How To Help Your Child Pass Their 12+ Exam

The 12+ exams are a significant milestone for many children on their educational journey. These exams, which typically take place when a child is in Year 6, can determine whether they are accepted into their desired secondary school. As a parent, it is natural to want to help your child succeed, but it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we will discuss some strategies to help your child pass the 12+ exams.

1. Understand the Exam

It is important for you to understand what the 12+ exam entails in order to help your child pass it. The 12+ exams can vary depending on the school, but they usually include tests in Maths, English, and reasoning skills. These exams are designed to test a child's knowledge and skills and are usually taken in Year 6.

1. Start Early

It is never too early to prepare your child for the 12+ exams. Even if your child is in Year 5, it is a smart idea to introduce them to the types of questions they will be asked. This will help them become familiar with the exam format and will reduce any anxiety they may feel about taking the exam.

1. Provide Resources

There are many resources available to help your child prepare for the 12+ exams. These resources include practice papers, textbooks, and online resources. Make sure to provide your child with the resources they need to succeed. You can also work with their school or tutor to find the most suitable resources for your child.

1. Develop Good Study Habits

It is crucial that your child develops good study habits in order to succeed in the 12+ exams. Encourage your child to study regularly and create a study schedule that works for them. Make sure they have a quiet and comfortable place to study and eliminate any distractions.

1. Focus on Weaknesses

Identifying your child's weaknesses is essential for helping them pass the 12+ exams. Work with them to identify areas where they need improvement and focus on those areas. This can include providing additional resources, hiring a tutor, or working with their teacher to develop a plan for improvement.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice is crucial for 12+ exam success. Encourage your child to practice as much as possible. This can include working through practice papers, solving maths problems, and improving their reading skills. The more they practice, the more confident they will become in their abilities.

1. Develop Reasoning Skills

Reasoning skills are an essential component of the 12+ exams. These skills include verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which can be challenging for some children. Work with your child to develop their reasoning skills through practice papers and exercises.

1. Encourage Reading

Reading is an essential component of the 12+ exams, as many questions involve comprehension and understanding. Encourage your child to read as much as possible, both fiction and non-fiction. This will help them develop their vocabulary, comprehension skills, and critical thinking abilities.

1. Build Confidence

Building confidence is crucial to helping your child pass the 12+ exams. Encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Celebrate their successes and offer support when they face challenges. A confident child is more likely to perform well in the exam.

1. Stay positive.

Finally, it is essential to stay positive throughout the exam preparation process. Avoid putting too much pressure on your child and focus on their progress. Remember that every child is different, and some need more support. Stay positive and encourage and support the process.

In summary, helping your child pass the 12+ exams requires a plethora of resources, practice, and support.

How to Improve Your Child's Non-Verbal Reasoning Skills for the 11+

Non-verbal reasoning is the ability to understand and solve problems without the use of words. It’s a key skill that’s tested in many school entrance exams, including the 11+.

This article will provide you with some fast but effective tips for improving your child’s NVR skills so that they can go onto ace the 11+. 

Game Away

There are several  games that can help children improve their NVR  skills. These include puzzles, Sudoku, and logic games. By playing such games, you’re encouraging your child to think creatively, solve logical but complex problems, improve their spatial reasoning and enhance their cognitive ability. Furthermore, these sorts of games enable children to think visually and adopt an ‘outside the box’ approach to tackling academic problems.

Be explorative

Encourage your child to explore their environment and take an interest in the world around them. This can help them develop their spatial awareness as well as their ability to visualise objects.

Make the most of apps

There are dozens of apps in the Apple Store and on Google Play that enable children to improve their NVR skills and several of them are designed for 11+ applicants. It’s definitely downloading a few free ones so that your child can practise using them and get a feel for how to answer exam-style questions. .

Incorporate Extracurricular Activities 

Extracurricular activities are incredibly important as they can help your child to develop NVR skills in a fun and exciting way. Often times, children don’t realise they’re learning anything when they’re engaging in these activities but the results of doing them can be enormous. Some examples of extracurricular activities that can help develop reasoning skills include robotics, chess, and art.

