Dear Ramble
The Wirral 11 plus uses the same VR test as Bucks. Follows a cut and paste of my advice to parents.
Publishers which currently cover the 21 types required for Bucks include:
AFN [slightly easier] IPS, Susan Daughtrey [Bright Sparks only, NOT her books 1-7], The Tutors, Walsh, Learning Lab
GL Assessment, 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
Or download the Tutors M and T free resource.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/pdf/th ... hnique.pdf
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 [a good middle range of full tests]
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], 80 questions 50 minutes..2 packs each pack contains 4 tests [ nearer to the standard of the real tests]
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=120
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=309
4] GL assessment, 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] A tad easier than the real tests and practiced tests found in school, but good to practice in the same format as the real tests.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/list.php?ex=14
Between steps 1-4 you could [but do not necessarily have to] use the 2 CDs produced by THE TUTORS, Vol.1 contains 50 questions of each type. Vol.2 contains 12 tests. The real test is not computer based, therefore pen and paper would always be the preferred option. In addition you need a separate paper for working out various questions. However some children like these CDs as a filler in to relieve the 'boredom' of pen and paper.
I would also use Walsh and Learning Lab during session time between tests, particulary towards the end, they are good for Vocabulary. However please note that Walsh use brackets in types I AND G which of course are not used by GL assessment. Learning lab require the knowledge of BODMAS for the same types. I tend to cross these off as I do not want to confuse the children.
Do not start until the New Year, between now and then [and for the rest of year 5] ensure your child reads out aloud to you at least 3 times a week, making note of all unknown vocabulary. Vocabulary is without a doubt the biggest problem area. Codes and Maths can be rote learnt. Seeing words out of context will always throw children.
See the following link, for my list of words with an explanation of how to use flash cards as an aid. In addition there is my list of compound words [with games]
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/pdf/11 ... tricia.pdf
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/pdf/11 ... tricia.pdf
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