Y4 11+ Week Commencing 14th September (Block 1. Week 2 of 6)
Hello and welcome back to the new term!
I hope you all had a lovely summer break and that your child has settled back into school well.
With our Year 4 pupils, we are now beginning the 11+ preparation journey. At this stage, some of the question types and skills may feel unfamiliar or challenging, and this is completely normal. Our focus is on gradually building confidence, developing strong foundations and helping pupils become comfortable with the different styles of questions they may encounter.
For families considering grammar school entry in the West Midlands, the 11+ test is administered using GL Assessment-style materials. Preparation involves developing skills across areas such as English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. In Year 4, we introduce these areas steadily so that pupils have plenty of time to understand the techniques, strengthen their core knowledge and develop good exam habits without unnecessary pressure.
A quick reminder that lessons run Monday to Saturday. If your child is unable to attend their usual session, please let us know in advance. Where possible, we will always try to accommodate them in an alternative session.
As always, if you have any questions about your child’s progress, the 11+ process or anything covered in lessons, please do get in touch.
We are looking forward to a positive and productive term ahead!
BLOCK ONE
Week 1: week commencing 7th September
Week 2: week commencing 14th September
Week 3: week commencing 21st September
Week 4: week commencing 28th September
Week 5: week commencing 5th October
Week 6: week commencing 12th October
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VOCABULARY
WORD OF THE WEEK: ABUNDANT (Find a synonym, antonym and put it into a sentence)
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This week’s KAHOOT quiz pin: (01635741 MIXED MATHS QUIZ ONE)
Remember to play through Kahoot.it using name1, name2 etc.
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HOMEWORK
Unsure how to do homework or independent study - watch this link
Finish the booklet from the lesson and return in the following week. Remember to complete the vocab in context.
Homework is in the 8-9 CGP Practice Books ORDER HERE
NVR P2 -5 MATHS P2 - 5
REMEMBER: to mark the homework with your child and bring it to next lesson.
Complete at least 3 tests from each of the 10min test books. REMEMBER to mark this with your child daily & go through mistakes. Suggested time table is available in our 11+ guide. https://www.elevenplussuccess.com/11-useful-documents
UPDATE In Case You Missed It: Potential Changes to 11+ Testing Dates
There has been increasing discussion surrounding a possible change to the timing of some 11+ entrance tests, with suggestions that examinations may move from September to July. Whilst no official confirmation has been made across all areas, there is growing momentum behind this shift, and several grammar school regions have already announced plans to move to summer testing. I would say with some certainty that this is now happening and this will effect your children.
The primary reasoning behind this proposed change is to reduce the amount of revision children undertake during the summer holidays and to ease the pressure of preparing throughout the six-week break.
A number of grammarschool areas have already confirmed earlier testing dates. For example, the Gloucestershire Grammar School Consortium — including Pate’s Grammar School, The Crypt School, Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Ribston Hall High School, Stroud High School, Marling School and Denmark Road High School — has announced a move to summer term testing from 2027 (for September 2028 entry). Similarly, Reading School in Berkshire has already brought its examinations forward and will hold testing in July for the 2027 intake.
Whilst we understand the rationale behind a potential move to earlier testing, we also recognise that this may reduce the amount of preparation time available for some children. We know many families value a balanced summer holiday, and we remain committed to providing engaging learning opportunities without creating unnecessary pressure or unrealistic expectations.
With this in mind, and as part of our contingency planning, we will be adapting our provision to ensure children are fully prepared should testing move earlier.
Based on previous changes to testing formats — such as the transition from CEM to GL-style assessments inseveral areas — it is possible that official confirmation may not be received until February or March 2027. At present, however, no formal announcement has been made, and we will continue to monitor developments closely.
Ultimately, our priority is to ensure children are confidently prepared without unnecessary pressure. As competition continues to increase, with some providers beginning preparation as early as Years 1 and 2, we believe it is important to adapt our offering in a measured, child-centred and positive way.
Further details will be shared in the next few days and updated as more information becomes available.
As always, if you have any questions, please do get in touch. We will continue to share the most up-to-date information as soon as we receive it.
