SCENE- A YOUNG STUDENT SITS ON A COUCH WITH A LAPTOP PERCHED ON HER LAP. SHE EAGERLY HOLDS AN OPEN LETTER FOR HER 11 PLUS UP TO THE SCREEN, THROUGH WHICH SHE CAN SEE HER TUTOR SMILING.

STUDENT- Look what I got in the post?

TUTOR- Wow is that you 11 plus interview letter? Congratulations!

STUDENT- Thank you. Now comes the tricky bit of preparing for the 11 plus. Have you any tips?

TUTOR- First, remember that you’re half way there already by getting the interview. So pat yourself on the back!

STUDENT (SMILING)- What questions do you think they might ask me?

TUTOR- Hmmmmm. It’s hard to tell exactly; interviewers like to vary them a lot. Generally, however, the questions tend to address the following topics: why this school? What is your favourite subject? Which sport do you prefer? What other interests do you have? What are you reading and do you like it? What recent news story has caught your eye?

STUDENT- When should I start preparing?

TUTOR- As soon as you can! Leaving 11 plus preparation till last minute can add unnecessary stress and knock your performance. Have these questions bubbling in your head a few weeks before the interview and brainstorm thoughts gradually. Remember there is rarely a wrong or right answer to most questions, except some academic problems, so feel free to be innovative with your answers.

STUDENT- What should I do on the morning of the 11 plus interview?

TUTOR- Don’t do much. It’s important to not cram. But make sure you gear your brain up for the interview by flicking through some of the day’s news headlines.

STUDENT- What should I wear?

TUTOR- Again, no strict rules here, except one: avoid jeans, t-shirts, and trainers! Just dress smartly, perhaps with a collared-shirt, neat trousers, and tucked-in shirt or blouse. Keep your hair tidy and off your face and remember to spruce up those shoes.

STUDENT- How should I carry myself at the interview?

TUTOR- Be confident and calm but not too arrogant or casual. It is important to walk and sit straight, shake interviewer’s hand, and look them in the eye. Remember to listen and be polite; don’t slip into slang.

STUDENT- OMG!

TUTOR- Yeah and avoid that too!

STUDENT- How quickly should I answer questions?

TUTOR- Don’t rush your responses! A good rule-of- thumb is to take roughly 5 seconds after a question has been asked to think about your response.

STUDENT- Won’t taking long look bad on my part?

TUTOR- Not at all! In fact, when you take time to think about your response, you tend to form better quality answers and it also sounds less rehearsed.

STUDENT- What happens if I don’t know the answer to a question?

TUTOR- First, ask the interviewer to clarify the question, which will also give you more time to think. If you still don’t know the answer, it’s better to say that you don’t know but that you are still willing to give it a go. Then use the information you do have to tackle the question. Remember, schools are interested to know how you think and showing resilience and creativity is always guaranteed to win you some points.

STUDENT- How should I present my answers?

TUTOR- Ooooh good question! Make sure you develop what you say: so for example, don’t just say that you like Football but add why you like it, how long you have played, whether you are part of any clubs. And dare I forget, beware of repetition and vary the vocabulary you use: think about synonyms but also different aspects of the thing you are discussing. Your trip to the theme park may have been fun, but it may also have been a sweltering day, the rides may have been astonishing and inspiring, the food may have been delicious, and the journey may have been tedious.

STUDENT- Oh I see what you’ve done there. So lots to get my head round then?

TUTOR- Yes but remember to relax, get a good night’s sleep, and know that you can only do your best. I’m here if you want any more advice.

STUDENT (SENDS A THUMBS-UP EMOJI)

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