After the course
Can my child do the course again?
Yes, this is possible but please contact us to discuss before completing the booking form.
How can I best help my child after the course?
Carefully look through your child’s course folder, along with their pre-course tests and mock exam papers. Refer to the reports provided for each test paper to make sure you understand the advice given. Show everything to their home tutor if they have one.
Your child should now focus on any weak areas highlighted in our reports or in their folder. Continue to do timed exam papers.
Whatever grade your child has achieved in our tests remain positive or call if you have any concerns.
Concerns about the course
Is it a crash course?
No, it isn’t a crash course.
It’s a revision course for children who have already been preparing for the exam.
If your child has had little or no preparation contact us before booking the course as we may be able to help.
Will a week course be too much for my child?
In almost all cases I can confidently say ‘NO’ the course won’t be too much for your child.
We understand it’s holiday time and some children are ‘fed up’ of 11-plus preparation. We therefore make the course as fun and enjoyable as possible whilst still making sure they work hard and make the most of the opportunity.
Parents are often shocked at how they come along each day happy and enthusiastic!
Take a minute to read the student testimonials at the bottom of 11-plus course page on our website. Children are very honest about their feelings.
Dealing with nerves
My child is nervous about going to the course. What can I do?
This is very common so don’t worry!
Tell them they will have a wonderful time, make new friends and that they will get help with the things they struggle with.
If they are still not convinced you could encourage them to read the student testimonials at the bottom of the 11-plus course page on our website and look at the photos of the children enjoying themselves during breaktimes.
My child gets nervous before exams what can I do?
Here are some practical tips to help reduce exam nerves for your child:
– Give praise for effort and not just results or they could stop trying.
– Avoid negativity or letting your child think that failing would be a disaster.
– Give timed tests in unfamiliar places, libraries are ideal for this.
– Book your child to sit at least one mock exam. There are a number of places that do these including Bexley council. Don’t expect brilliant results the first time.
– Take your child to the venue beforehand if they have never been there before. Just knowing what the building looks will help.
– Prepare everything the night before to avoid any stress the morning of the exam.
– Avoid last minute revision.
– Your child should go to bed early before the day of the exam.
– Your child should be relaxed and happy the morning of the exam. It’s important to have breakfast.
– Leave for the exam with plenty of time so you are not in a rush.
If you have any other tips please let me know so I can add to the list above.
During the course
Does my child need to bring a packed lunch?
Yes, your child will need to bring a packed lunch. There will be plenty of drinks, fruit and biscuits provided during break times.
What does my child need to bring to the course?
A pencil case with their writing equipment and a note book.
I suggest a hat or cap (if the weather is hot and sunny) for when they are playing in the garden.
What will my child do each day?
The day will be broken down into four sessions with a morning, afternoon and lunch break.
Your child will have sessions on Maths, English, Verbal and Non-verbal with mock exams towards the end of the week.
Will there be homework on the course?
Yes, there will be some homework. Normally it can be completed within an hour.
Mock exams
My child achieved lower grades in your mock exam than expected, what should I do?
If your child has achieved lower grades than expected in our mocks please DO NOT panic and DO NOT remove them from any 11- plus exams they are going to take in the future. Contact us straight away to discuss any issues before making important decisions.
Our test papers are set to a very high standard as this has proved year on year that students get the best end result.
When do you do the mock exams?
The mock exams are taken over the last two days of the course.
When will we get the results of the mock exams?
Approximately one week after the course.
Money issues
When do I have to pay the final balance?
If you are paying the final balance by bank transfer please pay no later than two weeks before the start of the course.
The final balance can also be paid at the venue (with prior arrangement), but must be paid in cash on the FIRST day of the course. You will need to put the money in an envelope with your child’s name on the front.
If my child can’t attend the course, will you refund the money?
I am sorry we cannot refund the money for a course.
Pre-course tests
Why do you do Pre-course tests?
We need to know your child’s strengths and weaknesses to make sure we give them the help they need.
When do you do the pre-course tests?
Approximately six weeks before the start of the course. We will let you know when it’s time for your child to take the tests.
When will we get the results of the pre-course tests?
We do our very best to provide results and feedback as quickly as possible, this should be no later than one week before the start of the course.
Results and feedback could be delayed if the test has been completed after the deadline.
Venue and times
What is the address of the venue?
The Ripley Arts Centre, Bromley Arts Council, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, Kent. BR1 2PX
Directions are given on the link below.
Please come into the building to deliver and collect your child.
What time does the course start?
The course starts at 9.15am.
Please arrive between 9am and 9.10am. Between 8.30am and 9am teachers will be setting up the rooms so are very busy!
What time does the course end?
The course ends at 3.30pm
Please be prompt collecting your child as rooms are booked for other activities in the evening.
Which tests should my child take?
I am not sure which tests my child should take?
I strongly suggest you keep your options open and don’t put all your eggs in one basket! If your child is going to take the Bexley test then also put them in for the Kent test and vice versa. Many people regret not doing this!
