Good luck to our students about to take their 11+ exams in the following weeks. In the following coaching sessions we shall be speaking to our students the art of preparing for exam readiness! Here are SIX points if you cannot wait.
1) Explain your answers succinctly. You must demonstrate your REASONING behind your answers, explain why you have arrived at your viewpoint or conclusion. The clue is in the title...the exam papers are called verbal REASONING and non-verbal REASONING! Similarly, for Maths you must demonstrate your REASONING through showing your WORKINGS (where applicable). As a further clue, many questions begin with 'Explain...?' So please explain clearly your rationale to the examiner.
2) Treat your exam like a game you must win. There are no points for finishing first. Your mission is to collect the most points in the given time period. You should be practising under timed exam conditions to reach your optimum speed and accuracy.
If you are permitted to wear a watch, wear an analogue watch (not digital); the watch-hands will help you appreciate the value of time.
3) No TV, No tablets, No Phones. Do not over-work, you need to be fresh and energised! Let your brain rest a day or two. Avoid consuming media at least 24-hours before the exam...no TV, no computers, no phones and no other screen-devices. Instead you may consider taking-up drawing, painting, Lego building or board games. Permit your brain to express creativity not to consume. You'll need creativity to help solve the harder curve-ball questions!
After waking-up, listen to 15-minutes of non-catchy music. The idea is to use music to stimulate the brain and heighten your motivations ready to face battle!
4) Do not speak to your friends. Socialise with your friends AFTER the exam but avoid dialogue BEFORE entering the examination hall. You may apologise afterwards for ignoring them! Do not be influenced by gossip, mis-information and the opinion of others. Remember, exam is war....just 'you' versus the 'paper'. Everything else is a distraction. So don't even bother taking bottled water or snacks to your exam, you are only giving your brain the option to fidget...you cannot afford distractions! Time is very precious children.
5) Fuel up. Have a good breakfast. I recommend adding a single banana as part of your breakfast for gradual and prolonged energy release.
6) Wake-up. Splash cold water onto your face in the morning... wake yourself-up. Your mind needs to be alert at a heightened state of awareness, yet remain calm and confident.
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