Practise Away

The best way to improve your child's non-verbal reasoning skills is to practise. There are many resources available that can provide your child with exam-style questions. You can also help your child by playing games together or by doing puzzles with them. To take things up a notch, consider incentivising them with treats or rewards for consistent revision or engagement. Also, remember to track your child’s scores whenever they’re completing test papers.

Be patient

Improving your child's  reasoning skills takes time and effort. Be patient  and encourage them to keep practising.

Take breaks

It is important to take breaks when your child is studying. This will help them avoid getting frustrated and prevent overwhelm..

Monitor their  progress

It is important to monitor your child's progress as this will help you determine how they’re doing and  help you adjust their revision schedule accordingly.

Get help from professionals

If you are struggling to help your child improve their NVR skills, you may want to consider getting help from a professional such as a tutor, teacher or 11+ specialist. There are many tutors and educational professionals who can provide your child with the support they need.

We hope you enjoyed this article and as always, feel free to reach out if you’d like us to help your child with their learning.

Best wishes,

The Tutoress Team. 

Co-Ed vs Single Sex Schools: Which Is Best For Your Child?

The advantages and disadvantages of co-educational vs single-sex schools have been hotly contested throughout history, with persuasive arguments on both sides.

According to studies, boys and girls react differently to various learning environments depending on the situation. The question therefore begs, do we segregate children in order to educate them, or is early integration the secret to raising a successful and sociable generation?

On paper, single-sex education appears to have advantages because the outcomes are unquestionably superior. Statistics show that pupils who attend single-gender schools outperform their peers at co-ed schools at GCSE level.

One of the greatest benefits of single-gender schools is inclusivity. Nobody is excluded based on their gender from any club, activity, sport, or course. Children can experiment and attempt new things without being constrained by stereotyped gender roles in this way.

One that has been deemed to be particularly significant in parents' decision-making is the claim that exposure to people of the opposite sex can be distracting.  It is believed that by eliminating this disturbance, the students' whole attention will be directed toward their academic work and extracurricular pursuits. But we are aware that this is a fallacious justification. Because eliminating the boyfriend/girlfriend dynamic from the classroom does not ensure that more time will be devoted to intellectual activities. Contrarily, there is a compelling case that excluding contact with the other sex creates an unsatisfactory and unhealthful relationship with the object of one's affection.

Single-sex institutions frequently promote a sense of family that forges ties that endure well into old age. However, students are taught how to engage with people of the opposing sex in coed institutions.

To aid in the instruction of understanding of interactions between the sexes, these institutions offer a secure and well supervised environment. However, it must be acknowledged that the notion that single-sex schools encourage sexist attitudes is out of date. In single-sex institutions, pastoral care is now recognised as an essential component of a student's development and the curriculum.

Some believe that diversity is a problem in single-sex schools because it causes confusion in pupils who later transfer to coeducational institutions.

However, if a single-sex establishment is associated with one of the opposing gender, as many grammar and public schools are currently, then this can be eliminated.

Over the past 20 years, the number of same-sex educational institutions has decreased by half, and the majority of single-sex schools now provide mixed sixth forms.

Some parents opt for single-sex schools due to their own experiences attending such institutions. Regardless of personal views on the matter, it is undeniable that both types of schools have their benefits. Ultimately, the most important question to ask yourself when making such an important decision is, what type of school is best for my child and their individual needs? Make sure you factor in the type of environment they would thrive in, the school’s values and your child’s own preferences.

If you enjoyed this article and found it useful, share it with someone who might benefit from it too.

Best wishes,

The Tutoress.

How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready For The 11+ Exam?

“Dear Tutoress,

We have been preparing for the 11+ for 1 year. How do I know if my child is ready? I’m worried that there’s still so much for him to learn. Any advice?”

I’m always grateful to receive emails and messages from parents asking for advice, especially when it comes to how best to prepare for the exams. The 11+ can be a whirlwind and there’s so much to take in. In today’s article, I’ll do my best to answer the above question and offer some practical advice.

