A Parent’s Diary: Journey Through the 11+
As parents, watching our children face challenges is both a source of
pride and anxiety. The 11+ exam is one such challenge – a significant
hurdle in the academic journey, leading to a possible place in a reputable
grammar school. Here’s a heartfelt account of our family’s expedition
through the 11+ preparation, filled with insights, surprises, and revelations.
Entry 1: The Awakening
The moment we realized our child would be sitting for the 11+ exam was
daunting. Suddenly, terms like Exam syllabus, Test format, and Verbal
reasoning became part of our daily vocabulary. The need for a systematic
approach was evident. We started by researching Study materials and
seeking Preparation tips from various sources.
Entry 2: The Quest for the Right Tools
There’s no shortage of resources out there, but identifying the right
Study materials tailored to our child’s needs was crucial. From
comprehensive guides to Sample questions, we ensured we had
everything to cover the Exam syllabus in-depth.
Entry 3: Tutoring – Yay or Nay?
We debated the pros and cons. After a lot of contemplation, we opted for
Tutoring. The personalized attention and expert insights on Exam
techniques proved invaluable. It was heartening to see our child’s
weaknesses being addressed and confidence growing.
Entry 4: Online Practice – A New Age Revolution
In today’s digital age, we couldn’t ignore the benefits of 11 plus online
test platforms. They offered diverse Sample questions and a real-time
Assessment of our child’s performance. The immediate feedback
mechanism enabled quick rectification of mistakes.
Entry 5: The Time Challenge
Balancing schoolwork, 11+ preparation, and leisure was a juggling act.
Time management became the cornerstone of our routine. We
established a study timetable, incorporating breaks, ensuring our child
wasn’t overwhelmed.
Entry 6: The Role of Parental Support
Never underestimate the power of Parental support. Our role wasn’t just
to provide resources but to offer emotional support. Celebrating small
milestones, understanding when to take a break, and simply being there
made a huge difference.
Entry 7: Decoding the Test Format
Understanding the Test format was pivotal. Whether it was Non-verbal
reasoning, Maths, or English, familiarizing our child with the kind of
questions to expect, time allocations, and answer formats eliminated many
day-of-exam jitters.
Entry 8: Mock Exams – The Real Test
We came across the concept of Mock exams. These simulated the real
test environment and were crucial in our child’s Assessment. It helped
identify areas of strength and pinpoint topics that needed more revision.
Entry 9: The Final Lap
As the exam date neared, we shifted our focus from learning new content
to revising known topics. Continuous revision using Practice papers and
relying on Tutoring for last-minute doubts built a solid foundation.
Entry 10: D-Day Approach
Emotions ran high as the exam day approached. We ensured our child had
a good night’s sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and a calm environment. A
quick pep talk and loads of hugs later, we were on our way.
Entry 11: The Aftermath
Post-exam, we focused on relaxation and indulged in some fun family
time. The mantra was to keep stress at bay while awaiting the results.
Conclusion:
The journey through the 11+ was an eye-opener. We learned the importance of
preparation, the efficacy of the right resources, the invaluable role of
Parental support, and the need for balance. It wasn’t just about preparing
for an exam but understanding our child’s unique needs and strengths.
To all parents embarking on this journey, remember it’s not just about the
destination (passing the exam) but the journey itself. Cherish the
moments, the learnings, and the bond you’ll form with your child along the
way. Your faith, combined with the right resources and preparation, will
pave the way for your child’s success.
