It’s emotional too. The quiet pressure. The comparisons. The “are we doing enough?” thoughts. And children feel it. Some withdraw. Some resist. Some panic. It doesn’t have to feel like a two-year emergency. On 27th March at 7:30 pm, we’re running a practical parent session- Handle the 11+ Stress. Charlotte Watson, who specialises in children’s mental health, will guide the session. I’ll be there too, supporting from a parent mentor perspective. We’ll talk about how to reduce pressure at home without lowering standards, what to say when your child shuts down, and how to protect confidence during preparation. Details are on our website the11plusjourney https://the11plusjourney.co.uk/product/handle-11-stress/ Which reminds me...for those of you who go in touch with me emailed me about a special course that will prepare your child for a tough task in a much calmer, clearer way- Sheena Ager’s creative writing course. Once you’ve watched the preview and decide to enrol, I can secure a discount for you. Just reply and let me know. Here's the video link https://slagereducational.thinkific.com/?ref=6dcff4&fbclid=IwY2xjawQQNQ1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJXN1pkS0E1NUptRmN2SXd2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgeQ97AKNpOyjAMmGBtgy1APqwff7P-MLRTF0UFs4fc19IYbiTwOFTuK1KcF_aem_61vqNxjoFtNzjH7li_zRcA

Creative writing is about to change. Not because children’s writing is getting worse. But because AI is getting better. When everyone can generate a “perfect” story in 30 seconds, what will stand out in an exam? A real voice. Original thought. Human depth. That’s why I’m sharing something special. A creative writing course written by a human, for humans. If you’d like details or a preview, comment or message me “WRITING”. I’ll send you the details. This is by an established author who understands how examiners think. And this isn’t just a recorded course. It includes • 12 live Zoom writing clinics across the year • A private community where your child can ask questions • Structured lessons that build skilla along with confidence If your child has ever attended Sheena’s free sessions, you already know how powerful her teaching is. In a world of AI-generated everything, your child’s originality will be their advantage. If you’d like details or a preview, comment or message me “WRITING”. I’ll send you the details. Let’s prepare properly. Not panic later.

And now… March 1st is around the corner. I know what this month feels like in your homes. The waiting The refreshing emails The “what if” conversations you try not to have in front of your child This stage of the journey is emotionally heavier than the preparation itself. Because during preparation, you can do something. Right now, you just carry it. Over the years, I’ve realised families don’t struggle because the 11+ is difficult. They struggle because they hold uncertainty for so long that it slowly turns into pressure at home. So instead of giving more academic advice, I wanted to do something different. We’re running a short parent session Handle the 11+ Stress Not exam technique Not tutoring advice But: * What to say when your child spirals after tests * how to protect confidence regardless of outcome * how to keep the home calm even when you feel anxious yourself * and a framework you can reuse for GCSEs and beyond Charlotte Watson will guide the session and I’ll be there answering questions from a parent perspective. It’s £10.50 because the aim isn’t content it’s support. Details here: https://the11plusjourney.co.uk/product/handle-11-stress/ If you’re waiting this month, I truly hope you have good news. But whatever the email says, your child’s story is bigger than one school.

We’ve just wrapped up a fantastic Vocabulary Challenge last week- three days of focused, lively sessions where children had fun with learning about word traps. Everyone who registered received ✅ The full workbook ✅ All three replays ✅ Daily PDFs used during the challenge If you weren’t registered but feel the FOMO, you can still get the workbook! It's available in our online shop and is perfect to try the challenge independently at your own pace. Use it to build a strong foundation, especially if you’re planning to join the February Half-Term Verbal Reasoning Masterclass on 16th February (1 hour, live + recording available). 👀 Quick heads up: this masterclass isn’t taught by Sheena. It is taught by Dale, a brilliant tutor we trust. What’s coming up next… 🔹 Parent Webinar Tuesdays at 7 p.m.We’re restarting our weekly bite-sized sessions — no fluff, just practical strategies. Register here: 👉 Zoom Meeting. This week's topic is 'Am I on track?' 🔹 Coming soon:– A new Vocabulary + Comprehension Challenge– A Parent-only session on Managing Stress & Staying Focused(because February is crunch time!) I’ll let you know as soon as these go live in the shop. We all talk about doing more but the real change comes from doing, not just planning. So, if you're feeling the energy this February, channel it into one small action today. Let’s get going.

Hey everyone, new and old members, I hope you are all having a good Sunday. Tomorrow is the first day of the 3-day Vocabulary Challenge starting at 5:30 pm, London time. Our LJ families have access to the joining link on the SKOOL Calendar here. For the rest of the families who have registered, I have sent out email reminders with the joining link and instructions on what children need to get for tomorrow. @Sheena Ager has finalised the content and her handouts, which you will receive every day after the session, along with the day's replay. I have finished the edits on the workbook. Looking forward to tomorrow.🥳