Education

by Laraine Kirkham

The right choice for your child

Although the summer holidays seem along way off, they really will be upon us before we know it. No doubt many readers will have already booked their summer holidays, but with the prospect of 6 or more weeks of school holidays in July and August, during which daily entertainment or childcare requires organisation by working Mums and Dads, planning ahead is essential!

For those of you who do have an interest in water, you do not have to travel far. The West Midlands and Warwickshire have many excellent water sports facilities that include boating, canoeing, diving, sailing, surfing, yachting, kayaking, raft building and skiing to mention but a few. Regardless of whether you are a novice, experienced or simply looking for holiday activities for the family, check out the following:

Edgbaston Water sports- www.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk where water based activities have been offered at Edgbaston Reservoir since the 80s

Brownhills Canoe and outdoor Centre www.brownhillscanoecentre@hotmail.com  where, amongst other things, the centre provides BCU canoe training courses from beginners to higher level coaching qualifications, kayak and canoeing sessions for individuals, family groups (any age) and Corporate team building days

Shustoke Sailing Club, Reservoir Drive Shustoke, Coleshill www.shustokesailingclub.co.uk  for those who wish to have a go at sailing

Olton Mere Sailing Club Warwick Road Solihull www.oltonmere.org for dingy sailing

Leam Boat Centre, Mill Road, Leamington www.leamboatcentre.com offering pleasure boating on a children’s boating lake and along the river Leam through Welsh’s Meadow Nature Reserve. Canoe and Kayak courses available from fully qualified BCU coaches either at the centre or on regular river trips to The Wye and across the UK

Kingsbury Waterpark . This is Warwickshire’s premier waterside attraction with its 15 lakes situated in over 600 acres of country park. Broomey Croft Children’s Farm is the ideal place to spend a couple of hours. The animals are all very friendly and may be stroked by visiting children. Please call the Farm on 01827 873844 for more details.There are many miles of surfaced paths around the site, and the more adventurous can cycle on the bridleway around the southern perimeter of the Park.

When trusting your child into the care of others whether it is for a day or longer, it is vital to make sure that all of the staff involved have been fully CRB checked  by the Criminal Records Bureau.  Where appropriate some organisations may be subject to OfSted inspections, like schools. So here are a few contacts and ideas to explore

Summer fun for kids is the online directory of UK summer camps and holiday courses for unaccompanied children and teenagers. Parents can search for a wide range of summer holiday ideas from local courses to residential summer camps. Activities on offer include all kinds of sports, arts, adventure, creative, performing arts, technology and multi activity programmes for all age groups.

Google Camp Beaumont for adventure that’s perfect for all age groups: Away from home for the first time? Choose a camp close to you.

Want the classic American summer camp experience? Try Pinewood Sands or Dukeshouse Wood.

Watersports fan? The Island will be perfect.

Budding outdoor or extreme adventurer? Enjoy the great outdoors at Colomendy or Peak Venture.

Into urban sports? Grosvenor Hall is the place to be.

Too cool for camp? Nobody’s too cool for The House!

Love skiing? Book your child into Beaumont Ski

Fancy crossing the channel? Try French Adventures

Check out www.mykidscan.co.uk

Super Camps offers regional coverage for day and week activities in Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. They are Ofsted registered and staff are CRB checked. Ring their Parent helpline for more information about 2012 discounts on 01235 832222

There is also a plethora of local museums with plenty to offer all age groups during the holidays. Many are free but some will charge. However check out www.dofreestuff.com for activities that do not charge in and around your area. For the more adventurous www.filmsteps.com for 7-16 year olds offer hands on experience in organised practical film making- certainly a different summer activity!

If you fancy a trip further a field, take a look a Summer Days at Oaker Wood www.owlactivities.co.uk  Their activity site is set in 175 acres of woodland where they offer a wide range of children’s activities. Summer camps start at 9am each day and finish at 3.30pm. Subject to demand they will be offering summer camps throughout August on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week.

