Transfer Test AQE 2014-2015

Mrs_mum

Thanks motherearth, hopefully daughter is feeling prepared enough that she will not feel too stressed on the day.

The school advised to have them out doing some sort of physical activity on the Thursday and Friday, like out at the park or going to the swimming pool to help them fall asleep a bit easier in the evening. The also mentioned letting them have a lavender bath in the evening and some lavender in their bedroom. They said the last bit of work at home they should do should be on the Wednesday night as they will still be doing work in school on the Thursday and Friday before the test and their little brains need the rest in the evening so that come that Saturday morning their brain is feeling fresh and ready to go. They talked about if their minds went blank in the tests they were to take a few deep breaths and to just move on. They told them that it will be natural for them to feel anxious but that when they are going into the tests they need to tell themselves that they know how to answer these questions, that they are prepared for these questions and they can answer these questions, the power of positive thought.

Tiana70

Found this forum this morning while my daughter was doing a practice test. I have found the information and concerns really helpful and it has put my mind at ease to a certain extent. My daughter got 75% this morning which if she keeps it up should get her into the school of her choice. It has been a stressful few months of second guessing myself over whether she has been doing enough at home and whether to get her tutored for maths as she has struggled with them. Only 5 weeks to go and it is all over, will be putting it out of my head until the end of January when the results are out..

motherearth

Definately some good tips there Mrs mum. My daughter has been having lavender baths, candles and soft music each night before any tests the following day and this has helped her, also I'm a meditation Teacher so I've taught her the importance of the breath if she feels nervous.
We have arranged to do something nice after each test as something to look forward to.
Hi Tiana glad u also found the site at least we can all go through it together lol

flymetothemoon_2

Mrs_mum wrote: »

Daughters school gave them 6 practice papers for over the Halloween break so that will keep her going for the week.

Wow Mrs Mum, 6 papers is a lot. Is the school recommending kids do a paper every day? How long is school closed for Halloween?

Veggie Northern Ireland - by the sounds of things, your girl would be better off staying at home and doing practice tests. I was considering keeping my child home in October because September went surprisingly badly and I thought it was down to the teacher. I now know (from several other parents with similar issues) that it was down to the teacher who was apathetic, lethargic, disinterested, paying lip service to the practice tests and so on.... After trailing herself through September she went off sick and the class got a stand in teacher who has been marvellous and turned them all round! The kids all loved the stand in teacher and are disappointed that she is not available to come back after Halloween. Hence we don't yet know who will be teaching the class in November but parents do not want the permanent teacher back unless she's fit to be there. This might sound very harsh, but it couldn't have happened at a worse time cos it had a very negative impact on the kids and they simply lost interest and focus etc.. :mad:

Mrs_mum

Hi Tiana70, welcome to the bunch.

Flymetothemoon her school is off for a week. They expect them to do a paper each day for an hour which isn't too bad. If they do the test in the morning then they have the rest of the day to themselves. My daughter knows that once the paper is done it won't be mentioned the rest of the day and she is happy with that.

Mrs_mum

Forgot to say flymetothemoon that's awful about the teacher situation. It is so important that the kids have a focused and committed teacher at this time. A real shame that the sub teacher won't be back after Halloween. I definitely can understand your anger and frustration. Hopefully the kids will get someone after Halloween who is committed to helping the class get through the tests as best as they can.

Workingmumof2

My daughters school didn't give them any work for over Halloween so Im planning on doing a paper or some revision on the topics she struggles with every other day. It's trying to strike a balance as I don't want her to fall behind but don't want to overdo it either as she deserves a wee break. Lavender drops on my next shopping list for definite lol (for both of us lol).

Busy_mum_3

Dear All

Delighted to hear what everyone has planned for the run up to the tests. Have purchased the lavender oil today & hope to try it out some night soon - there will be a big run on it over the next week! I wonder if it really works. Just can't believe it all kicks off on sat week - it has been such a long haul.

Mrs Mum - no we haven't had familiarisation day yet - it's on Wednesday 5th. D disappointed that watches are not allowed in test as she has been using one all along, in addition to 15 minute prompts. Do you think she will see all the kids who are doing the test in her centre or just those on her classroom?

Mrs_mum

Busy mum belfast high had split the children between the assembly hall and the canteen because the kids and their parents wouldn't have fitted all in one hall, so I'm not sure how other schools do it. When we arrived at the school we went in to the hallway there where several tables with the names if the primary schools above them. You went to whichever table was allocated to your school and gave your name. The kids got a sticker with their name, candidate number and which room they would be in. Then we went into the assembly hall where the head spoke to the kids for a bit then called out each room number and a prefect took the kids to their classroom and we were left in the assembly hall and we were then joined by the parents who had been in the canteen to listen to the head etc. All very well organised and the kids enjoyed it. Hopefully your daughter will enjoy the familiarisation day as well.

flymetothemoon_2

Hello all - flymetothemoon signing in from Lavender Lodge

Yes, you've guessed it, I've bought all the lavender products going, I've got drops, bubble bath, wrist perfume, candles, room scent - the lot - I'll give anything a try !! I think I'll even spray the dog as my son loves to cuddle the dog - so hopefully that will work too. Any more suggestions? Keep them coming! ;);)

I think I'm starting to feel relieved that the tests are finally coming so that we can get it all over with.

Busy Mum - am I right in reading that you have not yet had your familiarisation day - 5th November seems quite late?

Anyhow - chins up all - we're nearly there :cool: