11+ Exams and Entrance Exams
Many entrance exams follow an 11+ style format, either CEM or GL Assessment format, even if the school sets their own test. 11+ test questions are often styled in ways that the children will not usually come across during normal Key Stage 2 work. In my sessions students work through various 11+ question styles, developing not just knowledge but also speed, which is a vital skill.
The competitive nature of the 11+ can make it a very stressful experience for both parents and children and 11+ prep sessions help minimise this by increasing confidence in tackling the types of questions.
The BRGS entrance examinations is held in September each year (when your child has just started Year 6) and consists of two one hour CEM style tests.
CEM papers are mixed, with one exam combining English and verbal reasoning and another combining maths and non-verbal reasoning, using a mixture of multiple choice and standard format answers.
Each paper flits between the subject areas. It may start with a short maths section, then move onto a longer problem solving exercise, then some logic puzzles and finally a comprehension. Timings will be allocated to each section, and children will need to carefully manage the time they spend on each section.
In CEM exams, there is typically more questions than are likely to be answered in the time allocated, and the weighting of each subject for your child’s final mark will be unknown before the exam.
Click here for more information on my classes.
The competitive nature of the 11+ can make it a very stressful experience for both parents and children and 11+ prep sessions help minimise this by increasing confidence in tackling the types of questions.
The BRGS entrance examinations is held in September each year (when your child has just started Year 6) and consists of two one hour CEM style tests.
CEM papers are mixed, with one exam combining English and verbal reasoning and another combining maths and non-verbal reasoning, using a mixture of multiple choice and standard format answers.
Each paper flits between the subject areas. It may start with a short maths section, then move onto a longer problem solving exercise, then some logic puzzles and finally a comprehension. Timings will be allocated to each section, and children will need to carefully manage the time they spend on each section.
In CEM exams, there is typically more questions than are likely to be answered in the time allocated, and the weighting of each subject for your child’s final mark will be unknown before the exam.
Click here for more information on my classes.
11+ English skills
Comprehension skills needs to be excellent. CEM comprehensions are multiple-choice. Cloze passages with missing words or spelling or grammar errors are also a common feature. Shuffled sentences is another element of the CEM test. I find that children find these extremely difficult at first but can improve dramatically with lots of exposure to these question types. Children need to read as much and as widely as possible as a love of reading really boost vocabulary. Synonyms and Anytonyms are words closest/most opposite |
11+ Maths
A good grasp of the four basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, division and multiplication) is essential, as is the ability to apply these elements to complex worded problems as well as straightforward calculations and algebra. I aim to ensure the student has excellent grounding in all areas of the KS2 Maths curriculum, and to give them experience in lots of different types of maths questions. |
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning
These picture puzzle type questions require excellent observational skills. |
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Just for fun....Why not test your own ability in answering 11+ style questions here (opens in a new page.)