The activity programme will vary each day and will include a selection from Aerial Tree Trekking, Climbing Wall, Abseiling, Low Rope Challenges and Woodland Games, Target Shooting, Raft Building, Survival Skills and Den Making. Some days will also include fun and games on an Inflatable Obstacle Course and Giant Slide. To book your place at Summer Camp 2011 call 01547 530711

Don’ forget

The Cotswolds with its Model Village at Bourton on the Water or why not pay a visit to Hatton Country World with its farm, animals, children’s shows, activities and shops. Visit www.hattonworld.com for more details.

Warwick Castle Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery and torture, passion and power and above all fascinating people, times and events, Warwick Castle is so much more than simply a castle. There is a full programme of events including birds of prey, jousting and the world’s largest trebuchet.

Kenilworth Castle Has been intimately linked with some of the most important figures in English history. With its impressive Norman keep, John of Gaunt’s great hall, and the magnificent buildings raised for Queen Elizabeth I, it is among the largest castle ruins in England.

Stratford Butterfly Farm Wander through a tropical rainforest with a myriad multicoloured butterflies, sunbirds and Koi Carp. See fascinating animals in Insect City and view deadly spiders in perfect safety in Arachnoland.

Stratford Bike Hire Hire a bike and cycle the Stratford Greenway, 5 miles of Traffic Free cycle path perfect for young families. The cycle hire centre and cafe are based in refurbished railway carriages which the children will love. Range of childrens bikes, child seats, infant trailers and tagalongs available

Coventry Skydome Ice Rink - get the kids out ice skating for an afternoon. Great idea if you’re looking for fun family days out in the Midlands.

Umberslade Farm Park, Solihull Young visitors have the opportunity to get close to a wide range of farm animals from the tiniest chickens to the statuesque Shire horses, with hands-on activities that will appeal to every age.

Coombe Country Park, Coventry The perfect location for a family day out in the great outdoors. We have a children’s play area, climbing forest, picnic benches and barbecue areas, a bird hide, woodlands, open space for the children to play and of course plenty of ducks and swans to feed!

There really is no excuse for being bored during the holidays so I suggest you start planning them out sooner rather than later and enjoy!

There are loads of great activities and events taking place in the BBC Coventry &  Warwickshire Open Centre this summer  with a range of activities in the Open Centre

With its reputation for vibrant, free, fun and creative activities, there are a number of exciting opportunities no matter what your age or  interests are at the BBC Coventry &  Warwickshire, Priory Place, Coventry, CV1 5SQ

024 7655 1000 l e-mail: coventry@bbc.co.uk warwickshire@bbc.co.uk

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

King Henry VIII School enjoys league table success as it is ranked second out of all schools nationally

In the recently published Daily Telegraph GCSE league tables for all Independent schools King Henry VIII was ranked 2nd overall nationally and the top school in Coventry.

And in the BBC News Secondary league tables for the best GCSE results King Henry’s was ranked 28th out of the top 200 schools across England with the highest attainmnet at GCSE as well as again being the top school in Coventry. Academic succes does not stop at GCSE level though as 6 students have gained places to study at Oxbridge against very tough competition in courses such as Law, English and Medicine.

Henry’s has also kept busy on the extra curricular front with our musicians playing with the Spires Philharmonic Orchestra recently, the annual Dance Show is about to be held on March 2nd and 3rd and Ron Hill MBE presented the medals and cups at the 41st National Schools Cross-Country relay race hosted by Henry’s and held in the War Memorial Park just before half term. Also present were Coventry Olympians Colin Kirkham and David Moorcroft.

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

by Laraine Kirkham

At the time of writing this there remain 172 days to the start of the 2012 Olympics. As part of creating a health legacy NHS London and partner organisations launched ‘Go London’ on 24 March in the hope that the games, promoted as part of a series of “festival events”, will involve as many young people as possible both nationally and globally in increased sporting activities. Schools will also be playing an important role in promoting interest, enthusiasm, health and fitness through the diverse range of Olympic sporting activities.

