EDUCATION

ALL THE NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS Your 11+ questions, answered!

What is the 11+ and who sits it? An academic exam taken by Year 6 pupils for entry into Grammar and selective independent schools. For Grammar, these are typically taken between September and November. Independent schools – usually December / January time. What form do the exams take? There are exams set directly by schools themselves as well as consortium exams. The latter usually gives access to a number of schools. Candidates can expect Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. Timings vary, but students are usually given 45-50 minutes to complete the paper

When should we start preparing? Start prepping from Year 3 if possible! 20 minutes a day is about right. Do focus on reading and discussing what’s been read – this will really help develop vocabulary that will be required during the writing part of the exam. If you think you need it, start looking at tutoring from Year 4 or 5.

What are the deadlines? They differ depending on whether you are going down the Private or Grammar route. Child in year 5? Exam date 2023 or child in Year 4, then we’re looking at 2024. Do register for open days and events so you keep on top of deadlines. Understand which schools have strict catchment areas, as well as deadlines for forms and applications via your local council website.

I’d like to know more! Join our FREE 11+ online masterclass on 15th September at 7.30pm. We’ll be taking parents through the do’s, the don’ts and the deadlines. Just text ‘Masterclass’ to 0794 926 8242 to sign up.

Peepal Tree Learning is a Surrey-based academic tutoring provider offering 1:1 and group lessons across the region. Call 0794 926 8242 or visit peepaltreelearning.com

St. Andrew’s School was founded in 1937 and is a respected and thriving coeducational Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School, set in 11 acres of grounds near Woking town centre. St. Andrew’s creates a nurturing and happy environment in which all pupils are encouraged and enabled to develop their potential to the full.

At St. Andrew’s children feel secure and confident and are highly motivated to perform to the best of their ability in all aspects of school life. Above all, children make friends for life, leaving as confident wellrounded young people ready for their education ahead. Children are prepared for entrance and scholarship exams to a wide range of independent senior schools and there are specialist teaching facilities for all subjects including science, ICT, music, food technology and art. The curriculum is broad and the school places great emphasis on music, sport and the arts. In our latest ISI Inspection we were proud to be rated ‘excellent’ in all areas.

St. Andrew’s has excellent on-site facilities and our latest building development project has provided us with a fantastic tiered seating theatre, food technology room, library, changing rooms and classrooms. Our impressive outdoor facilities include an astro, sports pitches, tennis courts, cricket nets and a swimming pool.

Don’t just take our word for it, come and visit the school to see for yourself! We have three open days, one per term, but you are also welcome to visit the school at other times. See our website for further details: www.st-andrews.woking.sch.uk

in the heart of your community

MagiKats has always brought high-quality learning and support to local families, but without invading people’s homes! Our first groups of students (almost twenty years ago) worked around a kitchen table; we keep that small group mentality to this day. MagiKats provides family-style support for maths and English in small, friendly groups at communitybased workshops. Now, more than ever, we see this as an important part of what we offer local children.

The last two years have been hard on everyone - not least children and their learning. Some have thrived but lacked consistency, some struggled but found new strengths: one thing is obvious to us - almost all students currently need a boost. Now is the time for us to move back closer to the families we serve, returning to friendly, welcoming, familiar places where students feel secure and supported. We have moved firmly back to basics – offering workshops with a family-feel, close to home.

MagiKats gives National Curriculum support and extension, alongside essential core skill practice. Harder, workshop material is worked together to help students understand topics and then extend their skills. This happens in small, tutor-led groups with a mixture of worksheets, group discussion, and handson activities. Work on basics for each individual is brought together, to be completed at home - building the speed and confidence to help with harder, applied work.

Whether starting school or preparing for entrance exams or GCSEs, we are there to help! To find out more please call 01483 667795, email jan@magikats.com or visit www.magikats.co.uk.