Laying the foundations for 11+ success

Posted on: 13 Mar 2018 by Weston Green School

I was asked by a teaching colleague from another school this week how we managed to combine our exciting learning with the rigorous preparation for 11+. It’s a good question, the answer to which seems surprisingly straight forward: by instilling in the children an expectation to embrace challenge through risk-taking and creativity, reflection and independence, the ability to tackle entrance papers seems to develop quite naturally and so any adjustment to refine those skills builds on, rather than runs contrary to, what we are teaching in the younger years.

The progression to the 11+ exam is a well thought through and effective process, which not only delivers impressive results but, at least as importantly, ensures the children are ready for and excited about the step into senior school. You can read more from Mrs Hawkins about how we instil those vital Learner Profile characteristics in the children, as well as hearing from some Year 6 children themselves on their journey through to the exams and how they have developed the skills to perform so admirably.

The 11+ results at Weston Green over the last five years has been increasingly successful: this year, our Year 6 pupils have been offered an average of three places each, with over 40% of them awarded scholarships in Sport, Music and Art, as well as Academic Awards to notable Independent Schools. These represent our best set of results yet.

The wide range and number of places offered is testament to our wholehearted commitment to ensuring every child is nurtured and encouraged to achieve their full potential, as well as ensuring they move on to the school which is right for them.

May there be many such years ahead.