Why we should all encourage our children to participate

The academic curriculum has never been all that schools offer to their pupils. Apart from the compulsory games lessons there are often a range of other sporting clubs and activities available during the lunch break or after school. These are referred to as extra-curricular activities and generally speaking are mostly voluntary for can play a very important to the wider education of our youngsters.

In my professional experience, extra curricular sporting activities in schools provide breadth and a scope of education that allows pupils’ individual skills to flourish within an engaging and purposeful environment. It is these opportunities that actively support teamwork and co-operation; designed to support all pupils in their education whilst providing opportunities for them to ‘be fit to succeed’.

Sports help in furthering the cause of education by:

Increasing knowledge about the world: Inter-country sports meets help in spreading awareness about the culture, customs and habits of people from different parts of the world. We learn a lot through observation, interaction, communication, and comparison- so encourage your children to explore unusual sporting events during the Olympics!

Enhancing respect for rules and regulations: Sportsmen and women are familiar with rules and their importance in the world of sports. These help youngsters to understand the regulations that govern education and help pupils to abide by them without questioning authority.

Increasing self-confidence: Any person good in one walk of life automatically gains confidence in another. So if you’re good at sports, your confidence is more likely to spill over to academics as well. And with confidence on your side, you are motivated to give your best.

Sports and exercise can be a natural stress buster, regardless of whether you are good at it or not,  particularly around exam time. Any activity that we enjoy and that gives us a good workout releases feel-good endorphins which elevate the mood. A good mood is conducive to performing well in academics because there’s a peace of mind that allows greater concentration. Sports are a great outlet for frustrations of any kind.

According to Theodore Hesburgh, author of “The Importance of School Sports and Education,” it is imperative for school age children to have access to sports and games. Not only does it empower youth and promote higher self-esteem, it can also motivate students to earn better grades whilst encouraging opportunities for pupils to develop working as part of a team, individually or to practice their leadership skills. The ethics of competition and the importance of performance are all character building for our youngsters and should complement the compulsory academic studies of school life.

As parents we should actively be encouraging our children to get involved in some sort of extra curricular sporting activity whether it is the D of E gold, silver or bronze awards, walking, orienteering, dance, not to mention football, rugby, tennis, hockey etc... the list is quite literally endless. However, it is always a good idea to consider the impact of the activities in which your child becomes involved in, on his of her class work at school; maintaining a balance is important.

Extra curricular activities are particularly good at providing opportunities for students to socialise outside of their normal teaching groups, to work in teams, to exercise leadership skills and to take the initiative themselves. Never underestimate how these experiences can make students more attractive to universities and to potential employers.

So calling all pupils wherever you are- go for gold with the 2012 Olympics and get involved now in sport and exercise. The benefits could astound you!

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

WIN a chance to cook for the queen

Win the opportunity for your school to prepare a special Diamond Jubilee menu for Her Majesty The Queen at  Buckingham Palace!

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee British Food Fortnight is inviting all schools in the UK to create a special menu featuring recipes that showcase the best of British to be served to The Queen and The Duchess of Cornwall at a reception at Buckingham Palace in June.  The competition is the idea of The Duchess of Cornwall and is her special tribute to The Queen for the Diamond Jubilee.

The top four winning schools will be invited to Buckingham Palace in June to see their menus prepared by the famous Royal Chef. The students will then help serve their winning dishes at a special Diamond Jubilee reception attended by The Queen and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall launched the competition on 25th January at Nova Hreod secondary school in Swindon.  The school is a regular participant in British Food Fortnight’s school activities. Her Royal Highness visited Year 10 pupils in the school’s food technology rooms who were working on the dishes they are planning to ‘Cook for The Queen’. She then formally launched the competition  set to the theme tune, ‘Food, Glorious, Food’, in the school’s assembly hall.

