Courses 2024
Courses consist of a variable number of lessons per term - see termly details. Students are taught in small groups (no larger than eight students) with one teacher and an assistant per group.
Each lesson includes two hours of Maths and English (including verbal and non-verbal reasoning).
Students may attend from either 9am-11am or 11.15am-1.15pm on Saturdays. In the Autumn term we also run classes on Sundays from 10-12. Send enquiry form to book
7+ Examination Preparation
For children in Year 1/Year 2 in September
Maths: We follow the syllabus issued by the leading prep schools. The children begin with some times tables and need to know their 2,3,4,5,10x tables. They are given a number of mixed worksheets which are designed to prepare them with: using and applying number, calculations, shapes and measures and data handling. We also do mental arithmetic tests on a regular basis
English: We offer creative writing practice one week and comprehension exercises the next. They are also given grammar sheets to complete. We work on helping them to compose a well constructed brief story with a logical plot and some attention to more advanced vocabulary and sentence structure. In comprehension they are taught the basic skills of writing answers in sentences and being careful with copying, handwriiting and punctuation. We also practice dictation and spelling every week.
Reasoning: The above work consists of some elements of reasoning practice.
Assessment: All work is marked and returned from each class.
8+ Examination Preparation
For children in Year 2/Year 3 in September
Maths: We follow the syllabus issued by the leading prep schools. The children begin with some times tables and need to know all their tables to 12 with instant recall. They are given a number of mixed worksheets which are designed to prepare them with: using and applying number, calculations, shapes and measures and data handling.
English: We offer creative writing practice one week and comprehension exercises the next. They are also given grammar sheets to complete. In creative writing we encourage skills of structure - three paragraphs and sensible plot development. We then work on improving syntax and vocabulary. In comprehension we teach them to answer the questions in full sentences with care being given to copying and punctuation. We aim to give them an understanding of marking schemes and timing.
Reasoning:The above work consists of some elements of reasoning practice.
Assessment: all work is marked and returned from each class.
9/10+ Examination Preparation
For children in Year 3/4 or 4/5 in September
These classes are of benefit to children who would like some additional practice with their core skills and are sometimes applying for occasional places at new schools. Some children come to us to get a ‘head start’ with their 11+ courses.
Maths: We continue to consolidate the work in using and applying number, calculations, shapes and measures and data handling. The work consists of mixed sheets and we run informal tests to see if progress is being made. The work is more difficult and we try to introduce new concepts gradually or to consolidate new work being done at school.
English: The requirements of more difficult comprehension skills are now taught. We begin to prepare students for the 11+ style answers which require greater skills of literary analysis. We teach the children to answer the questions in a more lengthy style, with use of quotations where appropriate. We expect all skills of basic punctuation to be in place by now. In creative writing we explore different genres of writing in both fiction and non-fiction. We try to develop more understanding of the use of different styles of writing.
Reasoning: We encourage students to begin practicing their computerised reasoning skills. There are many web sites which offer these tests for a subscription. (Bond and Bofa11+)
11+ Examination Preparation
For children in Year 5 and Year6 in September
Maths: All work is of 11+ examination standard - we use ISEB and Consortium materials for some of our work. This term we aim to make sure that all students are fully aware of the elements of the 11+ examination. We run informal tests and parents will be advised if extra support is required.The ISEB tests that we use are recommended for revision for the ISEB pre tests which a great many candidates now sit.
English: All work is now drawn from 11+ examination style texts in comprehension. To avoid work that may be done at school i.e. past papers we create our own questions. Students are encouraged to consolidate their skills which involve greater analysis of vocabulary and prose styles, understanding the nature of mark schemes and timing their work, answering questions with correct usage of quotations and precis. We undertake a number of sessions with multiple choice comprehension which some schools use in their examinations.
In creative writing we continue to explore the use of different styles of writng which need to be drawn together, descriptive, dialogue, varied sentences, mature vocabulary and usage of either the first or third person where appropriate. We provide our exclusive work for these classes and do not use textbooks from other sources.
Reasoning: All students are encouraged to subscribe to one of the many computerised reasoning test practice sites - i.e. Bofa11+ orAtom. They will need to hone their computer skills for some of the computerised reasoning tests they will face in the exams. The consortium exam this year will be the ISEB pre test but we understand that by next year they will have created their own exam - we believe it will follow the format of either the CEM or the GL tests.
Assessment: all work is marked at the time or will be returned the following week with comment and analysis. If any students have difficulties and need additional support we will let parents know. We undertake informal tests at various stages in the term.