Preparation for the Trafford Grammar School 11+

At Forest, our Year 3 English curriculum provides children with a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills that they will continue to develop throughout Key Stage 2. With the new Trafford 11+ assessment drawing on the knowledge and skills within the Key Stage 2 English curriculum, our focus is on developing confident, capable readers and writers rather than teaching specifically to an examination.

Children are encouraged to become independent and enthusiastic readers, with frequent opportunities to read widely and explore texts and information across a broad range of subjects. Through regularly reading with the teaching team and guidance around choosing texts, pupils develop their vocabulary, comprehension and ability to think carefully about what they have read.

In Year 3, pupils build on their understanding of grammar and develop greater accuracy, confidence and variety in their writing. They learn to identify and use different word classes, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns and conjunctions, and explore how these can be used to make sentences more interesting and precise. They practise constructing sentences using a range of conjunctions, extending their vocabulary, organising ideas into paragraphs and applying punctuation accurately.

Pupils also develop their understanding of tense, and learn to use apostrophes accurately for possession and contraction. Children then apply what they have learnt in their writing to put it into practise and make it more memorable.

This approach helps children develop the secure English knowledge, rich vocabulary, reading comprehension, accuracy and independent thinking that they will build upon throughout Years 4 and 5 and which will support them as they encounter the demands of the new Trafford 11+ assessment.

In Year 3, children develop a secure understanding of key mathematical knowledge and skills, building confidently on their learning from Key Stage 1. They develop their understanding of place value, including reading, writing, ordering and comparing numbers up to 1,000, and become increasingly fluent and confident with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Children develop their times-table knowledge, particularly the 3, 4 and 8 times tables, and learn to apply these facts when solving calculations and mathematical problems.

Children explore fractions, including unit and non-unit fractions, as well as measurement of length, mass, capacity and money. They develop their understanding of 2D and 3D shapes, angles, perimeter and statistics, including interpreting and presenting information in tables and graphs.

Throughout the year, there is a strong emphasis on developing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Children are encouraged to explain their mathematical thinking, select appropriate methods, make connections between different areas of mathematics and apply their knowledge to increasingly challenging and unfamiliar problems. Practical and hands-on activities are used regularly to help children develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and to make connections between concrete experiences and abstract mathematical ideas.

This approach provides children with strong mathematical foundations that they will continue to build upon throughout Key Stage 2, developing the confidence, accuracy, reasoning and problem-solving skills needed to tackle increasingly demanding mathematical challenges, including those reflected in the new Trafford 11+ assessment.

Although the new Trafford 11+ assessment no longer contains separate Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers, the skills developed through these activities remain valuable. They encourage children to recognise patterns, think logically and solve unfamiliar problems, skills that will help children in their learning across the curriculum.

Verbal Reasoning activities develop children’s ability to work with words, letters and language. Children explore vocabulary, word relationships, sequences, codes and patterns, developing their ability to identify connections and think logically.

Non-Verbal Reasoning activities encourage children to recognise patterns, shapes, sequences and relationships. These activities develop visual-spatial awareness, logical thinking and the ability to identify and apply rules to unfamiliar problems.

Through regular activities children develop their skills in non verbal reasoning and verbal reasoning which then have a positive effect on the English and Mathematics curriculum and help them become increasingly independent learners.

In Year 4, children develop their English skills through a balance of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary and speaking and listening. They are encouraged to become confident, independent readers and writers while developing a deeper understanding of how language works.

Teaching is engaging, structured and progressive, with children given opportunities to:

• Read a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry to develop comprehension, vocabulary and reading fluency.
• Discuss texts, characters, themes and ideas, giving reasons for their opinions and making inferences.
• Write for different purposes, such as stories, descriptions, reports, letters and persuasive texts.
• Develop grammar and punctuation, including sentence structure, conjunctions, paragraphs, apostrophes, inverted commas and expanded noun phrases. We do this using Alan Peat models for writing.
• Learn and practise spelling patterns and common exception words.
• Build vocabulary by exploring new words and using them accurately in speaking and writing.
• Edit and improve their own work, checking spelling, punctuation, grammar and the clarity of their ideas. This can happen independently or with adult support.
• Take part in paired and group discussions, presentations and activities to develop speaking and listening skills.

The teaching style combines teacher modelling, guided practice and independent work. Lessons often begin with a clear explanation or model from the teacher, followed by opportunities for children to practise with support before applying their skills independently. Regular questioning, discussion, feedback and short assessments help teachers identify areas for development and adapt teaching to meet individual needs.

Reasoning is taught through worksheets and classroom activities, followed by whole class discussions about how and why we arrived at an answer. This helps children develop logical thinking.

