The last 5 months to 11 plus exam could be very daunting for both parents as well as the child. At this time, you already have a fair idea of your child’s progress but you might require some strategies to structure their 11 plus exam’s preparation. In this blog, we are providing you with a clear sense of what needs be worked on at each stage, henceforth, to get your child into the desired grammar school.

This blog not only includes the curriculum planning but also provides the tested body exercises and list of foods that not only helps in improving concentration but will also keep your child energised for the whole day.

 

HOW TO DESIGN 11 PLUS CURRICULUM PLAN

The First and the Most Important Ongoing Step

By far, the core of 11+ exam preparation is strongly to do with comprehension tricks, maths test shortcuts, spellings and time-tables. So do not leave these to the last minute but keep encouraging your child to read books, perform all four operations, write short stories, use numbers expressed as decimals, fractions, percentages, and ratios, till the exam.

Now, before we move into the step-by-step plan, let’s see all the topics we need to cover for the exam, for each subject and how we can divide them, week wise. 

 

English	Maths	NVR	VR
Grammar	Fractions	Recognise and Associate	Vocab
Punctuation	Measurement	Extending a pattern	Building words
Spelling	Data Handling	Finding a code	Finding words
Comprehension	Decimal	2D Shapes	Reordering
Vocal	Geometry	3D Shapes	Codes
	Operations		Sequences
	Place Value		Logic
	Algebra		Numbers (VR)
	Ratio and Proportion		Algebra (VR)

 

Starting from today, we approximately have 18 weeks to cover 28 topics. So your target should be to cover 2 topics per week so that by the 14th week, your child is all ready to try the 11 plus mock exams. Please note that this target is keeping in mind the average pace of a child. You can always keep a margin of 1-2 weeks as they progress. 

Here’s an example of the time-table that you can use for planning your child’s schedule.

 

Tip: Make sure to serve a variety of topics to the child to break the monotony and build their interest. Our take is that you can approach English and VR together for 1 week and move on to Maths and NVR for the next week. But you can always change these, depending upon your child’s ability and interest. 

Now, let’s see how we can effectively plan the 11 plus exam preparation, step-by-step. 

STEP 1 - Divide the Curriculum & Keep Small Targets

Divide the whole 11 plus curriculum into small parts and keep achievable targets and deadlines. For example, English’s Grammar topic has further 15 subtopics/skills i.e. Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adjectives and so on…  So start with nouns and encourage your child to learn everything about it. 

Tip: Do not over pressurise your child, neither keep the schedule very relaxed and flexible for them.

At Examwizz’s ‘Learning Path’, you will find a very thoughtfully created sequence, where each 11 plus topic and skill is supported by a video tutorial, pdf, presentation and a quick summary. The progress indicator, provided, keeps a check on the progress of each topic learnt by the child.

STEP 2 - Assign a Test

After studying every topic, assign skill-based tests. For example, after studying nouns, give them a time-bound test on nouns. Check their score and if it is less than 70%, send them back to the learning modules of that topic. If they perform well, try giving another test on the same topic so that they feel fully confident.

Tip: Always keep the tests time-bound as it helps the child to get the feel of the actual 11 Plus exam and handle pressure.

 

 

If you are using Examwizz, you will find plenty of time-bound tests on every topic. For each test, there are 3 attempts available and the child can always go back to the learning modules and retake the exam to make improvements. As soon as the child is through with the exam, the parents will get a detailed report on their dashboard, which is discussed in the next step.

These tests can also be printed if you would like to give your child a hard copy.

 

Another interesting feature at Examwizz is that you can also involve yourself by simultaneously appearing for the tests and competing against your child, online. This way you can keep them engaged and encourage them to learn in a play-way manner.

STEP 3 - Learn the Mistakes Made

Check the answer solutions and know the mistakes made. If needed, go back to the topic and help your child know where they went wrong. At Examwizz, you can find the printed answer sheets along with every test at the Parents’ dashboard. 

 

STEP 4 - Create Skill-Based Report/Feedback 

Test reports are highly crucial to get detailed skill-based feedback at every step. These re-ports will explain the strengths and weaknesses of the child and the areas where they need more focus. So make sure to thoroughly analyse every test they attempt. 

If you are using Examwizz, then you can generate detailed reports of each test. You can check the graphical representation of the report.

 

Other than that, you can find the trouble spots at every level and learn which areas you need to focus upon more. 

 

STEP 5 - Conduct Weekly Tests

Once your child is through with one topic, move on to the next one and follow the same process. By the end of the week, make sure to assign a compiled test on all the skills that they learnt. For example, give them one complete test on Grammar, Fractions etc.

And make sure to shuffle the subjects, next week.

 

STEP 6 - Conduct Subject-Wise Tests

At a certain point, when they start completing all the topics of different subjects, assign subject-wise tests and see how they handle the pressure and the load.

You can find 100’s of tests subject-wise at Examwizz that are time-bound and offer a good variety of questions, catering to all the skills. Must try!

STEP 7 - Run Through The Complete Mock Tests During the Last 1 Month

By 15th-17th week at the most, the child should be through with the complete syllabus, so that there is enough time for them to try mock exams and learn their weak areas where they will need to focus, going further.

 

 

Again, if you have already joined Examwizz, you’ll have access to endless 11 plus mock tests that will provide you with detailed reports and a feedback on 

Initially, this whole process may seem overwhelming, but as you move on with a strict rou-tine, you and your child, both will get a hang of it and soon they will be fully confident and ready to sit in the 11 plus exam. 

 

 

HOW TO INCREASE CONCENTRATION AND KEEP THE CHILD FOCUSSED

1. Doing Simple Exercises to Reboot the Brain

Did you know, there are ample number of quick exercises that can refresh and reboot the brain when it is totally exhausted. There are certain pressure points in our body and when we press them, we get the energy jolt.

Other than that, there are memory exercises to learn things faster. Try these with your child to give them a booster till the 11 Plus exam.

Some of the ones that we suggest are

 

2. Taking Breaks

Even small breaks help to rejuvenate and refocus the mind. If your child’s mind wanders at a certain point while studying, it’s probably a good time to take a break.

 

 

3. Eating Healthy and Light Foods

Eating regular and healthy meals keeps the child going throughout the whole day. Junk food, chips, sweetened or energy drinks could be tempting but their quick boost is followed by energy crash. Instead have fruits, vegetables and lots of water.

 

 

4. Doing Physical Exercises

Exercising is good for the body and allows the brain to recharge. Also proper sleep is equally essential as it improves concentration and decision-making.

 

 

5. Providing Support

11 Plus preparation times could be exhausting and overwhelming and it is important to lighten the stress of the child by regularly talking to them on the subjects and things they like. Take them out for walks or play with them occasionally.

 

 

In conclusion, as George Lucas has said “You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.” 11 Plus exam preparation is just the same. Keep going along with your child step-by-step and you’ll be there!! And anywhere you feel stuck, please reach us at team@examwizz.com or  book a webinar with us Book now and we’ll be there to asist you, at free of cost.