‘Cook for the Queen’ is open to 10 – 15 year olds in all primary and secondary schools in the UK. Entries close Monday 30th April and the winners will be announced Mid-May.

Taking part is easy. All schools have to do is design a menu fit for Her Majesty The Queen that celebrates the food produced in their part of the country. Schools are asked to include both savoury and sweet ideas and dishes that use ingredients that strongly represent their region. All the dishes need to be easily produced in the form of canapés that will be served at the reception. For example, mini Toad in the Holes, little Cornish pasties, Smoked Haddock fishcakes, Bubble & Squeak, Pan Haggerty, Cromer Crab salad, Caerphilly tart, seasonal vegetable soup espresso or apple dumplings. Remember that many traditional recipes celebrate our Royal family: Duke of Cambridge Tart, Coronation Chicken and, of course, Queen of Puddings!

Schools may also like to use ‘Cook for The Queen’ as an opportunity to organise some fun Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

How to enter:

Go to the special ‘Cook for The Queen’ section on www.lovebritishfood.co.uk where you will find the entry form plus fascinating facts about the types of food served to our Royal Family through the ages, the stories behind famous royal dishes, the history of the kitchens at Buckingham Palace and examples of menus served at spectacular state occasions.

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

A Promising Future at Oxbridge for Bromsgrove School Pupils

Six Bromsgrove School pupils have secured offers of places at the two most prestigious and competitive universities in the country.

Elizabeth Leather will study Music at Oxford’s Merton College, where the School’s Headmaster studied. She has already achieved an A* in her A Level music while studying in the Lower Sixth Form on the International Baccalaureate program. Rachel Hotchin is set to study French and German at Peterhouse College, Cambridge. , where her father also studied.

International pupils Catherine Ka-Yan Ng and Charles Ting Chau Ng have both secured places at Cambridge. Catherine, whose first language is Chinese, will study Spanish and Portuguese at Girton – an extraordinary achievement. Charles will study Natural Sciences at Fitzwilliam.

William Sarjant has secured a place of the highly competitive Philosophy, Politics and Economics course at St Hilda’s, Oxford, while local boy Matthew Drane from Redditch will study Geography at Jesus College, Cambridge – following in the footsteps of  a number of former

Bromsgrove pupils who have gone on to study Geography there. The School offers as much support as possible for pupils seeking Oxford and Cambridge university places and offers its congratulations to these hard-working pupils.

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

Leigh Perry has every right to be proud of what she has achieved at Dorridge Music School.

An accomplished organist and recording artist, she has come a long way since she first started working in sales at what was then called Dorridge Music Centre at the age of 16.

A former Young Organist of the Year, Leigh left school at 16 to pursue a music career. Although she enjoyed touring the UK and playing festivals, Leigh began to work at the centre and it wasn’t long before she was asked to teach a few of the students.

The talented musician took some of the 20 keyboard and organ pupils under her wing and began to teach.

That was 25 years ago.

Now the owner of Dorridge Music School (DMS), which moved from its Dorridge home to Greville Court, High Street, Knowle, in 2010, Leigh heads the biggest independent music school in the UK.

More than 550 students use the school every week to learn a variety of instruments or to have singing lessons. They can either learn for fun or take exams up to diploma level.

Leigh has selected 22 highly qualified and experienced teachers for the school, which is also a London College of Music examination centre. All are professional musicians and many have come from the renowned Birmingham Conservatoire.

It is this exacting attention to detail that has enabled Leigh, who took over the business in 1988 from Peter Angelides, to build a school with a reputation for musical excellence.

A professional musician who played in bands and worked in backing cabaret, Peter owned music shops in Shrewsbury and Birmingham, but gave Leigh the opportunity to take over the Dorridge business.

“It was an exciting opportunity for me and I was keen to give it a go,” says 43-year-old Leigh. “I haven’t looked back since.

