Do you have a child preparing for the CEM 11+ ? Then read on for our tips to success.
How are the summer holidays going for you? It is a long summer, isn’t it. We are in a routine of sorts and I thought it would be good to share how we are managing the holidays, keeping our ten year old focused and how we are preparing for the CEM 11+ Grammar test.
Erin is bright and is preparing for the upcoming CEM 11+ and this has given us a focus to keep up with the home learning. Having quite a gifted child can actually be quite challenging at times. Erin is much like an only child as there is a big age gap between her and her siblings and therefore she doesn’t have anyone to play with when at home.
We found out last week that the 11Plus has been delayed by a month and for us that was a disappointment because she is very ready to sit the test. Now I have to keep her motivated for an extra month and keep the momentum going! We have been using Atom learning during recent weeks and will continue with that for the foreseeable future – read our Atom Learning Review here.
What is the CEM 11 Plus?
CEM Select computer assessments are designed for selective independent schools, selective state schools, and over-subscribed non-selective state schools. They enable children to demonstrate their academic potential ensuring a fair school admissions process.
They measure verbal, non-verbal and mathematical skills that form the foundations of further learning. The assessments are designed to enable children to demonstrate their academic potential and ability without the need for coaching and excessive preparation.
In Gloucestershire we have an abundance of grammar schools and we have decided that this type of school will suit our academic daughter. There are five grammar schools that she could theoretically attend in our county. To apply to sit the grammar test you complete an online form in June and the test takes place on a Saturday in September.
There are two types of test typically used the Cem style and the GL style so do ensure you know what your chosen county are using. In Gloucester they use the cam style.
In Gloucestershire there is a common entrance test that is sat at the same time across all the grammar schools. The schools will share the results with each other if you request this on the form. Therefore for us one CEM test will put Erin in the pot for all five grammar schools.
When to start preparing for the CEM 11+
Although the Cem 11+ tests are designed so that the children don’t need coaching many families do use a mix of tutors and home learning to prepare the children. I liken it to a driving test, as an adult, you’d never sit any test practical or theoretical without a practise first. You prepare yourself to give you the best possible outcome, so that you know what to expect and have a practice go.
Erin has been having weekly tutoring for the past year but of course that has been interrupted this year due to coronavirus.
Many start preparing during Year 5 as the grammar test takes place in September usually. We have just found out that this will be delayed by a month this year.
How to prepare for the Cem 11 plus test
We have been preparing for the Cem 11+ by doing the CPG 10 minute tests which I have raved about before. We have used the time in lockdown to do a daily ten minute test. The books are ideal and have the answers included. We do one a day and at first we didn’t use the time element although now the test is getting nearer we are practising against the clock too.
Erin has a weekly tutor which she does in a group setting. For us it was about learning the type of questions that will come up. Erin has always worked at greater depth level in school and therefore we think she is academic enough to succeed in a grammar school.
We also have used practise papers which are available from Amazon, these are really good as they teach the children what the Cem test will look like and also how to fill in the answer sheet.
More recently we have mixed up her learning by using some online programmes including Atom Learning. This is a great platform that is very responsive to children. It provides a personalised programme and adapts to the Childs strengths and weaknesses. We opted to combine this with other styles of learning during lockdown as it gave Erin plenty of opportunities to learn in different ways.
You can also find some free resources in this post.
There are also plenty of learning games and logical thinking challenges that help prepare students ahead of the test. Erin enjoys doing Suduko and these require sharp thinking skills.
Erin finds the vocabulary aspect of the test the hardest. She is great at spelling but antonyms and synonyms are not her favourite! Therefore playing language games including Scrabble help develop her use of vocabulary.
Deciding to prepare for the 11 plus is a very personal decision and your child’s teachers will always be a good resource if you are considering taking the test. They will know the child’s abilities and the type of children who have passed in previous years. I did want to say as a former teacher a comprehensive education can also be perfect for your child. Having been through this twice before we didn’t go down the grammar route with Erin’s siblings. Our eldest is at university having the time of her life after securing fabulous A Level results and her brother is just about to start A Levels so a grammar school is not the only route to success!
Good luck if you are preparing for the CEM 11+
