Exploring Your Child's Potential: How 11 Plus Exam Technique Is Teachable
In today's competitive educational landscape, preparatory schools often hold an advantage over state schools. With smaller class sizes, tailored curriculums, and abundant resources, these institutions create environments where students can thrive academically. They focus intensely on 11 plus exam preparation, ensuring that students are well-equipped to pass the pre-test and paper exam. But what if your child attends a state primary school? Does that mean they are at a disadvantage to sit an 11 plus exam?
Absolutely not. The key lies in understanding that exam techniques are teachable. With enough time, the right approach and guidance, many children can master the skills needed to excel in the 11 Plus exam.
The Teachability of 11 Plus Exam Technique
The 11 Plus exam isn't just about what a child knows; it's about how they apply that knowledge under exam conditions. Techniques such as time management, question analysis, and strategic answering can significantly change performance. These are not innate abilities—they are skills that can be taught, practised, and perfected. Let’s not forget the importance of confidence.
Steps to Mastering the 11 Plus Exam Technique
1. Understanding the Exam Structure
Begin by familiarising your child with the format of the 11 Plus exam. Knowing the types of questions and subjects covered reduces anxiety and builds confidence. Verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and developing a rich vocabulary through challenging reading, plus encouraging deeper (child friendly) discussion are perfect starting points that match an independent school's style of teaching.
2. Developing Time Management Skills
Teach your child to allocate time wisely for each section. Timed practice sessions can help them get used to working under pressure. Look at the marks assigned to each question and use a timer to check the time taken to respond correctly.
3. Practising Past Papers
Regularly working through past exam papers helps identify common question patterns and areas that need improvement. There are dozens of free 11 plus tests available online, even from the schools themselves. You can find many schools past papers at miniteaching.com
4. Enhancing Vocabulary and Comprehension
Encourage reading a variety of texts to improve language skills, which are crucial for the English and verbal reasoning sections. It is important to look carefully at the books your child is currently reading. Many modern books are a mix of comic strips and dialogue which are great for entertainment, but not so much for extending and challenging vocabulary. You can find a complete list of classic children’s books at miniteaching.com
5. Strengthening Mathematical Concepts
Ensure a strong grasp of fundamental math concepts through regular practice and problem-solving exercises. There are over 50 areas of maths covered in 11 plus and some exams are quite challenging requiring a knowledge of logical reasoning word problems, algebra, ratio, and probability.
6. Cultivating Logical Thinking
Engage in activities that promote critical thinking and reasoning, such as puzzles and brain teasers. There are plenty of print puzzle books and online puzzle sites out there, plus specific 11 plus books offering logical reasoning.
7. Providing Emotional Support
A positive mindset is essential. Offer encouragement and reassure your child that effort and practice lead to improvement. In our teaching, support and confidence building, learning through making mistakes and building progressively on core skills is fundamental in the preparation of our pupils.
How Children Learn
Children are naturally curious and absorb information rapidly when it's presented engagingly. They learn best through:
Interactive Learning: Hands-on activities and interactive lessons keep them engaged.
Visual Aids: Charts, diagrams, and videos can make complex concepts easier to understand.
Repetition and Practise: Regular revision reinforces knowledge and builds confidence.
Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating small achievements motivates them to keep improving.
Understanding your child's unique learning style allows you to tailor the study approach effectively. Do they need to interact with other children or adults in order to learn? Do they absorb their knowledge through books? Or maybe, much of their knowledge has come through online tutorials such as those readily available on sites such as BBC Bitesize or YouTube?
Introducing the ‘mini Genius method’ at miniteaching.com
Unlocking your child's full potential is a journey, and you don't have to navigate it alone. The ‘mini Genius method’ offers a personalised approach to mastering the 11 Plus exam through 40 modules of learning, each covering all 9 topics found in any 11 plus exams, including interview skills.
Experience Expert Tutors: Experienced educators who specialise in 11 Plus preparation.
Interactive Lessons: Engaging sessions that make learning enjoyable.
Comprehensive Resources: Access to practice papers, study materials, and progress tracking.
With the mini Genius method, your child can gain the skills and confidence needed to excel, regardless of their current school environment.