I wanted to share something important with you, especially as we head into the January holidays. Vocabulary is often the quiet deal breaker in the 11+. Not because children cannot read.But because as the years go on, the words become harder, denser and more precise. At the beginning, children cope. Later on, vocabulary becomes the barrier. This is exactly why we are running our 3-day Vocabulary Challenge this January. It is designed to show children how to build a strong vocabulary bank through everyday experiences, reading together, and family conversations. No memorising endless lists. No dry teaching.Just practical strategies that stick. If you are interested in the thinking behind this approach, this short video is well worth watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTn7IEwygDs The challenge will run live at 5.30 pm each day on 26th, 27th and 28th January 2026. It is suitable for children in Years 4 to 6 and will be taught by Sheena Ager, author of over 16 vocabulary books and workbooks and hosted by us at The 11 Plus Journey. These sessions tend to fill up quickly, particularly because parents know how central vocabulary is to comprehension, verbal reasoning and confident writing. The new year is the perfect time to reset, slow down and start building vocabulary in a way that feels natural and achievable. You can book your place here https://the11plusjourney.co.uk/product/the-vocabulary-challenge-january-2026/ Thanks to all those who have booked. Please note that all instructions regarding emails are clear on the link above. You don't need to panic. I don't need to tell you... But in case you want a reminder. The places in this challenge fill up quickly, and early booking is strongly recommended. If you are part of our year 4/5 program, this challenge is part of your package. Please don't book. Your link will be on the SKOOL calendar.

Worksheets for classes every week- Get them from Classroom - Year 4 or 5 Learning Vault Links to join weekly classes and links to join parents' sessions & Challenges- Calendar. BOFA- How to use BOFA How to do extra work on EPRB I have opened up a few spaces for ultra-low-cost tuition in years 4 and 5. Want in? Message me today.

As you are a month into preparing your child for the 11 Plus exam, I want to share some insights on why tuition alone may not suffice to ensure success. Today, I will be hosting a webinar at 7pm to discuss this topic in detail. I will also share links that will help you do this in real-time. Click here to register for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Why Tuition Isn’t Enough While tuition provides a solid foundation by covering the core subjects and skills tested in the 11 Plus, it often focuses on a general curriculum that may not address individual weaknesses or foster the depth of understanding needed to excel. It’s essential to supplement tuition with additional strategies to give your child the best chance of success. The Role of Extra Work Consistent practice is crucial in the journey towards passing the 11 Plus. Here are some reasons why extra practice can make the difference. - Tailored Learning: Extra practice allows for customised study plans that target your child’s specific areas of improvement. - Confidence Building: Familiarity with the exam format and types of questions can significantly boost a child’s confidence. - Skill Enhancement: Regular practice helps refine problem-solving skills and time management, both critical for the exam. Recommended Resources To support your child beyond tuition, consider utilising the following resources: - Workbooks and Practice Papers: These provide targeted exercises in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. - Online Platforms: Websites like Bond Online, BOFA and Atom Learning offer interactive exercises and mock tests. - Study Groups: Encouraging your child to join study groups can foster peer learning and motivation. - Educational Apps: Apps like Quizlet can make learning more engaging and accessible. I’ll be covering more about these resources and how to effectively integrate them into your child’s study routine in today’s webinar.