At Forest Preparatory School, we prepare children for moving on to a wide variety of secondary schools. As an Independent School we are very mindful of, but not restricted by, the National Curriculum. Our curriculum is personally structured and, in the later years, there is a clear focus placed on the requirements of the Independent and State Grammar Schools entrance examinations at 11+. The curriculum remains broad and balanced with a continued emphasis on creativity, questioning, and independent thinking.
Preparation for 11+
Year 3
Non verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning Practice tests introduced.
Introduction of multiple choice style questions
Maths: Exposure to elements of 11+ papers through GL Assessment
Year 4
Weekly Non verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning Practice tests/lessons.
English: Introduction of comprehension model in line with 11+ papers. Pupils continue to gain experience of planning and writing a variety of creative writing and essays.
Maths: Exposure to elements of 11+ papers through GL Assessment
Year 5
Continued programme of intervention to maximise learning potential and for those not making expected progress.
Weekly Non-verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning Practice tests/lessons.
The children can take part in extra sessions which begin after the Easter break. There is also the opportunity to attend holiday classes throughout the Easter, Winter and Summer holidays.
English
- Follows 11+ curriuclum with regular in-class assessment
- Introduction of essays: how to plan, structure, and write discursive, persuasive and book essays.
- Introduction of GL reading comprehension tasks
- 11+ end of year assessment with clear targets and discussed with parents
Maths
- Follows 11+ curriuclum with regular in-class assessment
- Termly assessments using a variety of papers to assess progress and ability
- 11+ end of year assessment with clear targets and discussed with parents
General
- Introduction of timing through all the papers
- Introduction of completing timed tests in a formal setting (e.g. the school hall)
- Mock exam under test conditions at the end of year 5
Year 6
Continued programme of intervention to maximise learning potential and for those not making expected progress.
Weekly Non verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning Practice tests.
Practice interviews with Headteacher and Year 6 teacher.
English
- Follows 11+ curriuclum with regular in-class assessment
- Written tasks are planned which link to the question types which appear on the 11+ papers.
- Opportunities for children to continue to complete timed assessments
- Exam skills workshop
Maths
- Follows 11+ curriuclum with regular in-class assessment
- Opportunities for children to continue to complete weekly timed assessments
- Exam skills workshop
Timeline for 11+ Application and Entry
Year 5
February
Information meeting to outline the examination process
March
- Holiday classes available over the Easter holidays (every Wednesday 9:00am – 12:30pm with Mr Hyde or Mr Booth)
- Grammar school application forms available online
April
Late classes begin during summer term. Taking place on a Thursday evening 4:00pm-5:00pm with Mr Booth.
May
- Grammar school application forms available online
- Holiday classes available during half-term holiday. Every Wednesday 9:00am – 12:30pm
June
- Year 5 mock examination in the hall
- Year 5 parents evening with Mr Hyde
Summer Holiday
Holiday classes available during summer holidays
Year 6
September
- Late classes on a Thursday evening, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, until 11+ exam.
- Year 6 mock examination in the hall first week back
October
- Independent School late class preparation start
- Closing date for Trafford Secondary School Preference Forms
November/December
- Continuous preparation for Indepedent Grammar Schools.
- Late classes continue on a Thursday evening, 4:00pm – 5:00pm.
January/February
- Mock interviews with the Headmaster and Year 6 class teacher take place
- Indepedent Grammar Schools Examinations take place
- Indepedent Grammar Schools pupil interviews take place
