Right. Let's just get to the point. If your child is in Year 5 and you're starting the 11+ journey (or you're already a year in), you probably know vocabulary is absolutely crucial. Like, probably THE most important thing. Here's what I need you to do: start thinking about it NOW. Don't wait. A few things to kick off: - Read together. Actual intentional reading. Not just skimming. - Ask questions as you go. Don't let them skip over a difficult word just because they can understand it from context — context isn't the same as actually knowing the word. - Play word games. After dinner. Every day if you can, or every other day. We do weekly challenges (three days deep dive into one topic) and they're really popular because children learn from each other, not just from the one doing the teaching. Sheena has been building and improving these challenges for two years now. And I am so glad to have come up with the challenges in 11+ after seeing how well they work in the businesss and entrepreneurialworld. Our next one kicks off in November — it's the first of the academic year and I genuinely think if you're serious about English, you need to book it. Don't delay on this one. Here's why: you can't leave vocabulary late. The foundations have to be there now. What you get with the challenge - Live sessions with proper interaction. - A recording (so if you miss a day, no stress) - A PDF for each day - A workbook you can use to repeat it yourself It's £45. And honestly, it's a bargain for what's in there. The thing about the 11+ is this: your child could be brilliant at maths, but if they don't understand the question, they fail. Understanding comes from knowing the words. And knowing the words comes from practice. Vocabulary and comprehension. Comprehension. Comprehension. That's the foundation. Don't put this off. Book the November challenge. https://the11plusjourney.co.uk/product/decode-words-the-11-vocabulary-challenge/

Model Timetable- Make it Yours! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VIAJv3yB94i0R6xyvoJ17eTGhEzteyzhMyPvvoCSdDk/edit?usp=sharing It includes • School day timetable • Holiday timetable • More intensive summer / pre-test timetable Please do use it as a guide rather than a strict rule. Every child is different, so feel free to tweak it to suit your child and your family rhythm. Strategies for at-home 11+ Also, if you haven’t already joined my email list, here is my 10 Best Strategies for At-Home 11+ Prep guide which many parents have found helpful https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/2VorN9iLwNeFAtNG8BVU Hope both help. Let me know if you have any questions.

As you are a month into preparing your child for the 11 Plus exam, I want to share some insights on why tuition alone may not suffice to ensure success. Today, I will be hosting a webinar at 7pm to discuss this topic in detail. I will also share links that will help you do this in real-time. Click here to register for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Why Tuition Isn’t Enough While tuition provides a solid foundation by covering the core subjects and skills tested in the 11 Plus, it often focuses on a general curriculum that may not address individual weaknesses or foster the depth of understanding needed to excel. It’s essential to supplement tuition with additional strategies to give your child the best chance of success. The Role of Extra Work Consistent practice is crucial in the journey towards passing the 11 Plus. Here are some reasons why extra practice can make the difference. - Tailored Learning: Extra practice allows for customised study plans that target your child’s specific areas of improvement. - Confidence Building: Familiarity with the exam format and types of questions can significantly boost a child’s confidence. - Skill Enhancement: Regular practice helps refine problem-solving skills and time management, both critical for the exam. Recommended Resources To support your child beyond tuition, consider utilising the following resources: - Workbooks and Practice Papers: These provide targeted exercises in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. - Online Platforms: Websites like Bond Online, BOFA and Atom Learning offer interactive exercises and mock tests. - Study Groups: Encouraging your child to join study groups can foster peer learning and motivation. - Educational Apps: Apps like Quizlet can make learning more engaging and accessible. I’ll be covering more about these resources and how to effectively integrate them into your child’s study routine in today’s webinar.