11 Plus Exams Forum

1. Pencils, erasers and sharpener in a transparent case
2. Water bottle (without labels)
3. A small snack (where allowed)
4. Candidate info slip (where applicable)

Does DD have to take a watch or will there be big clocks in the room? She is used to working with a small table alarm clock. Can she take that?

She can't take an alarm clock.

I would recommend that you buy her a watch with an easy to read face and she gets used to using it and working out her timing from it.

In busy exams she may not be able to see the clock clearly from where she is sitting. DG

Thanks Daogroupie

Some exam centres don't allow watches as it's difficult to check they don't have alarms.

I find it odd to hear that in busy exams a candidate may not be able to see the clock clearly. As an external exam invigilator I would expect any candidate who couldn’t see the clock to their satisfaction to point that out at the beginning and we would make sure more clocks were put in the room.

It is very simply rectified and very poor of 11+ venues to not do this as parents will then try and use that as a reason to appeal.

Invigilators need to ask at the start if everyone can see the clock and record the response to guard against appeals of this nature.

I would recommend that every candidate gets used to wearing a watch for exams. Some centres make you take it off and put it in front of you but that is no issue. It is there to look at not to wear. DG

Latymer states in their invitation "NO clocks, watches, watches with alarms, stop watches"

Exactly .... watches are not always permitted. These days a 'normal' looking watch could have built in functions [e.g. calculator] or internet capability.

Do check the instructions for your particular test. DD did four different tests (3 x grammar, 1 x Indie) and each required different things. For example two required a clear plastic ruler but the others didn’t.

DS sat the Bucks and Berks last year and watches were allowed for both
The info we received also said that there will be a clock in the hall.
This is the info we received about what to bring from Bucks.

 The invitation (to help speed up the registration process). Two sharp HB pencils, a pencil sharpener and an eraser (rubber) in a see-through bag.
 A carton of juice or a bottle of water and a small snack to have during the break between the test papers – please do not send your child with fizzy drinks.
 Your child may wear a wristwatch (but this must not be a smart watch or a watch with an alarm), but this is not essential as there will be a clock in the hall and time reminders are given in the tests.

Berks.
Your son or daughter is required to bring two HB pencils, a pencil sharpener and an eraser. These items should be contained in a transparent plastic bag. Please also bring a copy of this 11+ Entrance Examination email.
Please note that candidates are not allowed to wear iWatches and wrist watches that include a data storage device; if your child does choose to wear a watch please ensure that all alarms are turned off. However, a watch is not essential as there will be a clock in the room.


I will add that this was last years info this year may be different especially as Bucks is now GL!