🏋️‍♂️ SECTION 5: How to Actually Prepare for the 11+

“This isn’t cramming. It’s training.”

🎯 Why This Section Matters

Most families wing it. They try to do “a bit of everything” — and wonder why results stall or stress builds.

At The Common School, we don’t “revise.”
We train. We track. We build up performance like athletes heading into game day.

Here’s the real roadmap to get your child exam-ready — without burnout or guesswork.

🧭 When Should You Start?

Year 3 - Light early exposure: reading, logic puzzles, maths games

Year 4 - Build habits + core skills in English, maths, reasoning

Year 5💥- Core preparation year — daily structured training

Year 6 - Final review, stress-proofing, timed mocks, and confidence-building

🎙️ Coach Tip: Don’t panic if you’re starting in Year 5. With the right system, there’s still time to win.

📚 What Does Good Preparation Include?

1️⃣ Strong Core Knowledge (English + Maths)

✔ Rich vocabulary
✔ Comprehension & inference
✔ Mental maths, word problems, multi-step logic
✔ Speed with accuracy

💪 What We Do:

  • Topic-by-topic mastery

  • Worksheets mapped to skill level

  • Real feedback from real teachers

2️⃣ Reasoning Skills (Verbal + Non-Verbal)

✔ Spotting patterns
✔ Decoding logic
✔ Thinking under pressure

💪 What We Do:

  • Puzzle-style missions

  • Coaching from The Cosmic League characters

  • Visual breakdowns + interactive GPT tutors

3️⃣ Exam Technique

✔ Time management
✔ Reading questions properly
✔ Knowing when to move on
✔ Avoiding easy traps

💪 What We Do:

  • Timed mock exams

  • Mistake coaching sessions

  • Score tracking + growth reviews

4️⃣ Mock Exams (Early and Often)

✔ Simulate test day
✔ Track progress
✔ Build stamina
✔ Show weak spots clearly

💪 What We Do:

  • Skill-mapped mocks

  • Leaderboards (optional)

  • Full parent reports + next-step plan

5️⃣ Confidence Training

✔ Belief they can win
✔ Bounce back from hard days
✔ Know what to do when stuck

💪 What We Do:

  • Weekly wins + shoutouts

  • GPT and human support always available

  • Emotional encouragement embedded in our missions

🏡 Home Prep vs Coaching

Home Practice - Independent, motivated learners + budget-conscious families

Tutoring - Structure, expertise, time-saving, accountability

The Common School System - A hybrid: tech + teacher + trackable growth

🎒 What You Need to Train Right

  • 📖 Trusted resources (e.g. CGP, Bond, The Common School App)

  • ⏱ 30–60 minutes a day, 5 days a week (in Year 5)

  • 🧠 A personalised plan — not random worksheets

  • 📊 A way to measure progress

  • 🤝 Support when things get tough

🔁 Our Training System (Example Week)

Monday - Master a weak topic (e.g. Inference)

Tuesday - Verbal or NVR training

Wednesday - Timed section (English or Maths)

Thursday - Mission-based worksheet (with GPT coach)

Friday - Coach review + reward + unlock next topic

Saturday - (optional)Saturday School or revision pack

Sunday - Rest, reward, reflect

💡 Resource Recs

  • Books: CGP, Bond, Collins — used with structure

  • Apps: WordUp, Numbots, Times Tables Rock Stars

  • Tools: The Common School (all-in-one prep + support)

🧘 Final Word: Prep Without Pressure

“You’re not just preparing for a test. You’re building focus, grit, and a love of growth.”

At The Common School, we turn preparation into progress.
We coach students to train like it matters — because it does.