Aeron Brooks, Yr 6, Head Boy
During the final term of Year 5, the 11+ process began. It was difficult, because I had previously associated 11+ with Year 6, but I soon came to understand that the more preparation, the better.
We took extra lessons with Shan (our Head of 11+) concerning all aspects of our exams and learnt many useful tips and strategies during this time. There was also a big focus on wellbeing and we were given lots of useful ways to stay calm, relaxed and happy during this process.
When we began Year 6, we prepared for many tests including the Wandsworth Test, focusing on VR and NVR. We completed many difficult practice papers, so that the real thing would seem easy, and it was!
After this, we began to prepare for our individual exams. Many of us applied for the same secondary schools so we began to prepare in groups, but before this, we did some general work on maths and creative writing. Before long, I was bursting with knowledge, but still there was more to learn. I cannot express the sheer number of things we learnt. Then we did our own school specific preparation and used a selection of excellent sites and programmes to support our learning at school.
When it came near to the time of the exams, we completed mock assessments this meant that when we took the actual tests we were more relaxed and felt very prepared.
For the interviews we did lots of practice with our Headmaster, Vice Principals and teachers and I found this part the most fun!
My results were:
- Alleyn’s, SADDLERS, Academic, and DT scholarship
- Dulwich, DC Bauer scholarship
- Thomas’s College
- City of London, Academic Prize
- Emanuel
Overall, the 11+ was easy, due to the amazing work of our teachers. They helped manage our stress, keep our morale high and prepare us well. I am extremely grateful for all the hard work they put in, and I am very proud of my results and I am looking forward to starting Year 7 in September!