Eleven Plus Goals

With just a few months to go to the Eleven Plus examinations parents and children need to re-evaluate their goals. Parents need to think through their Eleven Plus Objectives. Children need to try to focus on their own Eleven Plus goals. Both parties then need to sit down and see where the two forces meet. Parents and children could start by categorising their goals into short, medium and long term.

Short Term Goals of Parents

1. To get some regular work done.
2. To create an atmosphere where there is true communication

Short Term Goals of Children

1. To get that bit of work done and then get on with the rest of life.
2. To make a determined effort to do as good a job as possible.

Medium Term Goal of Parents

1. To continue supporting the much loved `Eleven Plus’ child.
2. To try to continue to listen in any discussions.

Medium Term Children

1. To work to a time table.
2. To co-operate with parents in a determined manner.

Long Term Parents

1. To pass the Eleven Plus

Long Term Children

1. To pass the Eleven Plus


At school we had to learn parts of a poem by James Elroy Flecker. Perhaps these words have some 11+ resonance. The road to Samarkand was along the silk route.

We are the pilgrims, master: we shall go
Always a little further; it may be
Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow,
Across that angry or that glimmering sea,
White on a throne or guarded in a cave
There lives a prophet who can understand
Why men are born: but surely we are brave,
Who make the Golden Journey to Samarkand.

Common Short Term Goal of Parent and Child

1. To try to go a little further.

Common Medium Term Goal of Parent and Child

1. To aim for something that is achievable – but will take hard work.

Common Long Term Goal of Parent and Child

1. To achieve the pleasure, delight and relief of passing the Eleven Plus