Transfer test 2013

leftieM

I've started the tutoring process for my daughter who is in P6. I can save money and have some control over the process by doing this myself, but I'd appreciate tips from others who've been through it.

I got some resources and wondered if they are any good?
For AQE I got CEA practice tests. Have I the right things? Are they hard enough?
For GL I got a multiple choice practice tests (from P and P Quinn). Am I on the right track with these?
I have KS2 revision guides from Letts for back up info.

It seems like yesterday that she was cooing in her pram and this was all far in the future.......

BOBS

Its a long process DD did her tests at Christmas and we are now awaiting results in 3 weeks time

For AQE I bought papers off PMP publications online - different levels from p6 papers for now - summer revision and then pre exam papers. I also used the freebies that came with Belfast Telegraph - both tests - cant quite remember when they appear though.

leftieM

Both sets I bought are P and P Quinn. I got them in Eason's. They look similar to the ones on the PMP website.

I'm afraid I'll give my DD questions that are too easy and she'll find the actual test a nightmare!

BOBS

the AQE site has the tests from previous years available to download - though at this stage of P6 probably wont have covered everything in curriculum

. http://www.aqe.org.uk/13.%20Assessment%20Papers.html

leftieM

That is brilliant thanks.
She hasn't covered everything but I'd rather start now and have time to spare than wait and realise there is a mountain to climb!

Freefromdebt_2

The TransferTutor website is good - a one-fee of £30 (I think) and you get a timetable of work to complete. You can also purchase online exams for £10.99.

Mumsicle

Hi, just stumbled upon this thread and thought I'd comment, having been through the process in 2011/12. My son (ds) is now in year 8 at his first choice grammar school, however I am keen to stress that his journey to get there was at times difficult, so please don't despair if at first the practice test scores are terrible! I remember one occasion when my ds got 26% - by the end, he was averaging between 80 & 90%. Also, no one ever tells you that only the very brightest kids will even be able to finish a full test in the time allocated when they first start to sit them. The transfer tests you have purchased are fine, my son used them and found them helpful. Like BOBS said, look out for the free tests that are given away with the Belfast Telegraph (not sure when exactly, though usually in the run up to the annual tests). I also sent away for some books from Windmill Press as advised by my son's Y7 teacher. I would also strongly recommend the Usborne Junior Illustrated Maths Dictionary available from Amazon (the one with the blue cover). It is an excellent resource for both parent and child and explains concepts in a way that is easily understood. Good luck with the tutoring!

leftieM

Thank you. I feel okay about it all. We live close to grammar schools that accept down to a D or equivalent so hopefully, as long as she gets her bum on the seat the day of the exam, she'll get in somewhere where there is a work ethic.

cck_3

leftieM wrote: »

Thank you. I feel okay about it all. We live close to grammar schools that accept down to a D or equivalent so hopefully, as long as she gets her bum on the seat the day of the exam, she'll get in somewhere where there is a work ethic.

What an incredibly naive post!!!!
As if only Grammar schools have a work ethic!!
There are some extremely good non-grammar schools out there and also some very poor grammar schools ( grammar in name only!)

My advice would be to pick a school suitable for the child and not a school that sounds good when talking to friends.

Better for the child to be a shining light at a non grammar than making up the numbers at a Grammar.

TTMum

For some strange reason, beginning today, I'm feeling incredibly nervous about my DS sitting the AQE Transfer Tests this autumn. My eldest son sat the tests two years ago and I didn't feel just as anxious as I'm beginning to feel with my second child. I feel it's much more stressful the second time around as I dearly hope for them both to attend the same grammar school. It must be the new school term drawing closer that's causing my anxiety. Such a stressful time! I read on one of the other forums of a boy with an October birthday who got 102 on the AQE tests, and asked for his score to be given out, his mother worked the score out to average 86% on best two tests. This seems such a high percentage and one that my second son is currently averaging at , he is also an October birthday. I know that 102 would not get him into the school of our choice. So I've worked out that he definitely needs to be scoring high to mid 90's% to get a place. I would guess that a June birthday at 86% would have equaled around a score of 109/110/111.:eek:

leftieM

The new school term is looming for P7. My child had a load of stuff home for over the summer that is barely touched.
Where did you see a percentage of 86% being equivalent to 102 if you don't mind sharing? That seems like a low mark for that result, whatever the age.
Your second child must surely be at an advantage with the sibling policies. Falling birth rates out grammars more in reach for all now as many are de facto comprehensive.