Parents remember the first word their child utters and the first time they got that shape into the correct slot on the wooden toy you bought them for Christmas. For some parents, the story happens at breathtaking speed. First words came early and quickly, reading abilities left you stunned, and they have an unusual enthusiasm for maths. This guide will be essential if you have a gifted child and are considering grammar school. It will explain what you must do about 11+ prep and whether gifted children pass the 11 plus without revision.
What Does Gifted Really Mean?
Children can demonstrate gifts in many ways. Some may be talented footballers or exceptional pianists. They may have breathtaking art skills. But in the context of academic education, a gifted child means one who shows aptitude beyond their years. In other words, they can confidently work at a scholarly level that is more advanced than most of their school year group. They may be on advanced maths topics and reading novels aimed at children in an older age category. They may have maturity in their approach to creative writing and a vast vocabulary. When faced with a new maths topic, they can quickly grasp it.
Gifted children, with their unusually high appetite for learning, embark on a journey of discovery. They delve into books, explore in-depth interests at home, such as science topics, and pose insightful questions that often surpass their age. This zest for knowledge is a testament to their unique abilities.
Gifted children are often perfectionists and can focus on a subject they love for long periods and with more depth than their peers.
Recognising these signs helps parents shape a challenging and supportive educational journey, allowing their child to grow emotionally and academically.
The Unique Challenges of an 11+ Exam
Passing a test in predominantly English and Maths questions may seem like a breeze for gifted children. However, this exam can pose distinct challenges to a child who falls into the gifted category.
First, the exam can be wide-ranging, including verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which isn’t always covered in a classroom setting. Likewise, the format and pressure of the exam can prove a challenge to even the brightest of children. That can be exacerbated if your child is already aware of how bright they are and may feel pressure to perform at a very high level.
Similarly, since the exam is under timed conditions, it might challenge perfectionists who like to take their time with their work. Understanding this when dealing with a gifted child is essential so you can best support them through their journey.
Can Gifted Children Pass the 11+ Without Revision?
Many parents say a bright child can master the 11+ without any prep. Let’s break this down and examine whether this statement is true.
First, grammar school tests are designed to find the most talented and gifted students. It’s why the exams are structured the way they are. So yes, a gifted student performing well in school will likely perform well in the exam without any additional preparation.
However, there is a caveat to this. The 11+ is a unique and unfamiliar structure to children. It’s an exam, it’s under timed conditions, and some of the question wording or format can feel different from what a child might have tackled in the classroom—particularly for the non-verbal element.
Natural talent can help you do well in traditional academic exams. However, raw talent needs nurturing, and a successful 11+ score requires practice and preparation.
That preparation time is particularly important if you are aiming for one of the top English grammar schools, as these are highly competitive. Chances are most of the children vying for a place at that school will also be gifted.
How to Tailor 11+ Practice for a Gifted Child
Practising exam questions is a chance for gifted children to refine their natural abilities. They can use their unique intelligence to help adapt their question-answering technique to the nature of the exam. After all, these are kids who grasp concepts quickly in the classroom. A test is all about teaching them how to apply that knowledge in unusual circumstances—with time constraints and exam conditions.
When creating a study routine for a gifted child, assess them early so you can find the gaps. Focus on exam techniques like time management and speed at answering questions. Get them familiar with the types of questions they may not have seen before, like the nonverbal questions.
Remember that gifted children can feel nervous and suffer anxiety as much as any other child. So teach them relaxation techniques like breathing.
Gifted children, due to their natural inclination, may be prone to overstudying. It’s essential to encourage them to strike a balance between study and leisure time. Ensure they take breaks, engage in fun activities away from the books, and relax. This not only prevents burnout but also promotes their overall well-being.
Confidence Vs. Overconfidence: Finding a Balance
For gifted children aware of their abilities and talent, pay close attention to striking a balance between confidence and overconfidence. A confident child certainly has an advantage in an exam situation. They can walk in with a positive mindset and without exam anxiety. However, it’s easy for that to tip into overconfidence.
Signs of overconfidence in gifted children include believing that they don’t need to practice, understanding topics without checking, and not reading questions thoroughly before answering. All these can put a spanner in the works of passing the 11+ with a high mark, even if that child is exceptional. So, focus on the importance of coupling innate talent with hard work and ensure the message comes across to your child.
Looking Beyond the 11+ for Gifted Children
Remember that the 11+ is only one exam and the beginning of an academic journey for your gifted child. It’s crucial to look beyond the 11+ and focus on other ways you can help your talented kid thrive.
Encourage them to explore extracurricular activities like music, science or writing. Chess is often popular with gifted children, and many grammar schools have chess clubs.
Remember that academic talent is only part of what makes a successful person as they grow. People thrive with talent, resilience, curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning. Find ways to nurture all those characteristics in your gifted child. That will help them flourish long after securing a place at a good school.
Gifted Children and the 11+: Turning Talent Into Lifelong Accomplishments
Talent is a wonder to behold. But behind every talented and exceptional person in the word is someone who spotted their abilities and showed them how to make the most of us. If you are the parent of a gifted child, you are in a unique position when preparing for the 11+. Let it be a lesson that extends beyond passing exams – teaching them how to pair that academic gift with hard work, perseverence and resiliance. It will help them long after the 11+. Don’t forget to browse our range of adventure-based 11+ workbooks – perfect for keeping a bright child engaged with their revision.
Pin This Post
