of parents who are willing to do anything to get their kids to grammar schools. I think your child's English/maths teacher would be the best person to ask for weaknesses of your child and move from there. And who knows one of them may even be tutoring for 11 plus. I am saying so because my DS's English teacher told me before 11 plus exam that my DS was a very strong candidate for grammar school. it was only after the CAF result ; in a parents meeting that she admitted she teaches for 11 plus too.

[rashminder12]

Thanks Pii
The information and advise you given us very useful. I will be careful before to pay any money to anyone. We are in Hamshire county and unfortunately we hardly get any proper 11plus coaching teacher. However, we do get tutor for Private school entrance exam but not specialise in 11 plus coaching.

Keep updated any information you think could be useful for all who are preparing their Dc for 11 plus CEM exam.
Cheers!

[Aethel]

Hi Rashminder: can I ask why you are putting in your child for Slough exams and Reading exams if you live in Hampshire? It's an hour's drive away and out of all possible cachements for those schools. Plus the state schools in many parts of Hampshire are really top notch (eg Bohunt), the grammars are not the only schools out there!
I don't mean to be offensive but travel 30 miles plus to a school is not sustainable or fair on your child.... You need to move into cachement before you apply in most cases otherwise you'll be subjecting your child to multiple exams when they have no chance of a place...

[Tinkers]

Yes you'll need to be in catchment for Reading school when you actually apply for the school. Otherwise you won't be classed as being in catchment and are highly unlikely to get a place.

[Reading Mum]

quite a lot of northern Hampshire is in catchment for Reading Boys - a quick google brings up a map that someone has put together. The point about being in catchment at application time is crucial though - there really isn't any point applying if you are out of catchment

[Tinkers]

If you look at a map of Berkshire, the first thing you notice is that is long and thin. You don't have to go too far north or south to hit another county, so the Hampshire border isn't actually that far. Neither is the Oxfordshire one.

[Aethel]

<yawn>

Anyone else about?

We're looking at visiting some of the open days in May/June to get a feel for the schools.
And it's two weeks until registration opens ..... <gulp>

[semb]

Yep, we're still here, plodding on with the preparation. Sometimes Dd is keen, other times not so I don't push it.

She did a mock at the weekend. I warned her that seeing as she's never done anything to time she'd find the timing tough. My aim was to give us a baseline to see where we're at currently, and then focus on areas she got wrong to help improve for next time...that's the plan anyway!

I'm planning to go to the open days too, hoping the crowds don't put Dd off!

Hope everyone else is doing ok, on the one hand it feels like a long slog, on the other hand the months seem to be passing quite quickly....I shall be extremely pleased when September has been and gone.

[Tinkers]

Don't forget that the open day for Kendrick (and I think Reading school too) is 28th April, so not long to go.
Be warned, if previous years are anything to go by it will be heaving.

Also be careful where you park. The local traffic wardens know when events are in at school and work a late shift. I've seen them out and about at 8 in the evening writing out tickets. Queens road or Oracle car parks are your best bet, or maybe a chance to try out public transport of you haven't before.

[emma2312]

Hi

How is every one feeling? The months just seem to be flying by. Off to see Kendrick tomorrow, almost wish we had never started on this 11 plus lark.

My dd still finding the verbal reasoning hard going. I am hoping I did the right thing by not getting a tutor and doing it at home, well trying!! The level of vocab is absolutely ridiculous!! I am beginning to think there is no hope of her passing , or else the test is not as hard as some of the books are!! Going ok with maths and non verbal, but so many topics that are covered in year 6 or even 7. How on earth could they say the exam does not need any extra preparation???

I just feel we are not doing enough, but I want my dd to enjoy herself as well!!

Going slightly mad!!!! Haha