For most parents who decide to embark on the 11+ or Common Entrance journey, deciding whether or not your child is ready for the 11+ exam can be very challenging. After all, the 11+ exam is a highly competitive test that generally differs based on factors such as the schools you’re considering, your location and even your budget. It’s therefore important to carefully consider whether your child is ready to take on the challenge of the 11+ exam before making the decision to have them sit for it.

One of the first things to consider when deciding whether your child is ready for the exam is their age. The 11+ exam is typically taken by students who are in Year 6, which is the last year of primary school in the UK. This means that most students who take the 11+ exam are around 10 or 11 years old. It is generally recommended that pupils are at least 10 years old before they take the 11+ exam, as this gives them enough time to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful.

Another important factor to consider is your child's academic abilities. The 11+ exam covers a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, and Reasoning (Verbal and Nonverbal).

It is important that your child has a strong foundation in these subjects before attempting the exam. If your child is struggling with any of these subjects, it may be best to wait until they have had more time to develop their skills before taking the 11+ exam.

In addition to academic abilities, it is also important to consider your child's readiness for the exam from a psychological standpoint. The 11+ exam can be a stressful and challenging experience for students, and it is important that your child is emotionally ready to take on this challenge. If your child is easily overwhelmed by stress or has difficulty dealing with pressure, they may not be ready to sit the 11+.

One way to determine whether your child is ready for the 11+ is to have them take practice tests. Practice tests are available from a variety of sources, including schools and tutoring centers. These tests can give you a sense of your child's strengths and weaknesses, and can help you determine whether they are ready to take the 11+ exam.

It is also important to talk to your child about their feelings about the 11+ exam. Ask them how they feel about the prospect of taking the test, and listen to their concerns and fears. If your child is feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the 11+ exam, it may be best to wait until they are more emotionally ready to take it.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not your child is ready for the 11+ exam is up to you. It is important to carefully consider all of the factors mentioned above, and to make a decision that is in the best interests of your child. If you are unsure about whether your child is ready for the 11+ exam, it may be helpful to consult with a school counselor or other education professional who can provide guidance and advice.

Does my child need to be a genius in order to pass the 11+?

No, your child does not need to be a genius in order to pass the 11+ exam. The exam is challenging and is designed to measure a student's academic abilities and determine their eligibility to attend certain highly selective schools. While a high level of intelligence can certainly be beneficial, it is not the only factor that determines a student's success.

In order to pass the exam, your child will need to have a strong foundation in the subjects covered. This means that they should have a good understanding of basic concepts in English, mathematics, and Reasoning. They will also need to have good problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.

In addition to academic abilities, your child will also need to have strong test-taking skills. This includes being able to manage their time effectively, staying focused throughout the test, and using strategies to approach difficult questions.

Overall, while a high level of intelligence can certainly be helpful when it comes to preparing for the 11+, it is not the only factor that determines a child’s success. With the right preparation and study habits, many pupils can achieve positive outcomes.

How Do I Get My Child To Do More Creative Writing Practice At Home?

My child hates writing and finds it difficult. How do I get them to do more creative writing at home?

Teaching children to write is an important part of their education. It helps them develop their communication skills and improves their ability to express themselves.

However, some children find writing to be extremely difficult and struggle with finding the right words. Some children also struggle with spelling and this puts them off writing completely. If your child dislikes writing, they may feel anxious about getting it wrong or not meeting your expectations. If this sounds like your child, you can help by encouraging them to do more creative writing practice at home.

Here are some tips that should hopefully make things easier for the both of you.

Try not to put your child off by insisting he/she does complicated assignments.

• Don't put your child off by insisting he/she does complicated assignments.

• Don't make it seem like writing is a chore or punishment to be endured, but rather something to be enjoyed and explored.

Encourage him/her to write about topics he/she enjoys.

You can encourage your child to do creative writing practice at home by encouraging him or her to write about topics he or she enjoys. The more your child enjoys what he/she is writing about, the more he or she will want to write. And if he or she is enjoying what he or she is writing about, then that means that his/her creative side will be stimulated, too.

