Eleven Plus Problems

One of the problems of the eleven plus is that the examination makes an assumption that all children are in the same state on the day of the examination.

Just think - what must run through your child's mind when you say: "Well dear, today you are going to take your eleven plus."

Some adults become almost hysterical at the idea of being tested in one way or another. How is it possible that we expect all the eleven plus children to enter the examination room and then behave in a similar manner?

It does seem that what is being tested, in the some children, is the amount and the extent of eleven plus preparation. You want to give your child a menu of lots of papers and tests, the best possible tuition and then expect the your child to walk into the examination and perform to the best of his or her ability.

All parents can do is the best they can. It is, however, a sobering thought.