The Importance of 11+ Homework: Why We Give alot and How It Benefits Your Child
- LEC Admin
- Sep 21, 2024
- 3 min read
The Importance of 11+ Homework: Why We Give a Lot and How It Benefits Your Child
As parents, it’s natural to feel concerned when you see your child coming home with a seemingly never-ending pile of homework, especially as they prepare for the 11+ exams. Many parents worry that the workload might be too much, fearing it could overwhelm or exhaust their children. However, as educators and tutors who are deeply invested in your child’s success, we want to reassure you that there’s a method behind the madness! While it may seem like an overload at times, there’s a strong reason why we assign a significant amount of homework—because it truly works.
Why Homework is Key to 11+ Success
The 11+ exam is a competitive assessment, designed to identify children who are academically prepared to thrive in grammar schools. Success in the exam requires not just knowledge but also mastery over exam techniques, speed, and mental endurance. Homework plays a crucial role in reinforcing what your child learns during lessons, helping them cement the concepts, and improve essential skills over time.
1. Practice Makes Perfect
Repetition is one of the most effective ways to master any skill, and the 11+ is no different. The homework we assign gives children the chance to practice a variety of question types repeatedly. This helps them become faster and more accurate, two essential skills for success in the timed 11+ exam.
2. Building Exam Stamina
One of the biggest challenges children face during the 11+ is managing their time and staying focused for the duration of the exam. Regular homework assignments, especially those designed to mimic exam conditions, help build the stamina needed to stay sharp under pressure. It also trains them to tackle long and challenging papers without losing confidence.
3. Developing Independent Study Habits
Homework teaches children how to manage their time, set goals, and work independently—skills they will need not only for the 11+ but throughout their academic journey. By having regular assignments to complete at home, your child is learning to prioritize tasks and take ownership of their learning.
4. Identifying Weaknesses Early On
The more frequently a child practices, the quicker we can identify any gaps in their understanding. Homework allows us, as educators, to track each child’s progress closely, giving us valuable insights into the areas that need more attention. This targeted approach helps ensure that no topic or concept is left behind.
Understanding Parents’ Concerns: Why It May Feel Like “Too Much”
We understand that many parents are concerned about the sheer amount of homework their children receive. Balancing 11+ preparation with other extracurricular activities and downtime can seem overwhelming. But it’s important to note that the volume of homework is reflective of the high standards of the 11+ exam itself. Grammar schools are selective, and the competition is fierce. Our homework load is designed to reflect the demands of the exam so that your child is as prepared as possible.
Additionally, homework provides a way for you to monitor your child’s progress, which can offer peace of mind. Seeing your child successfully complete tasks that once seemed difficult will give you confidence that their hard work is paying off.
Our Track Record Proves It Works
The reason we continue to assign substantial homework is simple: it works. We have seen time and time again that the students who consistently complete their homework are the ones who perform the best on exam day. Our approach has led to countless success stories, with students not only passing the 11+ exam but securing places in top grammar schools.
Why We Assign More Even Though It’s More Work for Us
Contrary to what some may think, assigning more homework doesn’t make our job easier—it creates more work for us. We spend significant time designing, marking, and analysing each child’s assignments to ensure that every bit of homework serves a purpose. If there were a way to prepare your child for the 11+ with less work, we would gladly take it! But the reality is that the path to 11+ success requires dedication and hard work, both from students and educators.
Conclusion
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