How to prepare for the 11+ in the final few weeks

With most Pre-test, 11+ and CAT4 exams coming up before the end of this term, we wanted to share our top tips for families to make the most of these last few weeks.

Practice practice practice!

Now is the time to make the most of practice papers. Working through practice exams, and if applicable, past papers for their target schools, is the best way to build exam technique and ensure children are comfortable with the format.

Some students are brilliant at comprehension but then get thrown off by the format, so make sure they are ready for what they’ll encounter in the real exam. This is especially important if they’re sitting exams online, such as the Pre-test – ensure they have had the opportunity to complete on-screen papers and not only handwritten ones.

Create exam conditions

Just as important as familiarity with the format is the ability to calmly complete papers in an unfamiliar environment in a certain amount of time.

Try creating an exam-ready space in your home and getting your child to sit a paper under exam timings. You may also want to take advantage of practice exams such as the one at Enjoy Education on the morning of the 25^th October, or to arrange a private practice exam with us to replicate the feel of going to a real exam.

Create attainable goals

In the last few weeks before exams, avoid cramming! It’s much better to target the core skills and the areas where your child can make the most progress than to overload them with information.

Speak to your tutor or get in touch with our team to discuss what’s best for your child to focus on to take their preparation to the next level ahead of their exams.

Look ahead to interviews

School interviews can follow quickly after exams are over, so it’s important to keep preparation going as you head towards exams.

Is there anything you can be doing to gently ensure your child is aware of the news or current events? Reading magazines such as The Week Junior together or watching Newsround can be a great place to start.

The holidays are also a great opportunity to encourage reading and to make learning fun together through reading or listening to educational podcasts. Get in touch with our team for our recommendations.

Create a calming environment

Entrance exams can be a little scary for students at the best of times, so it’s important that as a family you create a calm and positive environment and that your child doesn’t feel under too much pressure.

Arrange a treat or a fun family activity for your child after exams are over so they have something to look forward to and can stay positive as they go through entrance exams.

Need some extra support to boost your child’s preparation in these final few weeks? Get in touch with our Primary team today.