Y4 11+ Week Commencing 28th September (Block 1 - Week 4 of 6)
I hope you had a lovely weekend.
As we approach the end of our first block, it’s great to see the children becoming increasingly settled and familiar with their sessions. From the beginning of our next block, we’ll be introducing our Focus Lessons — an additional hour each week designed to give pupils the opportunity to really concentrate on one particular area.
Think of these sessions as a deep dive into a specific subject or skill. Across three weeks, your child will have the chance to teach in depth and revisit important concepts, explore different question types and, most importantly, develop clear strategies that they can use confidently and independently.
This can also make a real difference when it comes to studying at home. As pupils become more secure in the methods and approaches we teach, they are better equipped to tackle questions independently, rather than relying on parents to step in whenever they get stuck.
We’ve found over the years that children often make the strongest progress when they attend a balance of sessions that is right for them. There is absolutely no expectation to attend every session. You can choose the Focus Lessons that you feel are most relevant, and we may also recommend particular sessions where we feel your child would benefit from some additional practice or reinforcement.
The aim is simple: to help your child become more confident, better prepared and increasingly independent in the strategies they use. Three weeks. One focus. Deeper understanding. Greater independence. You can find out more about our Focus Lessons here: www.elevenplussuccess.com/focus-sessions
A note for our Year 4 pupils
We’d also like to reassure our Year 4 families that we are now beginning the 11+ preparation journey.
At this stage, some of the question types, techniques and skills your child encounters may feel new or challenging — and that is completely normal. There is no expectation for pupils to know everything straight away.
Our focus at this stage is on building strong foundations, developing confidence and gradually familiarising pupils with the different styles of questions they may come across as they progress through their 11+ preparation.
The priority is steady progress, confidence and helping each child develop the skills they need to become an independent and successful learner.
Understanding the 11+ Preparation
For families considering grammar school entry in the West Midlands, the 11+ test uses GL Assessment-style materials. Preparation involves developing skills across areas including English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Throughout Year 4, we introduce these areas gradually, allowing pupils plenty of time to understand the different techniques, strengthen their core knowledge and develop positive exam habits — all without placing unnecessary pressure on them.
New Vocabulary Quizzes
We have also introduced new KAHOOT vocabulary quizzes for the children. The words have been carefully selected to link with the learning they will be doing either that week or in the weeks ahead.
We would really encourage you to have a go at the vocabulary quiz with your child before their lesson. This will help them become familiar with the words in advance and give them greater confidence when they encounter them during their lesson. Details are below!
Potential Changes to 11+ Testing Dates
We also want to make you aware of a potential change to the timing of grammar school entrance testing.
There is currently increasing discussion around some 11+ tests moving from September of Year 6 to July of Year 5. Nothing has been officially announced for our area at this stage, so we do not want to create unnecessary concern. However, changes of this nature are already being introduced in some grammar school regions, and there is a possibility that testing dates could move earlier.
For this reason, we feel it is important to prepare in advance and ensure that our Year 4 pupils have a strong foundation, whatever the eventual testing arrangements may be. Our approach will remain gradual, positive and focused on building confidence rather than placing additional pressure on children.
We will continue to monitor any announcements and keep parents updated as soon as we have confirmed information.
You can find further information about the potential changes here: Potential Changes to 11+ Testing Dates
Lessons and Attendance
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 always happy to help.
We are looking forward to a positive, productive and successful term ahead, and to supporting your children as they take these important first steps on their 11+ journey.
Missed our parent workshop? Find information here!
The video will be uploaded shortly but pertinent information is available to you (apologies for the delay as there is technical problems)
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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THINGS TO BOOK
BLOCK TWO
Is now bookable - BOOK HERE
Week 1: week commencing 19th October
OCTOBER HALF TERM 26th October - no weekly lessons
Week 2: week commencing 2nd November
Week 3: week commencing 9th November
Week 4: week commencing 16th November
Week 5: week commencing 23rd November
Week 6: week commencing 30th November
VERBAL REASONING FOCUS SESSIONS BOOK HERE
Our Verbal Reasoning Focus Sessions are a three-week deep dive into the subject.
We teach concepts explicitly, breaking down the skills and strategies children need, before giving them opportunities to practise.
We then revisit those concepts throughout the three weeks, helping children strengthen their understanding and become more confident applying the strategies to different question types. The aim isn't simply to complete more questions. It's to develop secure strategies, deeper understanding and greater independence — so children can apply what they've learned during their own study at home.
Three weeks. One subject. Explicit teaching, repeated practice and secure strategies.
Please note if you cannot make either of these sessions please let me know. If there is enough demand, I can offer the sessions out on a different day of the week!
TUESDAYS 5:30PM OR SATURDAYS 2:30PM
Week 1: week commencing 19th October
OCTOBER HALF TERM 26th October - no weekly lessons
Week 2: week commencing 2nd November
Week 3: week commencing 9th November
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VOCABULARY
WORD OF THE WEEK: Benevolent (Find a synonym, antonym and put it into a sentence)
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This week’s KAHOOT quiz pin: (02868459 Vocabulary Quiz - Block 1 Week 4)
Remember to play through Kahoot.it using name1, name2 etc.
DOWNLOAD THE VOCABULARY LIST HERE
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THIS WEEK’S VIDEO
VERBAL REASONING - SYNONYMS
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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 P6-9. MATHS P6-9
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
