A large number of children across the UK sit exam papers in year six, at the age of ten, in the hope of gaining entry to an elite grammar school, where only the most academic of students and brightest of minds will be accepted.
There is not one standard 11+ but a variety of similar tests are used across the country. It is advisable to take advice from the Local Education Authority or school at least twelve months prior to the test date.
The different areas which the test might cover are:
- Verbal reasoning, which tests logical deduction, requires the ability to decipher codes, good vocabulary and basic maths.
- Non verbal reasoning: logic tests with abstract figures, codes and shapes.
- Mathematics
- English
The maths and English papers will test skills and knowledge which should be covered at this stage of the school career.
How to Get the Best Results in the Eleven Plus
On their website the National Foundation for Educational Research in England & Wales highlight two pieces of research that show coaching for the 11 plus test and familiarisation with the paper will improve the results for individual children.
The Eleven Plus Exams website and forum also discuss the compelling evidence that increased coaching and preparation over a long period will bring the best results. In addition to those exercises directly relevant to questions on the paper the authors of this site suggest children do activities which strengthen the abilities of:
- logic,
- spatial awareness,
- vocabulary.
Suggested activities include: jigsaw puzzles, construction games, logic puzzles, Sudoku, word-searches and crosswords.
How Computers can Help in Preparing for the Eleven Plus
Many children practice and are coached for many months, up to a year, prior to the test. The actual tests are paper and pencil and often multiple choice questions are used. The main benefit of using computer software or video games is to engage the child's interest with a wide variety of tools. Many children love technology and this may be particularly appealing to some boys and children with dyspraxia who struggle with handwriting.
Eleven Plus Software
There are a large number of software packages for the 11+ candidate which can be bought as a disc or are immediately downloadable from websites. Some of the features of Eleven Plus practice software:
- a huge bank of practice questions
- automatic marking of answers
- automated accurate timing, as the actual papers have time limits.
Video Games & the Eleven Plus
Video and computer games can be a treat and a welcome relief from studying for children and parents know that learning through play is valuable.
Video games can offer the opportunity to continue with 11+ preparation so parents should take a keen interest in the content of games. Those which come with an educational tag are obvious contenders such as the Junior Brain Trainer set of games for the Nintendo DS which are for children of this age.
Logic puzzles, suduko and numerous other games are available online for free. This sort of play time could be built into a long term Eleven Plus preparation programme.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
