If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Eleven Plus (11+) in Yorkshire

Moderators: Section Moderators, Forum Moderators

11 Plus Platform - Online Practice Makes Perfect - Try Now
Timo
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:15 pm
Location: Haworth
Contact:

If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Timo »

I have joined your community in the hope of finding guidance and with a view of being a long standing member. As of 3 week ago my DS (first and currently only born) informed me that he would like to apply for NHGS and my DW (do we have dear wife?) has told me we should allow him too.

I am fortunate that he is just reaching the end of year 4 as I have been banging my head repeatedly against my desktop reading about assessments, requirements, tutors and all the other delights this minefield offers. I have been lurking for the past week through this forum trying to get more information and although more sunlight is getting through I am still under the shadow of dimwittedness.

I have decided as of today to sign up to your community, tell you all a little about myself and my family and ask you the eleven plus community to point me in the right direction on helping my DS confidently sit for NHGS.

So my DS has just reached 9 and told me he thinks he should sit for NHGS as he prefers the look of a school 26 miles away rather than the 5-6 secondary schools within 15 miles! At first I thought 'logistically this can't happen' but as I look around my village I see that a good % attend NHGS. A couple of my DS's class mates are also interested in attending NHGS and my wife tells me it's something she would support so I figure 'it's worth a look into'.

BANG!! :shock:

:cry:

I've hit a wall, I already work over 45hrs a week, volunteer for my local scout group and ferry my DS to different interests he has; not to mention sitting a foundation degree myself! So the small window I have afforded to 'researching' these requirements have left my neurons fried and my synapses sluggish. I cannot for the life of me formulate a way forward and make a plan on helping my DS take on the challenge of applying for NHGS; can you, the experienced community advise me on what I need to do when and what I could be doing now?

I look forward to your responses and will be happy to respond to any questions.
Yamin151
Posts: 2405
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2013 8:30 am

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Yamin151 »

Good luck! You sound funny, by the way :D :D . We welcome all but especially funny mad people here!
I know nothing about your area or school but am just popping in to say don't panic! Some people coach for the eleven plus themselves, just as many hire a coach, and your Anne sure there will be plenty in your area! maybe start with asking around a bit?
Logistically for the school. Only you know if you can manage the journey etc, but there may be busses. Again maybe ask around?
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Guest55 »

Welcome to the forum :D

I'm sure someone can help and most of us on here were where you are now. Don't panic!
mitasol
Posts: 2756
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:59 am

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by mitasol »

Hi Timo,

Welcome to the forum,

There are three elements to the test at NHGS. Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment), Maths and an essay. https://www.nhgs.co.uk/admissions/admission-at-11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Everything you need for Verbal Reasoning can be found in Patricia's post here This test carries the highest weighting.

Maths is based on KS2 skills. This test is written by the school and is generally considered quite hard. You could have a look in the bookshop http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/shop/9 ... Maths.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; There are also Bond practice papers.
Past sat papers http://www.emaths.co.uk/index.php?optio ... Itemid=504" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; These are good and free too. The maths test is given a weighting equal to half the value of the verbal reasoning.

Finally, there is a small written test which is used to select the final 25% of applicants. This will be a basic KS2 writing.

Some general advice on preparing in year 5 is here

I hope that helps to get you started.
Snowdrops
Posts: 4667
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:20 pm

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Snowdrops »

I tried to welcome you earlier but 'something' wouldn't let me post my response.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and assure you that, although the Yorkshire forum us quiet that someone would be along to help you soon (and they have!).

There's even fewer of us North Yorkies than there are you Westies, but we all stick together, even if the tests are different!

Anyhow, welcome! You'll get lots of continued help on here and you may even stay (like us :oops: ) till your ds goes through GCSE's, A levels and uni :lol:
Image
Tinkers
Posts: 7240
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 2:05 pm
Location: Reading

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Tinkers »

I'm absolutely no help with info on Yorkshire schools, but thought I'd chip in an hello, since I'm a displaced Yorkshire person.
(Haworth is lovely)
Timo
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:15 pm
Location: Haworth
Contact:

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Timo »

Tinkers wrote:I'm absolutely no help with info on Yorkshire schools, but thought I'd chip in an hello, since I'm a displaced Yorkshire person.
(Haworth is lovely)
Haworth is where I am from and where we reside :D

Thank you for all the kind welcomes, just on day one I have some vital information to chew through.

I have read many references about people using tutors, does anyone have an opinion on this and is it worthwhile?
mitasol
Posts: 2756
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:59 am

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by mitasol »

I don't think a tutor is necessary if you have the time and patience to work with your DS. You already sound as if you're stretched for time, so consider if you can fit it in with your other commitments.

I enjoyed working with my own children so I didn't send them to a tutor.

This question comes up a lot - you may find these old threads useful

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... php?t=5998" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... hp?t=31841" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 66&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 16&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Yamin151
Posts: 2405
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2013 8:30 am

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Yamin151 »

mitasol wrote:I don't think a tutor is necessary if you have the time and patience to work with your DS. You already sound as if you're stretched for time, so consider if you can fit it in with your other commitments.

I enjoyed working with my own children so I didn't send them to a tutor.

This question comes up a lot - you may find these old threads useful

http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... php?t=5998" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... hp?t=31841" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 66&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 16&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Mitasol quite right, its purely a matter of what suits. I could have coached one of mine but not the other. Decide for yourself based on time and ability to work well together. Either way don't be swayed into the 'tutoring or no tutoring' argument. No one on here does no tutoring, its purely a case of how much and whether its DIY or a professional coach. You will find people who say they didn't coach, when actually dc did practise papers at home, and this is a great option too. I think the wrong thing would be to send dc in to the exam with no prep at all, as just the style of questions needs a look as they can be a bit scary at first!
Timo
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:15 pm
Location: Haworth
Contact:

Re: If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Post by Timo »

This is all valuable information, at the moment my DS is only 9, where can I start now as the 11+ are perhaps out of his league currently -_-
Post Reply