11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi all

As we all wait anxiously next couple of days, I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this. What would you guys suggest is a minimum score for a child who would do well in a Grammar School? The Walsall schools suggested 310 and 305 ( different schools ) I think, pointing out that any child scoring below that would struggle.

It's obvious that there aren't enough Grammar schools, as plenty of bright children don't get in. What would you suggest as a minimum score for Birmingham?

I'll start.. I'm thinking 208? Or is that too low? Thoughts anyone?

Do bham score in the same way as Walsall? If so then how can a child with 208 be ok when Walsall state 305 children struggle?

No Birmingham is the sum of 2 standardised scores, Walsall is 3. For comparison Birmingham scores would be about 2/3 of the Walsall ones (not exactly as it's weighted differently, and it's a different cohort taking the test).

208 is some way off the QS needed for the Birmingham GS but if the question is whether a child scoring that is capable of coping who knows. Too many variables to make a judgement on a single result scored by a 10 year old (which of course is the issue with the system). A bright child might have a bad day and score that or an less bright child might get lucky and find that the comprehension passages are on his favourite hobbies. Then there is the amount of tutoring/prep received and of course children mature at different rates. I know a number of very successful adults that went to secondary modern who would have easily got into grammar schools had the exam been a year or two later.

Thanks okanagan that makes sense now.

Hi reeyah:

For King Edward Consortium (state grammars Birmingham) past results to get in are reported by Ken R (section moderator) here: http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... =11&t=7148" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Lots of information on scores & how calculated there for you.

Hope that helps

If they just pass and get in they will cope very if they work hard and apply themselves (ask any teacher)

Conversely if they score very highly in the exam and don't apply themselves then they won't do very well

Simple as that - there are always a few who fall by the wayside in any school including KE grammars - it not related to the 11+ pass mark

Anyone who passes has the ability to do well (and many that didn't quite make it also have the ability to do well as well )

Another one agreeing. I don't believe you can get in purely on effort, but you can certainly fail to thrive there through lack of it. There are so few GS places in B'ham that any child who does well enough to get a place is certainly capable of keeping up providing they put in the work.

Mike

Thanks for everyone's replies.. my main point of asking was what mark suggests a child is above average enough to be able to benefit from a Grammar school education.. that's what I meant by perhaps 208 and above..


Anyway, I'm very glad more places are being provided.. there will at least be more children benefitting. I also agree that once in a Grammar school, it certainly doesn't guarantee success. In fact, there are children who try even harder after failing to get in, and actually end up doing better than their Grammar school friends.