Although verbal and non-verbal reasoning are no longer part of the new Trafford 11+ assessment, we continue to develop these skills in Year 4 because they contribute to children’s wider academic development through:

• Verbal Reasoning supports comprehension skills, helping children to identify patterns, make connections, interpret information and work out what a question is asking them to do.
• Verbal reasoning to develop English skills, including spelling, word meanings, synonyms, antonyms and relationships between words. These activities help children to broaden and deepen their vocabulary.
• Non-verbal reasoning to develop visual and spatial thinking, encouraging children to identify patterns, recognise relationships and approach problems from different perspectives.
• Building transferable skills, with reasoning activities supporting children’s confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems across the wider curriculum.
• Preparation for future assessment, including helping children develop the vocabulary, comprehension and reasoning skills that may support them in future standardised assessments, such as Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATs).

In Year 5, there is a strong focus on developing and strengthening the children’s English skills, with lots of support provided throughout the year. Each week the children attend a small group session led by Mrs Fielding, allowing for individualised support, where areas for development are identified and developed.

The English curriculum includes: 

• A wide variety of writing opportunities, including stories, poetry, autobiographies, newspaper reports and other genres, with a strong focus on planning, drafting and refining work.
• Short, focused writing tasks to develop the ability to respond quickly and effectively, in preparation for the demands of the 11+.
• Regular comprehension activities in class and for homework, developing children’s inference, deduction and understanding skills.
• Weekly spelling tests to reinforce spelling patterns, accuracy and vocabulary.
• Weekly one-to-one reading to develop fluency, comprehension and confidence.
• Vocabulary development across English and Verbal Reasoning lessons, with opportunities to encounter, apply new and challenging vocabulary.

The Year 5 Maths curriculum is fully covered, with opportunities for children to work beyond the expected Year 5 standard where appropriate, helping to develop confidence and challenge their mathematical thinking. A Teaching Assistant supports the class and provides additional guidance, meaning there is a 1:12 teacher to child ratio so the children benefit from more individualised support.

• Regular Maths homework reinforces learning from the classroom and provides opportunities for children to practise and consolidate key skills independently.
• Weekly small-group sessions provide targeted support and reinforcement, allowing teachers to revisit key concepts, address misconceptions and stretch children further.
• Regular Maths homework reinforces learning from the classroom and provides opportunities for children to practise and consolidate key skills independently.

VR and Non VR will still form part of the Year 5 curriculum, the test may be changing, but the skills developed through reasoning remain valuable.

Reasoning skills are useful across the curriculum. VR and NVR develop children’s ability to identify patterns, make connections, think logically, analyse information and solve unfamiliar problems. These are important skills in English, maths and many other areas of learning.

VR supports children’s English development. Verbal reasoning activities expose children to a wide range of vocabulary and help develop skills such as spelling, synonyms, antonyms, word relationships and understanding meaning. Building a strong vocabulary is beneficial both for the new English based entrance assessment and for children’s wider academic development.

NVR develops problem-solving and visual reasoning skills. Children learn to recognise patterns, relationships and sequences and to approach unfamiliar problems logically. These skills can support mathematical thinking and problem solving even when the questions themselves are not presented as traditional NVR questions.

Reasoning skills can also be useful beyond the 11+ and help children to develop skills needed to excel in CATs tests which all children sit at secondary school.

Year 6 at Forest Prep is a year of ambition, opportunity and academic growth. We are committed to ensuring every child is challenged to achieve their very best and leaves us with the knowledge, confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity to thrive in the next stage of their education.

We will go beyond simply covering the curriculum, creating greater depth, greater challenge and greater opportunity to think. Across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and the wider curriculum, pupils will be encouraged to question, analyse, reason, debate, problem-solve and make connections between their learning.

In English and Mathematics, we place particular emphasis on accuracy, deep understanding and application, introducing more demanding texts, complex problems and unfamiliar situations. Pupils will be expected to explain their thinking, justify their ideas, challenge assumptions and approach learning with increasing independence.

Alongside strong subject knowledge, Year 6 will provide opportunities for wider reading, discussion, research, debate, enrichment and real-world learning. We want our pupils to become confident thinkers who are not afraid of challenge and who understand that excellence comes from curiosity, effort and a willingness to keep improving.

By the end of Year 6 chuldren leave us academically strong, confident and ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of Year 7 and beyond.

Although the Trafford 11+ assessment is now taken earlier, Year 6 remains an important year, as there is a whole year of learning between sitting the 11+ and starting Year 7. At Forest, we ensure children continue to be academically challenged and make strong progress throughout Year 6, maintaining the high standards they have worked hard to achieve. This means they can walk through the gates of their chosen senior school confident, capable and fully prepared for Year 7.

