7 Tips for 11+ Exam Day

For many children, the 11+ exam is only a week away. Many months of hard work, practice tests and staring at non-verbal reasoning questions just trying to work out what on earth they mean (this last one is mainly done by parents and tutors) all come down to two 45 minute papers next weekend. Admittedly, the 11+ is not the be-all and end-all, but I know it matters to a lot of children.

Before then, there’s the small matter of the first week back at school, which is both a welcome distraction and a bit of a nuisance for those preparing for next weekend’s exam. I’m sure many parents would prefer to spend this week focusing on last-minute preparation for the 11+, but with that comes the real danger of children burning out or cracking under the pressure. So it is probably best that this week is spent helping your child settle into the new school year, with quick bursts of revision and practising spread throughout the week (15-30 minutes a day should be plenty of time).

But what about the test day itself? How can you help your child deal with any nerves or pressure they may be feeling? Well, here are seven tips to help prepare for the 11+ exam day.

1. Reassure your child throughout the week that you just want them to do their best - Many children going into the exam will worry that if they don’t get a good score, they will have let their parents down. Although you have probably said this to them a hundred times, constantly reaffirm the fact that you will be proud of them no matter how they do, and just to do their best.

1. Talk through any concerns or worries they may have - Keep an open dialogue throughout the week to allow for your child to talk about anything which is on their mind. When beginning any such conversation, it is important to begin by acknowledging that you won’t say any of their worries is silly and they won’t get in trouble for being honest with you. Talk through what they are worried about, and try to help them overcome this issue.

1. Do not offer rewards for certain scores or getting into a grammar school - Whilst this gesture is well-intended, it actually increases the pressure on children as they now have something extra to lose if they don’t do well. If you do want to give a reward, then it should be for completing the test rather than based on any outcome of it.

1. Plan something fun for later in the day - Before the day of the test, discuss and decide upon a fun family activity which you could do in the afternoon or evening after the exam. It could be visiting somewhere together, going for a meal, having a film night or anything your family enjoys! This will give your child something to look forward to and will help take their mind off the exam after it is over. Besides, calories on take-away food don’t count if you have to eat it for the well-being of your family...probably.

1. Early to bed! - My 10 year-old self would be screaming at me right now! Sorry kids, but studies since time immemorial have proven a good night’s sleep is one (if not the most) important factor in being prepared for an exam or any other activity the following day. It is also important to have a good dinner the night before and a hearty breakfast in the morning to give the body the physical and mental energy needed for extensive periods of concentration, so there’s some good news there at least!

1. Remind your child what to expect on exam day - Children will feel more relaxed when they have an idea of what to expect in terms of how the exam will be structured. Remind them that there will be two papers, each lasting around 45 minutes, most (if not all) questions will be multiple choice, they will have a break in the middle and that many of the instructions will be given to them via an audio recording. Reassure your child that they are prepared for the test and recap any exam techniques you or their tutor have discussed with them. Don’t forget they are allowed a snack and a drink to have during the break too.

1. Don’t arrive at the test too early - I have been told by a couple of parents from previous years that, after they have been registered, children have to take their seat and just sit there until they are ready to begin the exam. So if your child arrives at 9am, they may well just have to sit in a chair for 30 minutes doing nothing, potentially becoming more stressed and anxious (I’ve even heard reports of children being dropped off up to an hour early!). Obviously, I am not recommending waiting until the last possible moment to arrive as there may be traffic problems, but you could arrive at the venue early and not go inside until 10-15 minutes before the start time. You could even organise to meet another parent and child outside the venue to give the children a chance to chat with each other and have a bit of fun before going inside.

I hope this has been helpful with your final preparations for the 11+ exam day. If you have any further questions about the day itself, please feel free to contact us and we would be more than happy to help.

I would like to wish every child taking the 11+ the very best of luck with the exam, and also with your time in Year 6.

If you would like more information on the 11+, SATS or any other aspects of primary education, please contact us and we would love to help you. You can also follow us on Facebook, and can learn more about our tuition and education services at www.ingenia-education.co.uk.

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