Why do you start lessons in January of Year 5, isn’t that a bit late?

Over the years, many parents have asked me why I start face to face lessons in January of Year 5, rather than in the autumn term. It’s a valid question, particularly as lots of other tuition companies start sooner.  

My main reason for doing so is that preparing for the exam is a long slog (even doing so for 9 months with my course) and children at this age only have so much stamina. In a normal academic year, their work peaks in the late spring/early summer.

However, with the 11+, the work intensifies over the summer holiday, peaking at the very start of Year 6 when the exam takes place. (Imagine it’s like a rollercoaster, building up to the top (the exam), before they get a good rest afterwards when it comes to a complete stop). With that in mind, I provide optional work in the summer of Year 4 and the autumn term of Year 5, which allows us to get the ball rolling without any pressure – students don’t have to do it, but it gives them some structure as they settle into their new year at school.

I then structure my Teaching Phase carefully through January – July, and then we move onto the Revision and Test Practice Phase in August up to early September. This all helps the students to really do their best, at the best possible time, without them becoming jaded and fatigued.

Starting sooner runs the risk of children becoming a bit complacent about the work – it’s just another after school activity in the week etc. – and by the time of the exam, they are just so over it! This can really affect the wider family too and it’s worth bearing in mind that it can become more stressful the longer is it drawn out.

If a student needs much more than 9 months of solid preparation, I would also question if grammar school is really the right place for them. The exam is tough and it’s the children that can remember all of the various content and methods, as well as cope with the time pressure AND apply the exam technique who make it through – if they need loads of help to get into a grammar school, they’re likely to struggle there.

From a personal perspective, I know I am a much better tutor for also taking some time away from teaching classes in November/December before my new year begins. It is during this time I make amendments to my materials, write new resources and assess students for further years. I truly love what I do but it is also very intensive for me as well, particularly in the summer!

So, I like to take a bit of a break with my family in the October half term, re-assess and reset whilst I develop the business in the winter, and then I am fresh and enthusiastic for my new students.

Every child is different and the 11+ is not ‘one size fits all’ – there are lots of different ways to approach it. Some may be better with a 1:1 tutor for example, or having the regular sessions much sooner than when I start, but I certainly feel my 16 years’ experience has allowed me to hone my process carefully to get the best out of the children I work with.As with anything child related, a parent’s gut instinct is always right – but if the above approach aligns with you in you search for tuition, get in touch, or take a look at my course details.