If you are a parent living in Buckinghamshire and have a child in Year 4 or 5, you might be wondering how to apply for a place at one of the 13 grammar schools in the county. Grammar schools are selective state schools that admit students based on their academic ability, as measured by an entrance exam called the Secondary Transfer Test often referred to as the 11 plus exam. In this article, we will provide you with some information about the admissions process and some tips on how to prepare your child for the STT.
How do I enter my child for the 11+ in Buckinghamshire?
Children attending Buckinghamshire state funded primary schools will automatically be entered for the Secondary Transfer Test (11+). Children attending any other schools will need to register on the Buckinghamshire County Council Website. The registration opens in May and closes in June of the year your child is in Year 5. You will need to provide some personal details, such as your child’s name, date of birth, address, and current school. If you do not wish your child to take the Secondary Transfer Test (11+) you will need to notify your headteacher.
When is the 11+ sat in Buckinghamshire?
The Secondary Transfer Test (11+) is usually taken in September of the year your child is in Year 6. The exact dates vary year on year. The test is made up of two papers which are taken on the same day with a short gap between them. You will receive an email confirmation of the test date and venue after you register your child.
What does the 11 plus assess?
The STT is split into two papers:
Paper 1 covers verbal skills. This includes English comprehension, grammar, punctuation and spelling, and verbal reasoning. Verbal reasoning tests your child’s ability to work with words, such as finding synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and codes.
Paper 2 tests your child’s ability to work with numbers, such as solving problems, calculations, fractions, and percentages. It also covers non-verbal reasoning which is the ability to work with shapes, patterns, and sequences, such as finding similarities, differences, rotations, and reflections.
What is the pass mark for Buckinghamshire grammar schools?
The pass mark for the STT is based on a standardised score that takes into account your child’s age and the difficulty of the test. The standardised score ranges from 69 to 141, with an average of 100.
The minimum score required to qualify for a grammar school place is 121. However, achieving this score does not guarantee your child a place at their preferred grammar school. It simply means that your child will enter your preferred schools’ pool of qualified candidates.
If there are more qualified candidates than places (and there almost always are) the school will apply its own over-subscription policy. Priority is generally given to Looked After children, those with siblings already attending the school, those with parents who teach at the school, and those living closest to the school. However, the order of prioritisation varies from school to school and other factors may also be considered.
What is the highest score on the 11 plus in Buckinghamshire?
The highest score on the STT is 141, which is the maximum standardised score possible. Achieving close to this score would be an impressive achievement and cause for much celebration! However, so long as a score is over 121 it has no bearing on the likelihood of your child being awarded a place at a Buckinghamshire grammar school.
How to choose a school?
Choosing a secondary school for your child is a big decision, and you may want to consider various factors, such as the location, reputation, curriculum, facilities and ethos of the school. You may also want to visit the school websites, attend the open days, and read the Ofsted reports to get a better idea of what each school offers. To help you narrow down your choices, you can read our article on The Best Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire.
When should I begin preparing my child for the 11 plus?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different children may have distinct levels of readiness and confidence. However, a general rule of thumb is to start preparing your child for the Secondary Transfer Test (11+) at least a year before they take the test, which means around the end of Year 4 or the beginning of Year 5. This will give your child enough time to familiarise themselves with the format and content of the test, as well as to practice their skills and improve their weak areas.
How to prepare for the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools test? Our top tips
Preparing for the STT can be challenging, but it can also be fun and rewarding. Here are some of our top tips on how to help your child ace the test:
Make a study plan: Set a realistic and achievable goal for your child and break it down into smaller steps and milestones. Allocate some time each day or week for your child to study and practice, and monitor their progress and feedback. Make sure to balance their study time with their other activities and interests to avoid overloading or stressing them out.
Focus on quality over quantity: It is not enough to just expose your child to a lot of questions and answers. You need to make sure that your child understands the logic and reasoning behind each question, and that they can apply their skills to different types of questions and scenarios. You also need to review their mistakes and errors, and help them learn from them and avoid repeating them.
Make it fun and engaging: Studying for the STT (11+) does not have to be boring or tedious. You can make it more fun and engaging for your child by using games, puzzles, quizzes, and rewards. You can also involve your child in the learning process, by letting them choose the topics or questions they want to work on, or by challenging them to create their own questions or problems. You can also praise your child for their efforts and achievements, and celebrate their successes with them.
Get other parents and their children involved: All pupils who attend state funded primary schools in Buckinghamshire will automatically be entered for the STT (11+). You are not alone on your journey. Why not start a study group? Hearing different perspectives can aid understanding and a bit of healthy competition can help to keep your child focussed.
Stay positive and supportive: Preparing for the STT (11+) can be stressful and nerve-wracking for both you and your child. Therefore, it is important to stay positive and supportive throughout the process. You can do this by encouraging your child to do their best, but not putting too much pressure or expectation on them. You can also reassure your child that the STT is not the only factor that determines their future, and that there are many other options and opportunities available for them.
To find out more about how ARKA can help to support you and your child through the Secondary Transfer Test (11+) book a free assessment session at our High Wycombe centre.
Comentários