Our Top Ten 11+ learning tips
Having walked the 11 plus walk, we know that there is a key balance to be struck. You want your children to achieve, but not at the cost of their happiness. Throughout the process of studying for the 11+ exam there may well be several moments of disappointment, frustration, and maybe even apathy. If you are acting as tutor and parent, there is an added dimension, because everything is more personal. With that in mind, my over-arching piece of advice is to get started as soon as possible. There is only ever a finite amount of time before the exam.
Once you begin, these are our top 10 tips for your journey. Good luck 🙂
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Wider Reading:
- Encourage your child to read regularly and explore a variety of topics. Wider reading enhances literacy skills and broadens their knowledge base.
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Quick maths:
- Ensure that your child is absolutely comfortable with their times tables. Of all of the mathematic functions that your child should know, times tables are by far the most valuable for the 11 plus exam.
- Multiplying 1 to 12 should be automatic as well as multiplying and dividing in factors of 10
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Avoid Overloading:
- Don’t overwhelm your child with excessive study hours. Allow frequent breaks (even short ones) to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
- A child’s attention span typically ranges from 30 to 50 minutes.
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Consistent Learning:
- Consistency matters. Regular practice and revision yield better results than last-minute cramming.
- Create a study routine that suits your child’s pace and preferences.
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Balanced Practice:
- Use a mix of past papers, mock exams, and simulated 11+ questions.
- Familiarise your child with the exam format and conditions.
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Exam Techniques:
- Teach your child effective exam strategies, such as time management, question prioritisation, and reading instructions carefully.
- Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
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Consider Tuition:
- Professional tutors or 11+ preparation courses can provide targeted guidance.
- Choose reputable resources that align with your child’s learning style.
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Create a Supportive Environment:
- Designate a quiet, organised study space at home.
- Minimise distractions and ensure a positive learning atmosphere.
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Visual Aids and Mnemonics:
- Use mind maps (spider diagrams) to summarise topics.
- Employ mnemonics (abbreviations or phrases) to remember information.
- Personalise them for better retention.
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Celebrate Progress:
- Set achievable targets and celebrate milestones.
- Reward your child for completing topics or achieving better-than-expected results.
Finally, and probably some advice that should have made the Top 10: Please start early and be sure to not to hype the process and create unnecessary pressure. The 11+ is not a life defining exam. No matter how much you want your child to succeed, by telling them that the 11+ exam is super important, you may cause them to worry and feel more pressure than necessary. If you want any advice. Please call me on 0161 243 3131 and ask for Geoff