Term-based English programme

Every week we complete a different reading comprehension. The session will cover a range of question types, but with a particular focus on a specific strategy each week. This explicit coaching methodology builds confidence and achievement over time. After a short break, we then practise spelling, punctuation, grammar (SPaG) and verbal reasoning (VR). In accord with the online pre-tests, this comprises a fast-paced, multiple-choice format. In some lessons we spend more time on extended writing, demonstrating how to plan, compose and edit particular genres. 

Our comprehensionprogramme foregrounds process and strategy, so that students know what they need to do to gain full marks on any particular question. Model answers are shared and recorded so that over time students will build up a bank of ‘what good looks like’.  We pride ourselves on going ‘beyond the P.E.E. technique’, equipping students with a whole toolkit of methods. By the time they get to the 11+, students are well-versed in selecting and combining these methods in order to answer the challenging essay questions demanded by top schools. 

We take an interactive workshop approach to extended writing. We not only help the students to learn and remember checklists of genre features, but also, by doing live demonstrations with a focus on audience and purpose, we model the mindset needed to enter the top grade-bands. 

To keep the SPaG and VR fast-paced and fun, and to aid retention of learning, we aim to cover a lot of content each week. We do not tend to do extensive input on each particular objective as this can be a waste of time for most students and we want to keep their engagement and maximise the learning. However, we are proud of our teacher expertise, and always have a mini-lesson ‘up our sleeve’ if a more in-depth refresher is required. 

As part of the homework we offer a structured and systematic vocabulary programme, which is quizzed every week. This essential component of 11+ English preparation is often overlooked by schools and tutors. Key skills covered in class are also practised. Every few weeks you will receive detailed feedbackon a piece of writing, including a score and some targets for improvement. Writing homework is not only marked but also accompanied by a full-marks exemplar response. The same is true of the termly comprehension assessments. This makes progress, gaps and next steps clearly visible – we pride ourselves on our transparency and rigour.