Dear Parent

We have set out below some advice for the final few days and some suggestions for
test day. This advice is intended to provide you with some ideas rather than a list of
instructions. We advise you to devise your plan now so you are prepared ahead of
test day.

The 2 – 3 days prior to the test

 We advise that from now on you stop using full test papers. If you have test
papers that you still wish to use, we advise that your child attempts them
section-by-section and that you review each section together with your child
immediately after he/she has completed it. Work positively and give your child
lots of encouragement.

 Try to pick out the easier material and use this – easier work should generate
better results and therefore provide an important confidence boost for your
child. The benefit of a confidence boost is likely to outweigh any benefit arising
from undertaking complex and challenging work at this late stage.

 It is good idea to go over some vocabulary with your child. Try to make it fun and
light hearted.

 If your child is completing a multiple choice 11+ test:

o we advise parents to consider obtaining at least two 2B pencils. A 2B

pencil has slightly softer lead than a standard HB pencil and will be easier
for your child to ‘shade’ the boxes on the multiple choice answer sheet*;

o when your child goes into the test, the ends of the pencils should be
slightly blunted (i.e not freshly sharpened and pointed) – again this will
make it easier for your child to ‘shade’ the boxes on the multiple choice
answer sheet. However the pencils should not be too blunt, each pencil
should last a whole test paper so your child does not need to change
pencils or spend time sharpening their pencil during the exam.

* Please note CEM state that the equipment required for the test is: “an HB
pencil, an eraser and a pencil sharpener”. However our view is that most
children will be better off with a 2B pencil for the reason stated above (perhaps it
is a good idea for your child to take an HB pencil in as well). Always ensure your
child is familiar and comfortable with the equipment they take into the exam
room.

© Susan Daughtrey Education

 Many parents are extremely stressed / anxious at this time (if this applies to you,
you are not alone), however you should hide this from your child as best you can.

The day before 11+ test day

 Don’t try to do anything more onerous than light vocab work the day before the
test.

 It will be very helpful if your child exercises the day before the test. Exercise
helps to get rid of stress – it burns off stress chemicals such as cortisol, and
increases levels of chemicals which help to regulate emotions, like serotonin. Dr
Lucy Russell, a clinical psychologist from Everlief Child Psychology (recited here
with thanks) suggests that you try to encourage your child to do a burst of
exercise. For example, walking around the block, doing a few laps of the garden,
running up and down stairs for ten minutes or going swimming. Exercise should
also enable your child to sleep better that evening.

 Organise something fun the evening before the exam to provide your child’s
mind and body with a break from stress.

 Make sure you have planned your timings for the 11+ day and the route you
intend to take to the exam venue.

11+ test day

 On the day of your exam, give her/him a good breakfast. The brain needs fuel to
keep it calm and focused. The best kind of fuel for your body on the day of an
exam, is protein and / or “complex” carbohydrates (like porridge oats) which give
you a steady release of energy. Two examples of great breakfasts on exam day
are:

 Eggs
 Porridge

Try to avoid ‘stodgy’ foods which are very high in carbohydrates and which can
lead to fatigue.

Do not let your child eat or drink lots of sugary snacks or drinks (such as sweets
or coke) – these release a lot of energy in a short period but will leave your child
with lower energy levels after a short period.

 Remember to get to the exam venue in good time - but try to avoid panicking
and arriving hours in advance as this will leave you with nothing to do and it will
be hard for your child to think about anything other than the exam. If you arrive
very early, try to find something to do like going for a short walk.

© Susan Daughtrey Education

 Once she/he gets to school / the exam venue, if you think it may be helpful
encourage deep breathing (about 6 seconds in total for each breath in and out)
which will slow the stress response and prevent panic.

 (Subject to dietary / medical needs), it can be a good idea to give your child a
boiled sweet just before they go in. This will help to increase your child’s energy
levels at the start of the exam (this is not a substitute for a good breakfast, as
above).

 It can also help to have a treat or reward planned for when your child gets home
from the exam. Tell them what you plan to do before the test as this will give
your child something to look forward to.

 Finally, if there are extenuating circumstances on test day, record the

circumstances in writing and send it to, or receive it from, someone objective
and official – e.g. the examiners, the school or a doctor. Circumstances used to
support an appeal are likely to carry more weight if you can produce evidence to
support any claims you may wish to make.

A note about familiarisation tests

For those students undertaking familiarisation tests (e.g. Bucks), please note that
these tests are notoriously easy. As I am sure you appreciate, the familiarisation /
practice is designed to allay the fears of the majority of students, especially those
that have had no preparation, who stop worrying about the 11+ because it is going
to be ‘easy’ or at least, ‘not as bad as they thought’. It is a good thing to reassure the
students and to help them to stop worrying, of course, but it can also lull students
into thinking it’s going to be simple and take them off guard. We don’t think it will be
simple. I think it will be very much like the mock exam test papers where accuracy
and timing will be crucial.

Finally, we would like to wish everyone good luck!

With best wishes,

Susan Daughtrey Education

© Susan Daughtrey Education