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Explore Learning

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 1:36 pm
by pepsimax
Hello,

I am new to this forum but I have been reading the posts over the past months. My grand daughter is in year 5 and my DD and I would like to prepare her for the 11+. We are doing the usual things with her at home but have recently noticed an organisation called Explore Learning advertising to prepare children for the 11+, tutoring starts next week. My question is did anyone use Explore Learning when they were trying to get their DS or DD into one of the grammer schools.

:D

Re: Explore Learning

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 12:25 pm
by ThreeKids
I haven't heard of anybody using Explore, though that is not to say that it is not a very viable option. Most will however use a private tutor in either one to one or group sessions.

This is not the only way to go. For my part all 3 kids have gone to an elderly retired teacher within walking distance of home from about 6 months prior to the tests and for an hour a week. So far we have 1 in, 1 miss and one possibly in.

In our area it is not uncommon for children to have no tutor at all, or to do regular papers (approx 3 a week) for a few months prior to the tests with their parents. The success rate amongst those children is in fact quite substantially higher than it is for the tutored children. I would reckon its close to the 100% mark, though this year i know of one that is a likely near miss - passed but quite borderline. There may be many reasons for that, but my guess is that your child either has it or they don't, and those that don't give up at home and don't knuckle down, and therefore don't take the tests, whilst those going to a tutor have a greater pressure put on them whilst simultaneously having no better chance of success. So they take the tests but are unsuccessful.

Personally I simply don't have the time or self discipline or peace to do what's required and am very much in awe of those that do and who consequently save themselves a not inconsiderable amount in the process. If you think that you can set aside an hour every week with your granddaughter, at the same time every week, uninterrupted, then I would personally go down that route. In between get her to do a paper of each type each week, and you will be as prepared as you need to be.

Edited to add: The one thing that our tutor mutters about more than anything else is Vocabulary. She will often say of a child that he/she is bright but does not have the necessary vocabulary. She rates their chances of success by that indicator, and she has not been wrong so far. The tests are I suspect becoming more biased towards that, so I would advise you to encourage your granddaughter to read lots, chat lots, and absorb. Time in front of the TV can also be well spent, especially if she is interested in more documentary style programming.

Re: Explore Learning

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:44 pm
by tiffinboys
I don't have personal experience. However, one of our local parents had explored the Explore Learning and thought that they were basically using IPS material, which is just a starter. If you are DIYing at home, then perhaps EL may be a good supplement.

Best would be if you ask EL for their success rate and ask to meet one of their students.

Re: Explore Learning

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 4:33 pm
by stevew61
Used explore learning, Reading, for nearly three years, mainly as a concentration aid for DS2 who was still in his ASD phase. DD1 in reception class got a lot out of it, whizzing ahead of school work.

I wouldn't use them for 11+ not sure they can personalise the learning enough but for KS1 and early KS2 I would say of benefit.

Re: Explore Learning

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 11:59 pm
by MyUniMoney
Sent my child to EL when he was at Reception year and Y 1. He definitely benefited from it judging from his advanced math performance since Y1 to now (Y4). But it was very much computer based, with A level students going round helping kids with questions. That was for the reception and Year 1 age though, Im not sure about 11+ preparation. I remember that the centre managers / heads were very keen to meet and listen to parents and answer all questions - so go and have a long meeting with the centre head / manager. If its also very much computer based, then I would be a bit careful / think twice for 11+ preparation.

All the best an do post here any outcome of your research.