“I was keen to build up the tuition side of things and expanded to offer lessons on other instruments. It’s a big, happy family and I am very proud of what the school has become.

“It’s been hard work, but it has been worthwhile. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

She was pleased to announce recently that legendary rock drummer Bev Bevan – of The Move and ELO fame – has agreed to be patron at the school, which is a registered charity.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Bev agreed to become our patron,” she said.

In November, 350 members of the music school staged a spectacular concert at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, which also featured dancers from local dance schools.

It was the fourth year the school has staged a performance at the magnificent venue, which is one of the world’s finest concert halls.

Celebrities, including Brian Travers, Martin Meredith and Laurence Parry of UB40, and Bev Bevan, joined the talented musicians to play a varied programme of music with Motown hits alongside Elgar, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney for an appreciative audience of 1,500 people.

The concert raised just over £1,000 for Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action and was such a success that Leigh has confirmed a fifth concert at the prestigious venue for Sunday, November 11, 2012.

“To see all our talent there on the main stage at Symphony Hall playing so brilliantly was wonderful,” says Leigh.

“Everyone works really hard to make the show a success. It takes about eight months to prepare for it, but it is worth it. It’s definitely a highlight on our calendar.”

This year, DMS has announced its collaboration with Rhythm Time, which offers quality music teaching for babies and children up to the age of four.

This partnership not only enables youngsters to enjoy music lessons from the earliest age, it also means they can move seamlessly to DMS’s Crotchet Club, which is a fun and informative music class for four and five year-olds and incorporates some Rhythm Time elements.

In addition, any child who attends Crotchet Club is then guaranteed a place at the DMS when they are old enough to learn an instrument of their choice.

Leigh says: “This association will guarantee a lifetime of music education and is a very important development for the Solihull area it means that a lifetime of music education is available for families in the area.”

For more details about Dorridge Music School, visit www.dorridgemusicschool.com , telephone 01564 772 831 or email office@dorridgemusicschool.com

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

Education News

Children At St George’s Speak Passionately About A Better World

Children at St George’s School, in Edgbaston, have voiced opinions and concerns about society and the environment around them, discussing subjects normally confined to adult conversation.  The students were taking part in the Lines Aloud annual public speaking competition, supported by the Rt Hon Clare Short MP, last October.

The topics included ‘Footballers and their earnings’, ‘Does prison work?’ and ‘Are the Royal Family bad for Britain?’ There were also presentations based on race issues, whether to ban smoking completely, the ethics of animal testing, and several views concerning the summer riots in Birmingham.

The students at St George’s School, ranging from age eight to fifteen years, had been working on their speeches since the start of term, in September. Each child had been allowed to choose the subject matter and each was encouraged to conduct meaningful research, giving consideration to both sides of the argument before reaching their own personal conclusion.

The external judging panel - DJ and radio presenter Elliott Webb, actor Colin Buchanan and the Head of English at Queenswood Girl’s School in Hatfield, Paul-James Merrell - were all astounded by the arguments put forward and the passion with which the students delivered their speeches.

“It was great to see young people care enough to express themselves publicly and so passionately,” said Mr Buchanan. “Some of the subjects they chose and the content of their presentations were beyond what I had expected, especially from some of the younger children.”

“The standard was incredibly high and I was particularly amazed that children as young as twelve could speak so knowledgably about very important issues such as corporal punishment and violence on television,” concluded Mr Webb.

Headmaster, Sir Bob Dowling, also expressed his pride in the children’s achievements, as he addressed the audience following the presentations. “The Lines Aloud competition is part of the school’s commitment to developing and encouraging students to take a view on matters of importance and thereby grow in wisdom. It also helps students to gain confidence in public speaking.”

Sir Bob went on to mention the schools outstanding results in the recent GCSE examinations and stated that the brilliance shown by the students taking part in Lines Aloud bode well for the future.

