Y5 11+ Week Commencing 2nd February (week 1 of 6)
Welcome back, everyone — we hope you had a lovely weekend!
A quick look at the weeks ahead: we’ll gradually be stepping things up a little, with slightly more homework and increased challenge in class. These changes will be introduced in small, manageable ways. Our aim is steady progress and confident, well-prepared children as we move closer to the exam.
Our NVR focus sessions begin today (and Saturday), followed by English sessions. Please see the details below for each one. We strongly encourage attendance at these extra sessions wherever possible. They help reinforce learning, build speed and confidence, and reduce pressure at home.
We’d also like to remind you about the importance of regular practice using the 10-minute test books, along with completing homework. Little and often helps improve retention, develop strategies, increase pace, and boost confidence.
A couple of important reminders:
Parking: Please don’t park on site. The spaces belong to other organisations using the venue, and we really appreciate your understanding.
Attendance: Classes run Monday to Saturday. If your child can’t make a session, let us know as early as you can — we’ll always try to offer an alternative slot within the same week if space allows.
Block payment reminder: Block payment is now due. You can book using the following link. BOOK HERE
Thanks so much for your continued support — we’re looking forward to continuing a happy and productive term.
Warm regards,
Chris, Nic and the team
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➡️ BLOCK 4 IS NOW DUE⬅️
Week 1: Monday 2nd February - Saturday 7th February
Week 2: Monday 9th February - Saturday 14th February
HALF TERM BREAK (Mock Test Workshop Available)
Week 3: Monday 23rd February - Saturday 28th February
Week 4: Monday 2nd March - Saturday 7th March
Week 5: Monday 9th March - Saturday 14th March
Week 6: Monday 16th March - Saturday 21st March
WEEKLY MATHS BOOK HERE
Our weekly Maths lessons focus on strong arithmetic skills, which form the foundation for success across all areas of mathematics. We develop pupils’ confidence with mathematical jottings, key facts and knowledge, alongside quick-fire skills to improve fluency, enabling them to tackle more challenging and unfamiliar problems effectively. As formal written methods are rarely required in the 11+, emphasis is placed on building confidence in efficient mental strategies rather than defaulting to formal approaches.
WEEKLY ENGLISH BOOK HERE
Please note bookings for weekly English are currently closed - if you would like to book, then please drop me a text message.
Our GL 11+ English Comprehension practice is designed to build confidence while familiarising pupils with the style and challenge of the GL 11+ exam. The carefully written texts and questions develop key comprehension skills, including vocabulary, retrieval and inference, through exposure to a wide range of text types. This structured approach supports strong reading skills and helps pupils approach the 11+ English paper with confidence.
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THINGS TO BOOK
NON-VERBAL REASONING FOCUS SESSIONS
BOOK HERE
Mondays 4:30pm or Saturdays 3:30pm
Week 1: Monday 2nd February - Saturday 7th February
Week 2: Monday 9th February - Saturday 14th February
HALF TERM BREAK (Mock Test Workshop Available)
Week 3: Monday 23rd February - Saturday 28th February
Our 3-week focus sessions are designed to support your child in developing the essential skills required to succeed in the Birmingham GL 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning test, while building confidence and exam readiness.
Non-Verbal Reasoning is a key component of the GL Assessment used in Birmingham grammar school entrance exams. These questions assess your child’s ability to recognise patterns, understand shapes, identify relationships, and apply logical thinking — all without relying on language. Strong performance requires both practice and effective problem-solving strategies.
Our expert-led sessions focus on the exact question types and formats used in the GL Non-Verbal Reasoning test, helping your child to:
Recognise common patterns and rules
Break down complex questions step by step
Improve speed and accuracy under timed conditions
Develop confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems
With structured guidance, practical techniques, and plenty of exam-style practice, your child will be well equipped to approach the Non-Verbal Reasoning test calmly and confidently.
Join us to help your child take a positive step towards success in the Birmingham 11+ exams.
ENGLISH COMPREHENSION AND VOCABULARY FOCUS SESSIONS
BOOK HERE
Mondays 4:30pm or Saturdays 3:30pm
Week 4: Monday 2nd March - Saturday 7th March
Week 5: Monday 9th March - Saturday 14th March
Week 6: Monday 16th March - Saturday 21st March
Many pupils find English particularly challenging, and this is often reflected in lower test scores. A key reason is the breadth and complexity of language they encounter: 11+ English assessments draw on a wide variety of text types, styles, and vocabulary, requiring children to interpret unfamiliar material with confidence and precision.
Our GL 11+ English Comprehension practice is specifically designed to address these challenges. It builds confidence while gradually familiarising pupils with the level of demand, structure, and style of the GL 11+ exam. The carefully crafted texts and thoughtfully structured questions develop core comprehension skills, including vocabulary development, information retrieval, and inference. By exposing pupils to a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction texts, this structured programme strengthens reading stamina, deepens understanding, and equips learners with the skills and assurance they need to approach the 11+ English paper with confidence.
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This week’s KAHOOT quiz pin: 04240830 (Vocab Quiz 20)
If your child finds this quiz really challenging -remember we are running NVR focus sessions starting next week!
Well done to Reyanshi (AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN!!). Our winner last week . You get 5 raffle tickets!!
Remember to play through kahoot.it. Use name1, name2, name3 etc for each play!
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If you haven’t done so already - please follow me on Facebook
Here you will find weekly problems and puzzles the children can solve.
If you happen to see one of my posts too - please give it a like!
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VOCABULARY
WORD OF THE WEEK: STAGNANT (Find a synonym, antonym and put it into a sentence).
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Homework
Unsure how to do homework or independent study - watch this link
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO LINK: - VERBAL REASONING - Antonyms before the lesson. This can replace a 10min test and children will receive 2 raffle tickets for doing so.
Need homework books? Order here
Coming to the end of the 10min test books? The next steps are the focus books - information was sent our via text message on Sunday. Order here
CGP Practice Books 9-10
VR ASSESSMENT 5 English P65-67
Finish the booklet from the lesson and return in the following week. Remember to complete the vocab in context. To be handed in week commencing 9th January
REMEMBER: to mark the homework with your child and bring it to next lesson.
REMBEMBER THE HOMEWORK IS DUE IN NEXT WEEK’S CLASS.
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
