Tick Tock, Tick Tock Sep 2013 tests

[MadMum.com]

I can't believe how the time has flown! How's everyone feeling?

We have had lots of ups and downs. Currently doing that last little push. DD is actually motivated at the moment. Unsure on how long this will last. So just praying we can cover the last few areas, in time and hope that everything runs smoothly on the day.

[Ladymuck]

A bit nervous here. Grammar tests were never really in my plan (ds2 to follow ds1 to an indie so sitting exams in Jan). But ds2 very keen to sit, so we face VR/NVR and maths for one, and a two part test focusing on numeracy and literacy (with a separate writing paper!) for another. And he only decided he wanted to do this at the end of June.... Thankfully he has done some work this summer and is motivated, and if he doesn't get through, then we still have plan A. But I'll feel bad for him if he tries and doesn't get through. Ds2 is at a private school so no clue about NC levels. Academically he is in the middle of his class, but that is meaningless without knowing how the class sits against the outside world. He has reasonable CAT scores, and did well on his mock test (which was standardised against all the other children sitting it).

I have found trying to prepare him for the different types of test almost exhausting. On one hand there is a real need for speed with some of the mc papers. At the same time he will need to be ready for the wordier and trickier problems in the standard forms maths tests. And as for creative writing, at one school the English paper is a 25 minute essay - nothing else! Whereas for another he has to write for an hour.

The only positive thing, is that he is working on all his basic skills and techniques, so should be ready to face Year 7 well wherever he ends up!