The objective of this article is to give an introductory flavour to the experience of one of our top student’s in clearing all 11+ exam including the prestigious “Eton”. (Article written in early 2015)
I started preparing for 11+ for approximately one year. The majority of that year I had been from one tuition to another (which were just ok) while my Dad gathered as much information as he could find about 11+. On one of the open days, just 3 months before the 11+, my Dad came across ACE Tuition. He told me that it would be just the right place for me as it is full of very competent children. I was quite lucky actually as someone pulled off from the last seat which was then offered to my dad.
The time was 9:00a.m to 12:00 noon every Sunday. It was a challenge considering that my dad is not a morning person and we live 10 miles away from Orpington. As any normal boy, I was anxious and immensely apprehensive. I did not know anybody and what if I didn't fit into the class? As these questions bombarded my head as I slowly walked into the class to be greeted by this handsomely dressed asian man. The class wasn't as large as I imagined. There were only six children (including myself). My worries disappeared instantly as it was a very informal classroom. I liked the 60” Smart TV, Laser pointer and the cosy atmosphere. I settled into the class nicely, immediately became friends with all the students and it was quite fun. I realised how different this group tuition is (as compared to my previous experience of tuition) and what I’ve been missing all that time. Most of the work that my tutor gave me to do in class and for homework as challenging and he expected all of us to not just give the correct answer but also give it lightning fast. It gave me the determination and motivation to make sure I finish the work within the given time and get all the questions correct.
BOOKS
If tutor’s homework is not tough enough. I still had one more problem to face... my Dad. He bought numerous amount of books for me to tackle in ten weeks. The book list is huge and may fill this whole page. Every day I would wake up at 6:30am to meet my opponents for the day and with a plan for the day. The tutor at ACE taught me the success mantra and believe in myself.
ETON COLLEGE
Eton College was something that both my Dad and I had been dreaming of me to go to since I was in Year 3. From then on, he has been training me up to October 7th [my birthday] when I took the Eton College Exam, where one goes upon 13 years old. As I mentioned before, I would wake up, latest 6:30am to solve whatever question my Dad put for me to do. My Dad would make a timetable that I religiously followed.
RESULTS
My first result came from Bexley on the 8th of October. I had passed the Bexley Exam. The family and friends celebrated - even my tutor - one down three to go. The next result came two days later; the St Olaves result. This one shocked me a bit. I was in school when all of a sudden I had been asked to come to the main reception. As I was coming, I saw my mum & dad standing with some sort of paper in his hands. I asked myself - is that some good news? They were beaming with delight, as my Dad handed me the sheet of paper he had been holding in his hand. I was taken by surprise when the letter read:
Based on Chima's performance in the Entrance Test, he is likely to be offered a place at St Olave's Grammar School for entry in September 2015.
I looked up at my Mum and Dad to confirm that this wasn't some sort of joke. When I realised that it wasn't, I screamed happily in triumph. The tutor was equally delighted when he heard this success news. Two down and two to go. The next result was the Kent result, which came out on Wednesday the 15th of October. Two days before the Kent Exam I went horse riding to cool my nerves. I was still at school when my Kent result went out so I had to wait until I got home. Like Bexley and St Olave's I passed Kent as well.
However, the family could not find out my actual score until the 17th of October by ringing my school. Three down one to go. Now all that was left was Eton College results for which I waited nervously as it was the toughest one to tame. The result for Eton College came on the 13th of December. The family had just got home from swimming, and then there was this rather large letter on the floor. My Dad opened the letter and started smiling and embracing me. Then shows me the letter that he had just read. I realised that I had passed the first stage of offering me a place at Eton College. When my Dad rang the tutor about the Eton’s result, he was in absolute disbelief and was very proud of me. Life in Year 6 has been wonderful since then. I am truly admired by my classmates, family friends and teachers. I play lots of football, play Minecraft, watch TV and also have been learning more about Chemistry. So I guess that all the hard work was worth it in the end.
MESSAGE TO STUDENTS PREPARING FOR 11+
Finally, I just want to say to all students out there studying for 11+. 1. Keep trying hard. If you fail doing a question, try to understand why you got it wrong (after the test). Was it a silly mistake or lack of understanding? Re-attempt the question (keep a note of question type in a notebook) and make sure you “learn from mistakes”.