Is having 11+ exams in September too early for kids after summer hols?
I think having the 11 plus for entry to Grammar schools in September is far to close to the summer holidays. November or December would be far better for the 11 plus.
During the 6 weeks of holiday children have lost the structure to their day and it’s difficult to motivate them to study, especially 9-10 year olds in the middle of the long break. On return to school they have less than two weeks (7 school days in many cases) before the final exams of which it’s a pass or fail no retake or second chances (unlike GCSE or A’levels). This places immense stress and high failure levels on children.
The 11 plus is unique in being the only major exam held at the end of the summer break with no school tutorial support prior to the exam.
For that reason it would be far better to have 11 plus exams in November or December to allow pupils the chance to get settled back into school and receive the help and time they need before their crucial exam.
During the 6 weeks of holiday children have lost the structure to their day and it’s difficult to motivate them to study, especially 9-10 year olds in the middle of the long break. On return to school they have less than two weeks (7 school days in many cases) before the final exams of which it’s a pass or fail no retake or second chances (unlike GCSE or A’levels). This places immense stress and high failure levels on children.
The 11 plus is unique in being the only major exam held at the end of the summer break with no school tutorial support prior to the exam.
For that reason it would be far better to have 11 plus exams in November or December to allow pupils the chance to get settled back into school and receive the help and time they need before their crucial exam.
(edited 7 months ago)
Original post by Ambitious1999
I think having the 11 plus for entry to Grammar schools in September is far to close to the summer holidays. November or December would be far better for the 11 plus.
During the 6 weeks of holiday children have lost the structure to their day and it’s difficult to motivate them to study, especially 9-10 year olds in the middle of the long break. On return to school they have less than two weeks (7 school days in many cases) before the final exams of which it’s a pass or fail no retake or second chances (unlike GCSE or A’levels). This places immense stress and high failure levels on children.
The 11 plus is unique in being the only major exam held at the end of the summer break with no school tutorial support prior to the exam.
For that reason it would be far better to have 11 plus exams in November or December to allow pupils the chance to get settled back into school and receive the help and time they need before their crucial exam.
During the 6 weeks of holiday children have lost the structure to their day and it’s difficult to motivate them to study, especially 9-10 year olds in the middle of the long break. On return to school they have less than two weeks (7 school days in many cases) before the final exams of which it’s a pass or fail no retake or second chances (unlike GCSE or A’levels). This places immense stress and high failure levels on children.
The 11 plus is unique in being the only major exam held at the end of the summer break with no school tutorial support prior to the exam.
For that reason it would be far better to have 11 plus exams in November or December to allow pupils the chance to get settled back into school and receive the help and time they need before their crucial exam.
‘When should we start revising for the 11+ exam?
The best time to start preparing your child for the 11+ depends entirely on their current attainment levels and experience. Your son or daughter may only need a few weeks or months of preparation as the 11+ exam approaches, focusing on practising exam papers and developing exam technique and confidence. Most children benefit from several months of support, often regular weekly tuition, building rigour and polish across core skills, being fully stretched and challenged academically and then shaping their performance towards the exam's demands. Any support or tuition focused on preparing for the 11+ exam also brings a significant and broader benefit to your child in terms of their general school work and confidence.’
‘Do we need a tutor for the 11+ exam?
Some parents will choose to prepare their child using resources available, such as the series of Bond 11+ books or GL and CEM past papers; other parents will choose to send their child to 11+ group tuition with classes outside of school hours; other parents may choose to enlist the services of a professional tutor or teacher, who specialises in preparing children for the 11+ exam.’
https://www.teacherstoyourhome.com/uk/blog/11-plus-exam-for-grammar-school-entry
As the 11 plus exam is something you sign up for (it is an optional exam, used mostly by grammar schools), it seems you are own your own for revising it. The exam dates are convenient for the grammar schools.
‘When should I start preparing a child for 11 Plus?
A good recommendation would be to start preparing a child for the 11 plus exam about a year in advance, so when they are 9 to 10 years old.
There is no definitive time to start preparations, however, so it may be best to judge it on what is best for the child.’
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/teaching-wiki/11-plus-exam
‘If your child was born between 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 and is in their final year at primary school you will need to apply for a secondary school place between 11 September 2023 and the closing date of 31 October 2023 for them to start in September 2024.’ Results for 11 plus are published in mid October, for you to apply to your grammar schools. It is not possible to have it later. I could have misinterpreted this.
‘You will be told what place your child has been given on 1 March 2023’
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/10/17/secondary-school-applications-deadline-what-you-need-to-know/
(edited 7 months ago)
A shorter response
‘Results
For 2024 entry, you will receive your child's test score by Friday 20 October 2023 prior to you completing your Local Authority preference form by 31 October 2023. Parents/carers can then decide whether or not to include any of the Grammar Schools in Birmingham on their home Local Authority preference form. If your child does not achieve the qualifying score or above they will not be considered for a place and you should not list the school on your child's preference form.’
https://www.birminghamgrammarschools.org/content/results-and-offers
11 plus in September, so you get results by October, to than decide to include the grammar school on their preference list.
‘Results
For 2024 entry, you will receive your child's test score by Friday 20 October 2023 prior to you completing your Local Authority preference form by 31 October 2023. Parents/carers can then decide whether or not to include any of the Grammar Schools in Birmingham on their home Local Authority preference form. If your child does not achieve the qualifying score or above they will not be considered for a place and you should not list the school on your child's preference form.’
https://www.birminghamgrammarschools.org/content/results-and-offers
11 plus in September, so you get results by October, to than decide to include the grammar school on their preference list.
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