Hi Choocifan
I must have been at the same meeting last night!! Alarm bells started ringing when I heard The Headmaster of the Junior School recommend these books!! They are not suitable for the 11+ in Bucks. I have attached the following information for you written by Patricia, I hope you find it as helpful as I have.
Nif229
Publishers which currently cover the 21 types required for Bucks include:
AFN, IPS, SUSAN DAUGHTREY [Bright Sparks only, NOT her books 1-7], THE TUTORS.
NFER, who publish the Bucks tests only contain 15 types of questions…..it is therefore necessary to practice HIKNOS while completing these tests. [HIKNOS are 6 types as identified by IPS]
I would recommend that you start by buying a method and technique book in order to teach yourself how approach each of the questions [IPS]
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=85
IPS also publishes a book containing a selection of each type. Before you administer your first test, teach your child the types contained in that test using the IPS additional questions book, continue this method for the first few tests.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=90
Use tests in the following order…..
1] IPS, 10 tests 50 questions, 30 minutes [shorter tests good to begin with]
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=88
2] THE TUTORS, 12 tests, 80 questions, 50 minutes…..these come as E papers or in packs of 4
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/ ... p?g=f&p=21
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/epaper ... =f&c=1&p=6
3] SUSAN DAUGHTREY [Bright Sparks only], 4 tests 80 questions 50 minutes [soon to be 8 tests]
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=120
4] NFER, 4 tests, 85 questions 50 minutes [remember to practice HIKNOS from IPS when completing these tests, also need to cross off the last 5 questions, as the real test only has 80 not 85]
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=14
Between steps 1-4 use the 2 CDs produced by THE TUTORS, Vol.1 contains 50 questions of each type. Vol.2 contains 12 tests. The CDs relieve the boredom of pen and paper tests, helping to increase speed and accuracy. They have received many good reviews.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/cd/the ... lume-1.php
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/cd/the ... lume-2.php
Do not start until the New Year, between now and then [and for the rest of year 5] ensure your child reads out loud to you at least 3 times a week, making note of all unknown vocabulary. If you look at some of the posts concerning the 2006 11 plus, the majority of posters, mention vocabulary as being the biggest problem [and I whole heartedly agree]
See the following link, bottom of the page, for my list of words with an explanation of how to use flash cards as an aid
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/revisi ... wnload.php
In addition, there are 4 types of maths questions, they are not rocket science, BUT require an ability to quickly recall the 4 maths operations i.e. adding, subtraction, multiplying and dividing. The quicker the child can recall, the more time can be spent on codes [easy marks, but time consuming] Basically if you ask for 8 x 7 you want the answer 56, now not in 10 seconds time, once they know their times tables inside out and back to front [ up to 12 x] then division becomes easy. Adding and subtraction should be practiced using numbers under 150….try making up games, giving quick fire questions in the car, out for walks etc.
This forum is a wealth of information, look around, take note and get teaching! Any problems just ask, there is always someone willing to help.
Patricia