11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi, a good friend explained to me the difference between independent, grammer and comprehensive schools. I must admit that my thinking has definately changed. I definately want the best for my Ds but am worried if a grammer scl is for him as he is not the brightest of students. I have enrolled him for 11+ tutoringing.He's in year 5 and a 3c in Maths and Literacy, kindly advice.

If your DS is "not the brightest of students" and going by the levels in Mathematics and Literacy, then your DS may find the pace a bit hard to follow at a grammar school.

The normal progression is two thirds of a level per year, so if at the end of year 4 your DS was 3c, then the expected progress would be 3a by the end of year five and 4b by the end of year six. The vast majority of grammar school students would be level 5b or 5a by the end of year six. What this will mean is that your DS might find lessons a bit fast or difficult and it would be unfair and probably un-constructive to have to be tutored just to keep pace. The current levels may or may not be reflective of your child's ability and it could be a reflection of the quality of teaching provided to date or a lack of motivation of your child to do more.

Generalisations about independent, grammar and comprehensive schools should really be taken with a pinch of salt. Every school is different, just as every child is different. Go to open days and have an open mind to find out which school might best fit your child.

Having just been through the 11+ experience with my eldest dd I will say that it is quite a daunting experience. It is a very difficult exam and many bright children have not gotten the results that they should have on the day.

However, I can also say that just covering the work required for the 11+ is a hugely beneficial experience. My dd has developed skills that she didn't possess previously and she has learnt an awful lot, all of which will stand her in good stead no matter which secondary school she eventually ends up attending.

I believe that no knowledge is useless, that everything a person learns is useful and has value and therefore I believe that the 11+ is a valuable learning experience even if a child doesn't end up gaining a grammar school place.

I do think that you need to go in with your eyes open though and be very aware that this is a very difficult exam.

hi

I am a primary school tutor, but not an 11 plus one. I help children to improve their work generally. I personally would say a child needs to be a minimum of level 5 by the end of year 6 to pass the 11 plus. Each year a child is expected to go up 2 sub levels in a year, so if a child was say for example 3b now in year 5 , they would be expected to be around 4b by year 6.

I think try the 11 plus tutor, then ask their opinion when they have taught them for a few weeks. If your child is really struggling then I wouldn't carry on down that line. It would be worth either tutoring them yourself or getting a tutor to help them get the highest possible marks in the year 6 SATs. this will help them when they start secondary school. If the local comp is streamed in y7, this can also help to get them into a higher stream.

I have one child in a grammar school and one in the top stream of a comp, they are both doing really well.

Thank you so much for those of you who have taken their time to rey to my post. thank you!!!! I have deceided to let my ds continue with his 11+ preps..athe knowledge he acquires will prepare him for year 7 and hopefully a top stream.

In the Southend area there are plenty of children in grammars who are below national average of 4b in one area, usually English, but they exceed in all other ares. If your child isn't exceeding his peers in any area then I would suggest that he may be happier in a more inclusive school.

The 11+ is a harsh experience if you really need your child to pass; however , if viewed as a way of raising attainment and of long-term benefit then it can be an excellent one.

Good luck!