Introduction: The 11+ exams can be a crucial and challenging milestone for your child’s academic journey. As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting and guiding your child through this process. In this blog, we will discuss eight essential tips to help your child rescue themselves in the 11+ exams in the last eight weeks and achieve their full potential.
1. Understand the Exam: Educate yourself about the 11+ exam format, content, and expectations. Familiarise yourself with the subjects and question types your child will encounter. This knowledge will enable you to provide appropriate guidance and support.
2. Create a Daily Study Plan: Managing a tight timeline can be daunting, but a detailed study plan simplifies things by providing structure and guidance on prioritising tasks. Collaborate with your child to create a well-structured study plan. Break down the syllabus into manageable chunks and allocate specific study time for each subject. Your daily plan should include timed practised papers, discussing your child’s mistakes, filling their gaps on specific topics and repeating the same cycle for the other subjects. Ensure the plan is realistic, flexible, and tailored to your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
3. Provide Resources: Equip your child with a sufficient amount of necessary study resources, such as books, practice papers, past papers and revision guides. Work with them to curate a collection of helpful materials that cover the relevant exam topics. Online resources and educational apps can also supplement their learning.
4. Encourage Consistent Revision: Emphasise the importance of regular revision to reinforce learning. Help your child establish a study routine that includes daily revision sessions. Please encourage them to review their notes, practice sample questions, and solve past papers. Consistent revision builds confidence and solidifies knowledge. Keeping a portfolio of timed test results can show where progress is being made over time
5. Support Time Management: Guide your child in managing their time effectively during exam preparation. Teach them to allocate time based on the difficulty and importance of each subject or topic. Encourage breaks to prevent burnout and maintain focus.
6. Offer Emotional Support: Exams can be emotionally taxing for children. Be their pillar of support and offer encouragement throughout the process. Establish open lines of communication with your child regarding their feelings, challenges, and aspirations. Also, please encourage them to express concerns or anxieties about the exams. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and provide reassurance during moments of doubt. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivation. As a parent, your support is invaluable in helping your child navigate the challenges of the 11+ exams.
7. Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle: Help your child maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Ensure they get sufficient rest, exercise, and nutritious meals. Encourage breaks for leisure activities and hobbies to rejuvenate their minds. A balanced lifestyle enhances focus, energy levels, and overall well-being.
8. Seek Expert Guidance: Consider enlisting the help of tutors, mentors, or educational programs specialising in 11+ preparation. 11+ tutors provide intensive summer classes with lots of mocks and revision lessons. Professionals can provide targeted instruction, identify areas for improvement, and offer personalised strategies. Their expertise complements your efforts as a parent.