What is the 11+?

The 11+ is a series of tests sat by children to gain a place in year 7 at several local schools.  The purpose of the 11+ test is to select the children who have the potential to thrive in an environment which provides a highly academic curriculum and a range of challenging pursuits.

• English Test

  • 60 minutes plus 10 minutes reading time
  • 60 marks

• Maths Test

  • 60 minutes
  • 60 marks

Weighted 50% each

Not age standardised                     No verbal Reasoning                      Tests are deliberately hard

Is a place at one of these schools the right choice for my child?

• Curiosity, enjoyment of learning and problem solving
• Perseverance and completion of challenging tasks
• Understanding of all concepts taught  at primary school
• Enjoyment of a wide range of literature and/or non-fiction texts
• Creativity in sustained writing
• Ability to make connections between various areas of knowledge
• Good memory
• Imagination and original ideas
• Ability to work at pace and assimilate information quickly

Headteachers of CSSE Schools believe that children should also:

• Have a sound understanding of the National Curriculum in maths and English (secure)
• Be familiar with reading and responding to texts which require a reading age of greater than 11
• Understand the rudiments of spelling, grammar and punctuation

To tutor or not to tutor?

Whilst it is advisable for children to spend a few hours familiarising themselves with the style of responses required in the papers, this can be done at home, using materials that are available.

Important dates

• June/July – CSSE Schools Open Days
• 4^th May – CSSE registration opens
• 21^st July – Deadline to register for the 11+
• 23^rd September 2017 – 11+ test
• 16th October – results sent out
• 31st October – applications for secondary school places made to the Local Authority
• 1st March 2018 – National Offer Day

Preparation

Reading – Project Gutenberg – free classic texts

Vocabulary – Word Dynamo and Vocabulary.com

Maths – Centre for Innovation in Mathematical Teaching (CIMT) – Book 7

Maths – My Maths or BBC Bitesize

How we will help

English

• Mrs Farrell will be leading an English 11+ club
• Starts after Easter

Maths

• Ms Lothian will be leading a maths 11+ club
• Starts after Easter

Letters will be sent out in the next few weeks to register an interest in taking the tests and attending our clubs.  Please note – these are familiarisation sessions and not extra lessons

11+ Pod – Mock exams.  Please see additional leaflets.

Any questions?

Either contact Mr Goddard or CSSE directly on 01245 348257 or check on their website.