11 Plus Exams Forum

for those of us still in the pre-test stage.

Getting into 'back to school' mode for Yr 6 and realising that The Day is only just over 5 weeks away... eek! And it's not even me doing the test. I just want it all to be behind us. DD seems ok about it at the moment, so just hope she's happy with how it goes on the 8th. She's done lots of practice over the past year, and is now working through the GL assessment practice tests with some top-up if she spots a question type she has trouble with. I must say my own VR skills have improved no end

Just wanted to reach out to anyone else in that stage so we can support each other in the coming weeks...!

Weaver

Hi Weaver, I don't have to face the test this year but I remember it well and am really not looking forward to next October. Keep calm, drink lots of wine nd keep positive(even when they give you the worst result ever a week before the test!)
Remember we are here for you,although I think that many people don't post through the holidays.

Thanks Turtleglos

I suppose it's really dawning that there are only a few weeks to go, and wanting it to be over! I just want her to feel she's done the best she can do, and avoid as many of the 'if onlys' or 'shouldas' as possible...

So, for those who've gone through the test, what's the deal on the day? Do parents 'dump & run' or are they expected to wait around? Is parking a complete 'mare in Gloucester on the day (she's doing the test at Denmark Road)? Does she have to bring pencil/rubber/paper, or is that provided?

I love how she's so cool about it and it's me that has the nerves

Probably better that way!
Weaver

Weaver, I can't tell you about Denmark Road, but at SHS it was definitely dump and run - parents were not allowed in the building and were warned to stay away from windows etc so they didn't cause a distraction. I can't remember what I did, I think I might have gone home as we're only five mins away but the waiting is awful. Picking your child up is dreadful too, as you really can't tell from their reaction to the test how they've done, and just when you want to interrogate them about every single question they answered, they have had enough and really don't want to tell you

Instructions for SHS were to take 2 pencils and a rubber in a clear pencil case, and a drink and a snack. Paper was provided.

It's great that your DD is feeling cool about it. Her chances of success are much greater if you can keep the pressure off and her confidence up. Good luck to her and to you too. That week of waiting for the results was one of the most awful weeks of my life, but worth it as DD started SHS today and can't wait to go back on Monday. Just need a repeat performance from DDs 2 and 3.

EEEK! Is it really only 5 weeks away?

We've recently returned from a long summer away, during which I decided to let DS2 have a total break from VR.....It seemed like a sensible decision at the time, but now I'm conscious that I need to gear him up speed-wise again. So, from tomorrow, he's in for a shock

As for what to do on the day, I would definitely recommend you dump and run. (Or more likely dump, run and then fret, fret, fret whilst they're in there!) Yes, all the schools will be busy and parking will be tricky, so do allow plenty of time. I think the different schools have differing rules re bringing stationery and snacks/drinks or not; but you will get all the relevant information beforehand when they send you a security number which (from memory) you're supposed to pin to your child.

If anything, I think this is worse for the parents than it is for the children, so hope everyone is bearing up.

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