In Year 6 we continue to assess pupils carefully across the curriculum, using assessments to identify strengths, address gaps and provide the right level of challenge. Reasoning, interpreting, problem-solving skills are developed alongside responding confidently to unfamiliar questions. This helps children in Year 7, when they undertake Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATs).

Our Year 6 approach ensures that children are not simply prepared for one particular assessment, but have the skills and confident to perform at their very best across a range of assessments.

At Forest, we go well beyond teaching children how to succeed in examinations. Year 6 is about developing the whole child, academically, personally and socially through giving them lots of opportunities to develop their character.

Our Year 6 pupils take on meaningful leadership roles, from Head Girl to Sports Captain, developing responsibility, confidence and teamwork. They build their communication and public-speaking skills by regularly presenting awards in our Celebration Assemblies, while performing on stage across three nights of our Summer Show develops creativity, confidence and resilience.

Our extensive sporting opportunities allow pupils to compete in local and national events, whether in the swimming pool, on the football pitch or across the cross-country course. Outdoor learning gives children opportunities for hands-on experiences in the great outdoors, encouraging curiosity, independence and a deeper connection with the world around them.

We also place great importance on empathy, kindness and service to others. Through charity initiatives, visits to our local care home and supporting our local food bank, pupils learn the value of giving back and develop a genuine understanding of their role within the wider community.

Alongside this, children have numerous opportunities to explore their creative talents through Art and Music, including performing and competing at local and national level.

Flourish

Our new Flourish Character Education programme gives pupils dedicated time to develop the skills and qualities they will need throughout their lives. With a particular focus on characteristics like ‘Caring’ for others, themselves and the environment. Flourish helps our pupils develop empathy, compassion, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility.

All pupils in Year 6 develop their leadership skills hands-on. The children are given meaningful leadership roles, such as Head Boy, Head Girl, Council Chair, Football Captain etc, allowing them to grow into good leaders.

There are also further leadership opportunities through our Buddy Programme and mentoring opportunities, Year 6 pupils support younger children, becoming positive role models and learning to lead through kindness, empathy and encouragement.

By giving every child the opportunity to lead, we help our pupils discover that leadership isn’t about being in charge, it’s about making a positive difference to others.

Year 6 goes beyond academic study, there are are so many opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils are encouraged to find something they love, develop something they excel at, and find something they are proud to represent the school at.

From leading House meetings and taking part in Speech competitions, to representing Forest at regional and national sporting events, there are countless opportunities for pupils to discover and develop their talents. Our pupils compete in events including such as the ISA Athletics, Water Polo and Trafford Gymnastics, while budding musicians can perform at festivals such as Heaton Mersey and Alderley Edge.

Our whole school enrichment programme brings learning to life too. During British Science Week, pupils celebrate science through exciting experiments and visits from scientists, while Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to explore important themes around wellbeing, resilience and looking after ourselves and others.

Whether performing on stage, competing on the sports field, creating, leading or exploring, pupils are encouraged to discover what they love, challenge themselves and take pride in being a Forester.

Year 6 is the bridge between Forest Prep and the next exciting stage of a pupil’s education. We deliberately develop the academic, organisational, social and personal skills children need to approach senior school with confidence and independence.

Throughout Year 6, pupils are given real opportunities to develop the skills they will rely on in their next school:

• Leadership is developed through opportunities such as leading House meetings and taking on positions of responsibility.
• Communication and public speaking are strengthened through our Speech Competition and regular opportunities to speak in whole school assemblies.
• Confidence and responsibility grow through meaningful responsibilities, such as helping to care for our school dogs, Maggie and Ronnie.
• Organisation and independence are developed through regular homework tasks, helping pupils learn to manage deadlines, organise their time and take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
• Character and personal development are at the heart of our Flourish Character Education programme, where pupils develop qualities including caring, kindness and co-operation.
• Growing independence and wellbeing are supported through our SCARF PSHE curriculum, where pupils explore relationships, personal safety, puberty, emotional wellbeing and the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up.

Our aim is that when Forest pupils walk through the gates of their chosen senior school, they are not only academically ready for Year 7, but emotionally ready to thrive at secondary school.

The children go on a number of educational trips throughout the year, related to different subjects, to help bring their learning to life. From stepping back in time during our Evacuee trip, to enjoying the music of the Halle, discovering more about Farming at the Royal Cheshire Show and making use of the local library, there are lots of opportunities for hands-on learning.

The children also go on a 3 day residential which gives the children to develop independence being away from home and develop important skills such as team work and resilience.

We also welcome guest speakers who bring specialist knowledge and real-world experience into school. For example, the British Red Cross visits Forest to teach pupils vital first-aid skills, giving children practical knowledge that they can use beyond the classroom.