Each presentation was judged on the choice of topic, the content of the speech, the use of language and the expression and overall delivery. Winners in each year group were awarded prizes but all of those who took part were given due recognition for their hard work.

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

Celebrating Success at Henry’s

King Henry VIII School’s recent ISI inspection Report clearly demonstrated the high level of achievement of Henry’s students both in and outside the classroom. Here are a few selections from the past year:

Richard Fairlie and Elanor Read

Both students have been selected for the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. They have attended courses at Birmingham Symphony Hall & the Royal Albert Hall.

Samraj Jandoo

Samraj was commended for his entry in a National Classics Essay competition. In addition, his name was featured in jact – a journal for classics teachers.

Roshan Thakor

Roshan undertook a tandem skydive. It was his first ever skydive from 15,000ft freefalling at 125mph. Roshan raised £400 for Help 4 Heroes.

Ben Charley, Tom Charley  and Joshua Davenport

Represented Warwickshire in the English Schools Golf Championship. They came 3rd in the final held at Woodhall Spa golf course.

Joe McAllister, Jack  Iremonger and Amrik Virdi

Have all been selected to represent Coventry Schools’ Rugby Union. Joe & Amrik also represent Warwickshire.

Shivi Ravi

Shivi won the Warwickshire round of the UK Chess Challenge. She then proceeded to represent Warwickshire in the northern round where she won the U14 girls section.

Ella Thomas

Ella was successful in being chosen to be a part of the BP Portrait Award: Next Generation Workshop and exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Ella was awarded the opportunity to paint paralympic athlete Shelley Woods and was able to meet and gain insights into portraiture from previous BP Portrait Award winners.

Aimee Morse and  Harrison Mc Cartney

Both Aimee & Harrison have been selected to represent England. Aimee came 1st at the British Midland distance orienteering camp. Harrison is the 2011 British Orienteering Champion.

Vidish Athavale and  Mohammed Usman

Congratulations to Vidish and Mohammed who completed the 125 mile Devon: Coast to Coast Walk. The 200km trek took them 9 days, backpacking through searing heat and torrential showers. They had an incredible and challenging experience.

Alex Riordan

GB Water Polo – Alex has been appointed the U16 & U17 Captain.

For more information please visit  www.khviii.com

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

Private education

Selecting & selection

by Laraine Kirkham

Following the Autumn onslaught of open days from a diverse range of independent schools you, as prospective parents, will no doubt have had a great deal to think about with regard to your choice of school for your son or daughter.

Having made your decision, the New Year will be the time when your child sits an entrance exam and because places at selective schools remain competitive, this can be quite an intense time for parents and pupils alike.

Therefore the notion that your child will need to be thoroughly prepared can be a daunting prospect for you all. But remember that this exam is a qualifying rather than competitive examination where each school marks its own papers. Pass marks for each school will differ and it is reasonable to assume that those with a higher pass mark will be selecting pupils of a higher academic standard than those schools whose pass mark is lower, where the school will be selecting a wider range of abilities. It is most important that parents choose the school that best meets the academic needs of their children and there is a diverse range of independent schools to choose from in our surrounding areas and further a field. The ISC web site will give you the names and addresses of all independent schools in and around your area.

Pupils are entered for the exams according to age at entry to a senior school with the 11+ usually being taken in January. The Common Entrance exam, usually held in February, March or June, is broadly in line with the National Curriculum and is used by independent schools for assessing boys and girls who wish to transfer to an independent school at 12 or 13. It is important to note that children with specific learning difficulties will be allowed extra time and, where appropriate, lap tops may be used. In exceptional circumstances a reader or an amanuensis may be used.

What is the Eleven+ exam?

