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The Inside Track on Exam Preparation It may seem too early to talk about teaching children of primary school age how to prepare for exams, but this is a skill they can hone, refine and use throughout their entire education (and even in their working lives) and it can definitely help them feel less overwhelmed. Claire Winter gets some advice from tutors on preparing primary school children for exams.
Make a Plan
need to improve.” Another tip is to get your child to set a timer while doing the exam, so they get used to working under time pressure. You can find out more at www.lifemoreeextraordinary.com.
Do Your Research Selective independent schools set their own 11 plus exams, so find out from each school what the format will be so you can tailor your child’s preparation accordingly.
Most exams include maths and English and Often tutors local to the school you are applying some contain elements of verbal and non-verbal for or your child’s own current school will have reasoning. Would worksheets from your child’s detailed knowledge about its entrance exam. The school, online resources or verbal or non-verbal formats tend to change every few years, so parents reasoning practice papers be helpful? with a child who took the 11 plus previously Create some time for them to may not realise their younger child needs prepare and allocate certain to use different materials. times in the week to go over different topics, build their Do your best to instil Know the Syllabus confidence and address any the importance of staying One tip for exam success is knowing problem areas they may calm and coping with what is included in the syllabus for have. Balance is important, so obstacles during the particular exam you are studying don’t overdo it and make sure their exams for. Once you know the syllabus, you your child continues with their can evaluate your child’s knowledge hobbies and fun time. and see where the gaps are.
Practice Lucy Parsons, author of The Ten Step Guide to Acing Every Exam You Ever Take says, “My top tip for any exam is to do past papers and to get the child to mark their work themselves, using the mark scheme. This way they understand what the examiners are really looking for and can start to spot what's a good answer and where they will
Talk About What You Have Learned For information retention, it’s helpful for your child to verbally recap what they have learned. Paul Anderson from Tutor Doctor says, “Do not underestimate the value of verbal revision. Just half an hour articulating what they know to teachers, friends, and family is a fantastic opportunity for children to test themselves.”
Short Sharp Bursts Primary school children may find it hard to sustain concentration for longer than 30 minutes without a break. Don’t schedule too many preparation sessions in one day – one or two would be the appropriate maximum for this age group on a weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are also managing homework. Otherwise your child will become stressed and it’s much harder for them to learn under pressure.
Stay Calm Do your best to instil in your child the importance of staying calm and coping with any obstacles they face while sitting their exam. Teach them to leave challenging questions and come back to them once they have answered easier ones. Suggest that they look at the questions before they read a passage or text, so they know what to look for when they are reading the text. Taking exams can be stressful for some children, so ensure they get enough sleep and eat well. It also helps if learning can be fun. You can play games, colour code their work and even produce short videos about topics they find hard to learn. It’s vital to praise your child’s effort in preparing for their exam, regardless of the outcome. Children need to understand that all you expect is for them to try their hardest and that no one exam that they take in their life will ever be the key to success, failure or happiness.
Talbot Heath School’s Vision for Success
8 Families Dorset
Talbot Heath School for girls aged 3-18 has had an amazing year, presenting its educational model on the world stage and constructing a fantastic state-of-the-art new facility to support its innovative ‘Think Big’ vision.
performing arts, and has been the UK’s number one school for girls’ tennis for the past three years. In 2019, it launches its new swimming academy, overseen by Swim England ‘National Coach of the Year’ Barry Alldrick.
The school achieved the county’s best A-level results last year, with 100% achieving their university place of choice. Talbot Heath also achieved national level in sport, music and
For a dynamic and supportive learning environment, that nurtures and inspires, Talbot Heath is the perfect choice.
Open Day Fri 8 March 9am-12pm
familiesonline.co.uk
