HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN 11+ EXAM
Exams are scary and students can feel unsure where to start when it comes to revising. Three Jay Practice Exams has you covered in organising your preparation.
WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Grammar and Independent schools have demanding entrance examinations. It’s crucial to know what these examinations entail and the procedure for them. You can find the relevant information on our school pages. Find Schools here [link to find school page]
Once you know exactly what to prepare for, setting up a well-thought-out revision plan is key. Timetable what to study on what days and include regular breaks for rest. Complete practice papers so you know what sort of questions you will be asked and how best to divide your time in the exam.
Sitting mock examinations is a pivotal part of exam preparation because of the unequaled experience it offers. Taking a mock exam in a hall, in the same conditions as you will on the day of the entrance exam, eases the stress and removes the intimidation of the setting so you can be confident you can showcase your abilities without hindrance.
Take practice interviews to conquer nerves and know what to expect. This will enable you to give sharp and eloquent responses.
A WEEK TO GO
You may start to feel nervous as the big day approaches, but it’s important not to panic. As you have taken our mock examination, you will be able to easily target areas that require more practice. You will have assured confidence in areas of success allowing you more time to focus on areas of difficulty. This will cut down on revision time wasting and heighten your possibility of achieving a scholarship.
Follow a regular sleep schedule. One good night’s sleep won’t be enough if you’ve stayed up late all week. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of regular sleep on learning and recall. Sleep is critical to digesting your revision as well as being able to remember and utilise the information on the exam day
THE DAY BEFORE
Anxiety can be high the day before. It’s the day a lot of students struggle the most and feel the urge to cram revision in for hours on end. This will only make you tired and heighten stress levels. Take this time to calmly go over simple revision notes, such as mind maps and plans. We don’t recommend revising full papers the night before, instead make plans, and revise terminology and methodology.
After your usual amount of study time has passed, stop. Distract yourself with a calming activity before bed, such as reading a book, meditation, jigsaw puzzles, or drawing. Go to bed so you can be refreshed and up early in the morning well-rested. Studies have shown that cognitive performance is impaired after just one night of restricted sleep
EXAM DAY MORNING
Some find the nerves on examination day to be the most intense. Wake up and drink a glass of water to recoup the hydration lost over the night. Eat a well-balanced breakfast with another drink to give you the energy to perform your best. Resist the urge to cram! A lot of students can’t help with a little bit of revision the morning of; we recommend scanning mind maps. You won’t take anything new on board the morning of the exam, but it can give you peace and mind if you are feeling overwhelmed as it reminds you what you have covered and how much you know.
KEEPING CALM
Sitting in the exam hall can feel a bit formidable but remember you have practiced this before! You just need to be calm so you can showcase all your knowledge and skill.
Focus on your breathing. Close your eyes and take five deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This fills your brain with oxygen and slows your heart for optimum concentration.
Take a sip of water. Nerves can leave your mouth dry which can be an uncomfortable distraction. Having regular drinks gives a boost of refreshment and hydration to aid focus.
Gently pinch with your index finger and thumb the spot between your finger and thumb on your opposite hand. Pushing this pressure point can lessen anxiety and give you a physical sensation to focus on over any apprehensive thoughts.
Wiggle your toes. This technique can be used without affecting your exam speed; It can instantly reduce stress and panic to clear your mind and help concentration. This one is good in or out of an exam!
WHAT TO BRING
CLEAR PENCIL CASE
BLACK BALLPOINT PEN
BACK UP BLACK BALLPOINT PEN
HB PENCIL
RUBBER
SHARPENER
CLEAR WATER BOTTLE WITHOUT A LABEL
WHAT NOT TO BRING
OPAQUE PENCIL CASE
Not allowed as can facilitate cheating.
INK PENS
They can smudge and lead your exam illegible. Some exams only allow black ballpoint pens.
SOFT PENCILS / GRAPHITE
These can smudge and are less neat.
TIPPEX
Not allowed as can facilitate cheating.
OPAQUE WATER BOTTLE
Not allowed as can facilitate cheating.
FIZZY DRINKS / STICKY DRINKS
Fizzy drinks can be noisy and messy.
ANY PAPER AT ALL
Paper from outside the hall of any kind is not allowed and will lead to disqualification even if it has no revision information on it.
GET IN TOUCH
Please feel free to contact us with any questions about courses, registration, and more. We are always happy to help.
Solihull, UK