11+ PREPARATION

I have developed my own ethos and teaching style for 11+ preparation, and it’s important to find a tutor with whom you feel an educational affinity. My teaching style for 11+ exam preparation is rigorous but not intensive; the focus is on building confidence and familiarisation with 11+ exam content and format.

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I believe that children who would be suited to a grammar school education are those who are naturally bright and quick to learn and make connections. Grammar school education tends to be faster paced and at a deeper level than ordinary state schools: ‘Grammar schools are defined by their pursuit of academic excellence, traditional teaching methods and ethos of strict discipline,’ explains Bob McCartney, chair of the National Grammar Schools Association. ‘Students are selected based on their academic potential, to identify those who are most suitable for this type of education.’ If your child is already struggling at school or needs highly intensive coaching in order to pass the 11+ exam, then they are likely to find their years at grammar school stressful and miserable.

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11+ tutoring is important, though, in filling in the gaps in children’s subject knowledge, particularly given that some of the exam content covers topics not taught in Primary School until Year 6. Additionally, children may, for whatever reason, have ‘missed’ certain topics or concepts and just need to revisit them and brush up on basic skills, such as the implication of place value on basic calculations. This is where 1:1 tutoring comes in especially useful - intelligent children are very good at hiding their deficiencies, but during a 1:1 assessment, there is nowhere to hide, and I will quickly discover if, actually, they don’t know all their times tables or how to use brackets (mathematically and grammatically!).

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I focus on building children’s confidence, as I believe that is half the battle for success. As with physical training (having experienced it myself playing rugby for Salisbury and running a marathon), a positive mindset is key, as negativity can block potential. Children who are prepared for the 11+ in larger groups tend to grasp very quickly where they rank in their group, and even a very bright child who is bottom of their group will learn to see themselves as less capable and make them feel inclined to give up. Therefore I limit any group tuition to just two or three pupils, and unlike many tutors, I also offer 1:1 tutoring for that very personal touch. Whether your child learns with me 1:1 or in a group, I give regular and detailed feedback on their progress, and run realistic mock exams throughout the year. Importantly, I will be honest about your child’s likelihood of passing the 11+ exam.

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If I sound like the right tutor for your child, I look forward to meeting you!

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Gemma Gammon