Tutor recommendation for secondary admission tests?

[Carbonara]

Hello,

I am looking for an experienced tutor to give a little support and preparation for the state secondary 'banding' tests - any recommendations? No hothousing required, just enough support so that my child doesn't freeze in the face of something new.

Thanks!

[Artastic]

Try Gill 07736400658 she is brilliant

[Renata Hamvas]

Hi Carbonara,

the banding tests done by local state schools are non-verbal reasoning ie IQ type tests. The easiest way to approach these so that your child isn't phased when they sit them, is to pop into a bookshop/WHSmiths/Amazon and pick up an II+ non-verbal reasoning book/papers or enroll for online 11+ preparation in non-verbal reasoning. Let your child do a couple of these under controlled/timed conditions, just so they don't panic in the test. The idea is that schools end up with children with a range of abilities, there is no pass/fail mark on these. Setting in secondary schools is normally determined by a mixture of SATs, school reports and tests they do either shortly before or at the start of secondary.

An important thing is that if a school you are applying for sets such a test, that your child attends and sits the test (Often their is a second test if your child is sick and misses the test). Children who miss the banding exam may miss out on a place at a school of choice, as they are placed behind banded children in the lists!

Renata

[Carbonara]

Thank you for these replies.

The tip about the online resource is good - I am definitely not wishing to hothouse my child, just to provide the kind of practice support with the tests available - but you know how sometimes an outside person manages to be more successful than a parent? A bit like driving lessons with a partner or family member!!