Y5 11+ Week Commencing 21st September (Block 1. Week 3 of 6)
We hope your child has settled happily into the new term, both at school and with us.
As our Year 5 pupils progress through their 11+ preparation, we are now beginning to build on the foundations developed in Year 4 and gradually increase the level of challenge. At this stage, pupils may come across question types or techniques that feel unfamiliar or challenging, and this is completely normal. Our focus is on developing confidence, strengthening core skills and helping pupils become increasingly comfortable with the different styles of questions they may encounter.
Parent Workshop – Tuesday 22nd at 7pm
As a reminder, we are holding an online parent workshop on Tuesday 22nd at 7pm, which will last approximately 45 minutes.
The live workshop will give you an opportunity to understand more about the 11+ process and to ask any questions you may have. We will also provide a webpage with further information and, subject to the software working correctly, a recording of the session for you to watch afterwards. Booking link below.
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.
In Year 5, we continue to develop these skills in greater depth, giving pupils opportunities to practise different question types, improve their accuracy and develop the speed and confidence they will need for the 11+ test. We aim to make this a gradual process, allowing pupils to build their skills without unnecessary pressure.
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, 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 5 pupils are continuing to build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need, whatever the eventual testing arrangements may be.
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
Focus Lessons
We have also now started our Focus Lessons, with this term focusing on Verbal Reasoning.
Our next Focus Lessons will move on to Non-Verbal Reasoning. These sessions give pupils additional time to focus specifically on particular areas of the 11+, practise a range of question types and develop the techniques, speed and confidence needed for the test.
The additional practice provided through these sessions is an important part of helping pupils become familiar with the different demands of the 11+.
New Vocabulary Quizzes
We have also introduced new 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.
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 and productive term ahead and to continuing to support your child as they progress through their 11+ preparation.
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
👉👉FREE PARENT 11+ ONLINE WORKSHOP BOOK HERE
Tuesday 22nd September - 7pm - FREE
Our upcoming free 30–45 minute parent workshop will provide an overview of the 11+ West Midlands Consortium test and preparation process, helping parents understand what to expect and how best to support their child.
We will discuss the recent changes to the 11+ test, the likely changes to the test date, and what these changes could mean for your child and their preparation. We will also explain how we intend to support pupils throughout their 11+ journey.
The workshop will cover the key stages of the process, practical ways parents can support their child at home, and share some of the approaches families have used in the past to help their children prepare effectively and approach the test with confidence and resilience.
The session is designed to give parents a clear understanding of what lies ahead, what they can do to help, and how we will work together to support their child.
👉👉NON-VERBAL REASONING FOCUS LESSONS - BOOK HERE Cost £60 (£20/week)
Tuesdays 4:30pm or Saturdays 11am
Unlocking Success: Non-Verbal Reasoning
Week 4: Week commencing 28th September
Week 5: Week commencing 5th October
Week 6: Week commencing 12th October
Our 3-week Non-Verbal Reasoning Focus Programme is designed to give your child targeted, structured support in one of the key areas of the Birmingham GL 11+ entrance examination.
Non-Verbal Reasoning can be challenging because children are required to recognise patterns, analyse shapes, identify relationships and apply logical thinking — often within strict time limits and without relying on language skills. During these three focused weeks, pupils will be introduced to the key techniques and strategies needed to approach Non-Verbal Reasoning questions with greater confidence, accuracy and speed.
Why is attending this three week NVR focus important?
The programme has been carefully structured so that each session builds upon the skills and strategies developed in the previous week. Attending the full three-week focus gives your child the opportunity to develop their understanding progressively rather than simply practising isolated question types.
Regular attendance allows pupils to:
Build strong foundations before progressing to more challenging Non-Verbal Reasoning questions.
Recognise common patterns, rules and relationships more quickly.
Learn step-by-step techniques for breaking down difficult or unfamiliar questions.
Practise a wider range of GL-style question types and become familiar with how they may appear in the exam.
Improve speed and accuracy through guided and timed practice.
Identify and correct common mistakes before they become habits.
Develop effective problem-solving strategies that can be applied independently.
Strengthen exam technique and time management, helping pupils make better decisions when working under pressure.
Build confidence through repetition and progression, so unfamiliar questions feel less intimidating on exam day.
Missing one of the focus weeks may mean missing an important technique, question type or strategy that is developed further during the following session. Consistent attendance across all three weeks therefore gives your child the greatest opportunity to consolidate their learning and make meaningful progress.
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VOCABULARY
WORD OF THE WEEK: BELLIGERENT (Find a synonym, antonym and put it into a sentence)
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This week’s KAHOOT quiz pin: (01162398 Vocabulary Quiz - Block 1 Week 3)
Remember to play through Kahoot.it using name1, name2 etc.
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HOMEWORK
THIS WEEK’S VIDEO: ENGLISH Comprehension
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 9-10 CGP Practice Books ORDER HERE
CGP 9-10 BOOKS
• VR P17-19 • ENG P33-35
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
