Revision Tips for 11+ Exam Success: A Guide for Parents and Children
As the 11+ exams approach, it's natural for both parents and children to feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. However, with the right strategies and support, your child can navigate this crucial period with confidence. Here are some practical revision tips to help your child prepare effectively for the 11+ exams and how KSOL can help along the 11+ journey.
Create a Revision Schedule:
Plan Ahead: Start by setting up a fun, detailed revision timetable. Allocate specific times for each subject and ensure there’s a balance between study and leisure.
Break it Down: Divide study sessions into manageable chunks, typically 30-45 minutes, followed by short breaks. This helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. This method, often referred to as the Pomodoro Technique, helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. The breaks allow your child to rest and recharge, making the study time more productive. During these breaks, encourage activities that relax the mind, such as taking a walk, listening to music, or having a healthy snack. This balance between intense focus and relaxation helps in better retention and understanding of the material.
Variety of Revision Techniques:
Active Learning: Encourage your child to engage actively with the material by summarising notes, teaching the content to someone else, or creating mind maps. Adapting your child’s revision techniques to their personal learning style can significantly improve information retention. For example, some children may find that reading helps them absorb information better, while others might benefit more from visual aids like mind maps and graphs.
Our KSOL activity packs are a perfect revision technique, as we offer a variety of packs in all 11+ subjects. These packs include subject activities, facts and timed tests, all elements to help improve with your child’s learning from home. The packs have been written and developed by our qualified KS2 Teachers and range from speed tests to revision cards.
Exam Experience:
Mock Exams: For most children taking the 11+ exam, it will be their first experience sitting an exam. Therefore, it’s highly beneficial for your child to participate in a mock exam before September. This opportunity allows them to familiarise themselves with the exam environment, understand the test format, and practice exam questions. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable insights into your child's performance, identifying areas where they need improvement and the exam techniques they should practice.
At KSOL, we hold multiple mock exams throughout the year, providing children with valuable experience and preparation for the September exam. Feedback from parents and students found that these mock exams help children feel more confident and prepared. Additionally, they offer an opportunity to identify and improve on weaker areas throughout the year, ensuring continuous progress.
Targeting Weaknesses:
As the entrance exam in September approaches, time becomes a critical factor in your child's preparation. It’s essential to focus on targeting their weak areas to ensure they feel thoroughly prepared and confident. By identifying and addressing these weaknesses, your child can improve their understanding and performance in specific subjects, leaving no stone unturned. This targeted approach helps build their confidence, knowing they have diligently worked on all aspects of the exam material. Effective preparation in these final months can make a significant difference in their readiness and overall success.
If you're not already on a course with us, our KSOL 12-week intensive course is tailored to strengthen your child’s weaknesses through daily online tests and they are given access to detailed explanations for any incorrect answers. Our online platform is personalised to target your child’s weaker areas and turn them into strengths, giving the best opportunity for your child.
Preparing for the 11+ exams can be a challenging journey, but with the right strategies and support, your child can approach it with confidence. Implementing effective revision techniques and considering additional support like our KSOL 12-week intensive course and revision packs can make a significant difference in their preparation. Help your child achieve their full potential and set them up for success in the 11+ exams.
Our senior tutor, Paul has shared some advice on our 12-week intensive course:
‘This 12-week intensive course is specifically tailored to help your child succeed and strengthen those weaknesses in these last few months remaining. We have designed this course to make sure no stones are left unturned and they have all the knowledge they need to ace the exam!’
If you have any questions or would like any further advice, please do give us a call on 0121 733 6558.