If you have been thinking about enrolling your child for the 11+ exam, you might have heard parents or teachers talk about a mock test. But what is this mock exam, and is it an essential part of preparing your child? Can your child still take the 11+ without taking a mock test? We have all the answers here. Read on to learn whether your child needs to take mock exams before the 11 plus.
What Are 11+ Mock Exams?
11+ mock exams are practice tests for the crucial assessment that children take to enter a selective grammar school. They have an identical format, content, and conditions to the actual 11+.
The mock exam is there for two reasons. First, it helps familiarise students with a formal environment and the question format. Second, it helps single out weak areas for the child that might need further practice.
There are several ways your child can sit a mock 11+ plus. Depending on your county, some schools may offer organised sessions to students. These take place in school and simulate exam conditions.
If your child is not in a grammar school or the school doesn’t offer a mock test, you can find a private education centre that offers mock exams. If your child is studying with a private tutor, they may also be able to arrange a mock test as part of their service.
If you are overseas or in a location without those options, you can arrange for a home mock test. Online assessment services are also available. While these won’t fully replicate an exam environment, they will help you identify any gaps in your child’s knowledge.
Benefits of Taking Mock Exams Before the 11+
There are several advantages to your child taking a mock exam before the big day.
Practice sessions in exam conditions help build a child’s confidence. They offer familiarity and help the child feel more composed on the 11+ day than if they were to walk into an exam hall for the first time. A calm mindset can positively impact a child’s performance during the day.
Mock exams are also a helpful way to pinpoint more targeted revisions. The feedback will give you insights into weak areas and help you use the remaining revision time more efficiently.
Mock exams are also helpful in introducing your child to time management. The test conditions are challenging, and few children can answer every question in the allotted time. Prioritising and knowing when to move on from a question is valuable practice. It’s also another way of allowing your child to develop coping strategies to deal with a pressured situation.
Are There Any Downsides to Taking the Mock Test?
While there are many benefits to a mock test, there are a few downsides. Adding a mock exam can introduce more stress or pressure for some children. Doing poorly in the exam could make them more worried about the big day and create added anxiety. It’s essential to take an approach tailored to your child’s unique needs.
How to Use a Mock Exam to Highlight Areas for Improvement
Mock exams are most beneficial when used to guide revision practice. After your child has completed the mock exam, review the results. Focus on the questions they found most challenging, either because they were difficult to read and interpret or because the topic felt unfamiliar to them.
These provide a foundation for the rest of their revision practice. You should also talk to them about time management. If they struggle to finish the tests within the time allocated, it’s a good indication that they will need to work on some time management techniques.
You should also talk about how they mentally handled exam conditions. How did they feel? Can they do anything next time to make the exam feel less pressured? If they feel very stressed, look at some mindfulness and other relaxation techniques that can help them. Remember that one key to dealing with exam anxiety is through regular practice. If the questions look familiar to your child, they are less likely to worry when they see them on a test paper.
Managing Exam Anxiety Before and After the Mock
It’s important to manage your child’s stress and anxiety before and after a mock exam, just as you would in the real exam. Before the day of the exam, choose a few relaxing activities to do with your child. Adding some simple breathing exercises is also a good idea. Remind your child that these mock exams are a way of learning, not a final judgement.
After the exam, ask your child about how they found the experience—both the positive aspects and the negative aspects. When you get the results, focus on your child’s efforts and learning rather than the overall score. Make a point of singling out areas where they performed well. Remind them that exam nerves are normal but that a few relaxation techniques can help manage those feelings so they don’t overwhelm your child.
When Should Your Child Take an 11+ Mock?
There is a sweet spot for timing the 11+ mock exam. If your child takes it too early, they might not have covered the material on the paper, which could damage their confidence. However, if they take the exam too closely to the real one, there may not be enough time to remedy any problems or issues you may have.
For the best outcome, aim to secure a mock test around three to four months before the actual exam. This allows sufficient time for preparation and also leaves room for post-mock improvements. After the mock, consider using smaller test papers at home to monitor their progress on weak areas.
How to Best Support Your Child During the Mock Exam Experience
The most important thing to remember about the mock exam is that it is there for more than academic preparation and exam scores. If you remember that, it will help you support your child through the process.
Remind them (and you) that it’s a learning tool and the outcome doesn’t define your child. Keep the days stress-free, and don’t make the mock exam too much of a focal point. Nor should you let them get in the way of school work or all the other important things your child is learning in KS2.
On the days leading up to the exam, focus on the simple things, like ensuring your child gets plenty of sleep and lots of nutritious food.
After the exam, remember that your reaction sets the tone for how they will feel, so remain optimistic and supportive. Focus on building their confidence and how much they accomplish simply by wanting to tackle hard things – irrespective of whether the results are what you expect.
Mock Exams Before the 11 Plus: Preparing Your Child
Mock exams before the 11+ are essential in preparing your child for the actual test day. So, if you have time to slot one into your schedule, consider it.
Remember to keep learning fun along the way. We’ve designed our Smarty Panthers’ workbooks to be the perfect 11+ prep, all wrapped in a fun adventure story to keep your child engaged. Browse our range now.
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