You'll notice that when you're reading and talking with your child about their practice pieces (or even just their favorite ones), they'll get excited and talk more enthusiastically—and that's a big sign that they've been practicing creatively.

So how do you know if something interests them? Asking questions like "What are some things you like doing?" can help get this process started. You can also encourage them to find out new things through books and other media (like TV shows). If there's something they want to learn more about in particular, encourage them by letting them know how much fun it could be when they find out more information on their own instead of relying on what others have told them; this way there'll be no doubt as far as whether learning new things is worth their time - which means no excuses from practicing creativity at home either!

Don't be afraid to help them find the right words.

When your child is writing, it's okay for you to suggest better phrasing, or ask them why they’ve chosen to use a certain word. If they are struggling with spelling or grammar, ask them to proofread their work but do so I’m a way that is firm yet polite. Helping your child to learn how to proofread is important for their own academic and personal growth. It will also help them to develop positive lifelong writing skills.

Be encouraging and praise your child’s efforts.

• Don't compare your child to others. If you're unsure of how to handle your child’s writing difficulties, talk to their teacher about it. He or she may be able to help you avoid setting unrealistic expectations for success by sharing what he or she thinks is reasonable for your individual child.

• Don't expect perfection from your child. It's important not to become too critical of the work that he or she does at home, as this can lead children down a road that is not conducive to creative writing practice—and in some cases will even stop them from continuing altogether. The most helpful thing that parents can do when helping their kids with their creative writing practice is encourage them and praise their efforts and progress.

• Avoid giving up if your child is struggling: everyone learns in different ways. Some children may need more time than others; while they might have trouble understanding some concepts at first (such as grammar), repetition will eventually make these concepts easier for them overall.

Support your child's writing efforts by reading what they've written.

One thing to remember is that not all children will want to share their writing with others. Some children are very private and may feel like they're "showing off" if they read something aloud. In such instances, you can still be supportive by letting them know how proud you are of them for writing such an amazing story and reading it over with them when they're ready.

If your child wants feedback, try asking questions about the work—what does this mean? Why did the narrator do that? What does this character look like? How would you change the beginning of your story? If there are typos or grammatical mistakes (and there usually are), point those out gently so that your child doesn't get discouraged from trying again next time.

Remember: we all have our own style of communication; what one person finds helpful might not work for another person in similar circumstances.

Let your child see you reading different books and in different places.

If you want your child to be a creative writer, then it's important for them to see you reading. Being an active reader is something that can be done anywhere, anytime. Your child doesn't have to be around a book or computer screen all day long in order for them to develop their own creativity. Reading can be done in groups or individually, so there are no excuses not to read! Reading is also a great way for children and teens alike to relax and unwind after a long day at school or work.

Get children writing early, even when they can only scribble!

• Get the kids writing early, even when they can only scribble! Start by having them write letters and words. If they're old enough to write, encourage them to write stories about their interests or favourite toys. Encourage them to write about what they did over the weekend with you or their friends/family members at school or out in the community. Ask your child's teacher to help put together a creative writing project that incorporates everyone in class; this could include poems and short stories written by each student as part of a classwide collaborative piece.

• Look for ways for your child's interests and talents (whether that’s through science experiments, sports teams, art projects) feed into their creative writing practice at home—this will hopefully become motivation enough for them to continue working on these types of things on their own!

By encouraging writing at home, you are giving lots of ways for your child to practice creative writing skills.

One of the best ways to help your child develop good writing skills is to get him or her involved in creative writing practice at home.

• Encourage your child's writing by giving them many opportunities to write, without putting pressure on them to do complicated assignments.

• Take care not to put off your child with strict rules about what they can and cannot write about - encourage him/her instead!

Conclusion

If you want your child to be a creative writer, be proactive in encouraging them to improve their writing skills. It’s important to be patient with them, to be positive and encouraging. If you want to help your child in a way that’s fun and hassle-free, grab a copy of our Superb Stories programme which enables them to master excellent writing skills in as little as a week.