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How Long Should the 11 Plus Writing Task Be? (And What Matters More)
One of the most common questions I hear from mums is, “How long should my child’s 11 Plus writing be?” It’s a fair question – but also one that causes a lot of unnecessary stress. I remember one mum who came to me worried because her daughter was only writing half a page in timed
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How to Mark Your Child’s 11 Plus Writing at Home (Even If You’re Not a Teacher)
One of the most common questions I get from parents is this: “How do I know if my child’s writing is any good?” The truth is, most parents are flying blind when it comes to marking their child’s 11 Plus creative writing. And I completely understand – it’s not easy to judge whether a story
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11 Plus Creative Writing Examples That Got Top Marks
One of the biggest lightbulb moments for parents and children alike is seeing real examples of 11 Plus creative writing – not just average ones, but excellent pieces that would earn top marks in a grammar or independent school exam. I remember a student I worked with called Adam. He was bright, had a great
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The Most Common 11+ Creative Writing Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
Every year, I read dozens – sometimes hundreds – of creative writing tasks written by children preparing for the 11 Plus. Some pieces sparkle with imagination and control. Others have potential but are held back by the same recurring issues. One of the most eye-opening exercises I do with parents during consultations is showing them
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11 Plus Writing Examples and Feedback: What Great Writing Actually Looks Like
One of the quickest ways to improve your child’s writing? Show them the difference between average and excellent. I’ve seen the lightbulb go on so many times – that moment where a child reads a powerful paragraph and says, “I could do that!” Let me walk you through a real example I use in my
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Creative Writing Crash Course for 11 Plus Success: Bespoke Marking and Feedback System
Supporting Families Across the UK and Globally Preparing for the creative writing component of the 11 Plus exams can be overwhelming for parents and children alike. Whether it’s a grammar school Stage 2 exam or an independent school entrance assessment, creative writing requires a unique blend of creativity, structure, and technical skills. At Geek School