The FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise) exams are beginning to be adopted by grammar schools in some regions, representing one of the most significant changes to admissions in years. Designed by grammar schools themselves, FSCE moves beyond traditional 11+ formats — aiming to assess how well children apply their Key Stage 2 learning, rather than […]
At least half of the words in the English language are derived from Greek and Latin roots. Added to those there are also many words in the English Language that have evolved from Celtic, German, French, and Scandinavian languages. Knowing some of these roots will help to understand the meaning of unknown words that occur in […]
It really is possible to improve vocabulary for Verbal Reasoning, writing and comprehension by regularly using a dictionary and thesaurus to increase word knowledge. These two books are easily and cheaply purchased in compact forms and they provide indispensable word tools – every pupil should have their own copy of both. If you are buying […]
How to Improve Vocabulary for exams: Active Reading A good and varied vocabulary is not only necessary for school and employment; it is an essential part of 11+ selective tests and other entrance exams. A poor vocabulary hinders performance in Verbal Reasoning and English tests. Some children seem able to soak up words like a vocabularium sponge […]
Mathematics is a subject that seems to split the world of learning into two: the confident and the frightened. Many teachers and tutors discover children who are afraid of maths and who are convinced that the subject is too difficult for them to even have a go. Where did things go wrong for them? Understanding numbers […]
Being able to work at the right speed in school and professional exams has been described as the key to success. Once pupils know how to answer the questions they then have the challenge of completing 11+/entrance exams in a timed situation in addition to being in an unfamiliar environment. This occurs at the time […]
Comprehension skills are tested in 11+/grammar school exams and also form part of the Key Stage 2 English Test as the Reading Test – it is the skill of reading with understanding that is being tested. Reading and comprehension skills are essential to every subject that is taught in school; they are the backbone of […]
The spectre of a local grammar school changing to using a CEM Test spooked me somewhat! This is exactly what happened, with little warning, in Trafford. The added complication in this particular region is that not all the local grammar schools, to date, have signed up to use the CEM Test – leaving many pupils, […]