These papers are based on some or all of the following:

Verbal reasoning - This involves the child thinking about words and text and solving problems, sequences etc. Clearly a good grasp of English grammar and a wide vocabulary is an advantage

Non-verbal reasoning - This involves the child thinking in pictures and diagrams, solving problems based on these items. It also makes demands on a child mathematical capabilities, with less focus on the understanding of written language

Mathematics - English

Schools will either set their own exam or use the common entrance examination at 13. If the latter is the case, the exam is set centrally and details, including copies of past papers, can be obtained from the Independent School’s Examination Board. Quite often children taking the common entrance exam will be tested in Science and possibly other subjects. The school will always advise parents which subjects will be assessed and clearly at 12 or 13 subject knowledge will be important for success.

Be warned!

It is all too easy for well-meaning parents to be seduced by the notion of private tutors, ‘cramming sessions’, practice papers downloaded from specific web sites... to the point of serious examination preparation overload! However in reality there is very little revision, if any some would argue, candidates can do to better prepare themselves for the 11+ exams. Encouragement, rather than pressure, is the order of the day.

Always check with the school in question about the content of each test. Are there tests in Verbal and/or non-verbal reasoning? Not all schools bother with both but in any event the following books are very useful.

Preparation for 11+ and 12+ tests: Verbal Reasoning Book 1-Ideal preparation for 11+, common entrance and grammar school selection

ISBN-13: 978-1-873385-25-8

ISBN-10: 1873385250

Preparation for 11+ and 12+ Verbal reasoning Book 2, 3 in the same series build on and develop reasoning skills and Preparation for 11+ and 12+ tests consolidates prior learning.

How to do verbal reasoning-a step by step guide

ISBN-13:978-1873385-29-6

ISBN-10:1873385293

Verbal Reasoning challenge tests

ISBN-13:978-1-873385-33-3

ISBN-10:1873385331

Preparation for 11+ and 12+ tests-Non-verbal reasoning-multiple choice

ISBN-13:978-1-873385-22-7

ISBN-10:1873385226

Preparation for 11+ and 12+ tests-Non-verbal reasoning-standard

ISBN-13:978-1-873385-31-9

ISBN-10:1873385315

This represents a small selection of support material available to prospective 11+ candidates but it is important to keep things in perspective because exams are daunting enough without additional and sometimes unnecessary pressure from well-meaning mums and dads.

Choose well, good luck and a very merry Christmas to you all!

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.

Solihull School

Lord Philip Hunt, Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Chairman of the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, has paid a special visit to Solihull School.

The Labour peer, who is also Opposition Spokesperson for both the Cabinet Office and the Home Office and lives in Birmingham, was invited as a guest by the independent co-educational School as part of the Peers in Schools programme.

He was accompanied by the Conservative peer Robert Edmiston, Chairman of Coleshill-based I M Group, who was raised to the peerage as Baron Edmiston of Lapworth this year.

Peers have been visiting schools to talk to students about the work and role of the House of Lords and Baron Hunt of King’s Heath explained its composition and importance in scrutinising legislation, holding the government to account and debating contemporary issues.

He encouraged his audience of 100 Sixth Formers to taken an active interest in local and national politics before being involved in a lively discussion about university tuition fees and the proposed high speed railway between London and Midlands. Lord Hunt was appointed to the House of Lords in 1997. His career has included being Government Spokesperson for Education and Employment and Minister of State for Quality at the Department of Health and Government Spokesperson for Health.

He has also been Minister of State and Government Spokesperson at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department of Energy and Climate Change. He was made an OBE in 1993 and is a former Birmingham city Councillor.

David E J J Lloyd, Headmaster of Solihull School, said: “It was an honour to welcome Lord Hunt and Lord Edmiston to our School. The event provided a superb opportunity for pupils to learn more about the workings of our political system and it was so successful that we have arranged for the visit to be repeated next year.”

0.0/60votes

Voting statistics:

Rate	Percentage	Votes
6	0%	0
5	0%	0
4	0%	0
3	0%	0
2	0%	0
1	0%	0

There are no tags associated with this post.