11+ Open House Replay
Thank you for joining our 11+ Open House! We covered a lot of valuable insights into preparing for the 11+ exams, and we hope you found it helpful.
If you still have questions, we’ve compiled some of the key takeaways and frequently asked questions below.
Key Takeaways
✅ Understanding the Exam Process – We broke down the structure of the 11+ exams and what each section entails.
✅ Building Confidence & Managing Anxiety – We shared practical strategies to help children stay calm and focused during exam preparation and on the big day.
✅ Developing Strong Study Habits – We discussed how to create a structured study plan that balances learning with well-being.
✅ Our Unique Approach – We focus on emotional resilience, growth mindset, and cognitive skills alongside academic preparation to help students perform their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My child freezes during exams. How can we help?
A very common challenge! In our program, we teach students about the brain's anxiety response using simple metaphors:
- Amygdala (Guard Dog) – Triggers the fight-or-flight response.
- Hippocampus (Memory Elephant) – Stores information but struggles under stress.
- Prefrontal Cortex (Wise Owl) – Responsible for decision-making and logical thinking.
When a child freezes, their Wise Owl shuts down, making it hard to recall information. We normalize this reaction and teach techniques to re-engage the prefrontal cortex, helping students regain focus and confidence.
2. My child is overwhelmed by homework. What can we do?
Homework overwhelm is common, especially as students adjust to increased workloads. Here’s how we help:
- Explain the Purpose – When children understand why homework matters, their motivation improves.
- Time Management Strategies – Instead of focusing on completing 20 math problems, set a timed study block to encourage focus.
- Break Tasks into Chunks – Smaller, manageable tasks prevent overwhelm and increase productivity.
- Develop Focus Skills – We teach techniques to maximize study time so children complete their work efficiently and effectively.
3. Are the 11+ exam booklets aligned with a specific exam board?
Yes! We use past exam papers and sample papers from specific schools and boards rather than creating our own. Each booklet includes the school’s name in the title, so you can prepare directly for the schools you’re targeting.
4. Do the booklets include explanations?
Yes! Our answer guides provide:
- Step-by-step solutions for comprehension and writing tasks.
- PEE (Point, Evidence, Explain) templates to help students structure long answers.
- Creative writing frameworks to guide storytelling, ensuring strong openings, engaging content, and a well-rounded conclusion.
5. How can we balance 11+ preparation while still letting kids be kids?
Exam prep is a season, not a lifetime commitment. The key is to approach it as a family effort:
- Schedule study time realistically – It doesn’t have to take over your child’s life.
- Set clear priorities – If an activity needs to be paused, ensure your child knows it’s a temporary shift.
- Emphasize skill-building – The resilience and study habits they develop now will serve them well beyond the exam.
- Family Support – Communicate openly about how everyone is adjusting to make room for their learning.
We hope this Q&A helps! If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out. Wishing you and your child the best on your 11+ journey! 🚀