• Ten children per class, maximum.

• Classes are 1 hour long.

• Subjects rotate weekly between Maths and English.

• Assessments are informal and include a warm-up session at the beginning of each class where material from previous weeks is revised.

• In Maths, topics are developed in line with those covered in the 11 plus such as ratio, probability and problem-solving.

• In English, we explore varying styles of creative writing such as story, newspaper report writing and play scripts. Significant attention is also placed on enhancing children’s technical skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar.

• As there is no verbal reasoning in this course, the children have more time to complete the Maths and English syllabus in class, at a slower pace. This enables children to gain confidence without feeling the pressure of a highly competitive environment.

• Homework is an important part of our year 5 course. Some children will have more than others as it often comprises the completion of what was set in class. It enables our tutors to monitor progress on a weekly basis and it allows children to consolidate the skills and knowledge that they have learned, as independent learners at home.

• If a child is identified as needing a greater challenge in work, then they may be advised to move into one of our 11 plus core groups, where they will be in a slightly faster-paced, more competitive environment. They will also start to study Verbal Reasoning.

• Books are always sent home so that parents can monitor their child’s own progress. We encourage all parents to do this!

• Ten children per class, maximum.

• Classes are 1 hour long.

• Subjects rotate weekly between Maths and English and Verbal Reasoning.

• Assessments are both formal and informal and include a warm-up session at the beginning of each class where material from previous weeks is revised.

• In Maths, topics are developed in line with the topics covered in the 11 plus such as ratio, probability and problem-solving.

• In English, we explore varying styles of creative writing such as story, newspaper report writing and play scripts. Significant attention is also placed on enhancing children’s technical skills within the areas of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

• Homework is an important part of our year 5 course. Some children will have more than others as it often comprises the completion of what was set in class (extension material is always available for those wanting extra). It enables our tutors to monitor progress on a weekly basis and it allows children to consolidate the skills and knowledge that they have learned, as independent learners at home.

• Books are always sent home so that parents can monitor their child’s own progress. We encourage all parents to do this!

• Classes alternate between Comprehension & SPaG (spelling punctuation and grammar) one week and Non-Verbal Reasoning the next.

• These subjects are vital for Medway pupils who also wish to take the Kent Test. Here, we cover all the extra demands of the Kent 11 plus test.

• Comprehension

  Children learn techniques in how to read questions carefully, evaluate a passage of writing and pick up on subtle clues left by the writer. Acquiring a methodical approach to analysing a passage of writing is at the heart of good comprehension skills. Children are taught tips and tricks for citing evidence as proof for a chosen answer.

• Technical Skills (SPaG) Excellent technical skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar are central to any piece of writing. Our Kent Test English class aims to boost children’s understanding of a range of grammar rules, as well as develop an advanced knowledge of how different types of punctuation can be used.

• Non-Verbal Reasoning This class allows children to develop methods for spotting subtle differences and patterns when analysing shapes and images. Within this discipline, children learn about spatial awareness, rotation, numerical sequences, coding, nets of cubes and analogies. They will engage in a series of timed exercises and look to develop a close eye for detail, as well as comprehensive lateral thought processes.

We have two types of Extra Year 5 Classes:

• Extra English every week - this is an alternating class between Creative English and Comprehension and SPaG skills. This course is not offered to students who are studying the Core Plus course.

• Extra Maths and English - this is an alternating class between Creative English and Maths which is offered to all students.