Prepare to pass
Give your child the tools to succeed in dedicated 1:1 classes.
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''It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” ~ Albert Einstein
Phone: 0797 4643101
Email: karentutorsutton@gmail.com
Address: Belmont, Sutton.
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Sutton11plus.co.uk
Get in touch
About Karen
I am qualified and highly experienced with 30 experience teaching in reputable schools, both here and abroad, where I have taught English to undergraduates at the National University of Mexico and to executives of multi-national companies. I taught for many years in Further Education colleges and have extensive experience in 1:1 tuition. I really love what I do and have a relaxed and motivating style to help students succeed.
For 12 years now, I have dedicated my time to building up a successful tuition practice with a focus on preparing children for all aspects of the 11+ exam. In addition, having worked hard to help my own two children gain places at local grammar schools, I fully appreciate the importance of just how committed parents and tutors have to be. With this in mind, I make sure I stay up to date with both exam specifications and materials in order to help my students succeed. I prepare them to pass.
11+ Exams
The 11+ Journey
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Selective entry secondary schools use 11+ examinations as their primary selection criteria. Performing well at these exams can result in a place at a highly sought after state schools, such as TIffins, Wallington Boys' and Girls', Sutton Grammar School for Boys or Nonsuch and Independent schools: Lady Eleanor Hollis, Hampton School, Whigift, Reigate College and City of London Freeman's School.
My deep understanding of the examination material, coupled with my wide knowledge and experience has allowed many candidates to fulfil their potential and gain entry to highly regarded UK schools.
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11+ preparation usually starts from Year 4 when your child will start to learn all aspects of the exam, thoroughly and steadily, using well-researched methods and material proven to help your child master and succeed.
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From year 5, coaching for the 11+ continues in earnest, unless your child is starting for the first time when extra sessions may be advised to ensure everything is covered and sufficient time to practise is available. However, this is not always necessary.
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All classes are taught on a 1:1 basis in order
to maximise learning.
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In The News
Another 11+ exam over. Well done everyone! I am going to miss you after spending the last two years together. Good luck for March now!
Useful sites:
www.The school run.co.uk
www.11plusguide.com
www.parentsintouch.co.uk
www.elevenplusexams.co.uk
The Course
English
My English course is designed to familiarise children with the three most common test formats found in the 11+ exam: multiple choice (including the new comparison of texts, written comprehension and creative writing. This takes place within a robust syllabus which ensures that areas such as vocabulary building, grammar, punctuation, literary techniques and reasoning are taught and thoroughly practised.
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For example:
A): What is wrong with this sentence? I went shopping to day, we needed more bread.
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B) Identify which part of speech is the word abstinence?
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C) Comparing texts: Read the first line of each text. How do the writer's attitudes compare?
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1) This is a delicious evening, when the whole body is one sense, and imbibes delight through every pore.
2) Resigned to the thought of days and weeks of solitude, I was surprised by the sound of a long hallo coming from the direction of Blake's Point.
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Writing: all genres are taught and practised
Maths
Most primary schools do not teach maths to the level required by the 11+ exam, and children are often required to use mathematical techniques that they simply have not been exposed to in the classroom. To ensure my students aren’t surprised by unfamiliar topics on the day of the exam, I dedicate the first half of my course to topic-based lessons that focus on particular skills and subjects such as probability or fractions. These lessons provide your child with an understanding of areas that they may only have covered superficially at school, if they have covered them at all. This is then followed by worded problems and exam techniques.
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For example:
A) One third of a certain number is 8 more than a quarter of that number. What is the number?
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B) On a farm, there are some cows and birds. If there are a total of 35 heads and 110 legs, how many cows are there and how many birds?
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C) The perimeter of a rectangle is 48cm. The length is 2cm greater than the width. What is the area of the rectangle?
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D) Two oranges and three lemons cost 64 pence. Three oranges and four lemons cost 89 pence. What is the cost of an orange?
More than the 11+
Lots of children struggle with school work and could do with some extra help to keep them on track
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I have had students who started with me in year 2 right through to year 7. I also currently have students who have been with me the whole journey, have gone through the 11+ or private school entrance exams, and are now in year 10 and starting GCSEs.
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During school holidays, I often take on extra students as parents recognise that their children might need help to fill 'gaps' just before the exam.
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Whatever a child's educational needs, one to one tuition really does help.
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Fees
£57.50 per hour for a 1:1 class.
This includes one hour of 1:1 tuition, learning materials and feed back to parents after each session in person, and via email, when I send out the list of weekly homework.
All sessions take place in my home in Belmont, Monday to Friday.
I teach makeup classes, and people who live long distances on Saturday.
The Importance of Reading
Studies show that reading for pleasure makes a big difference to children’s educational performance. Here’s how you can get your child off to a great start.
Evidence suggests that children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading tests than those who don’t, but also develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.
In fact, reading for pleasure is more likely to determine whether a child does well at school than their social or economic background.
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By Pearson.com
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NOTE: Every child should be reading with a parent for at least half an hour each day.
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The parents' role in the 11+ journey.
Help your child keep on top of the homework and help when you can.
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Be aware of all the important dates.
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Read with your child everyday.
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Help your child stay calm and confident!
October 24
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On a beautiful, handmade card, E wrote:
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Thank you, Karen.
You have helped me so much. I have really enjoyed our time together.​
She has passed stage 1 and Stage 2. and is now looking forward to hearing that she has got her first choice school.
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Oct 24
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Just to let you know that D passed stage 1 and 2. Thank you so much for all your help.
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October 24
​....... is eligible for all three Sutton Schools! Thank you so much, Karen for believing in him - it really helped to build his confidence - and he was really lucky to have your help.
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October 24
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Thank you for all your help over the last two years.
Whatever the outcome, he has come on leaps and bounds over the last two years.
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E and her family are now waiting for March 2025
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Mrs P- C Awaiting place allocation March 2025
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Mrs W Awaiting place allocation March .
Mrs C Awaiting place allocation March 2025