Introduction
Education has never been more important. Young people now choose to study for longer, and to study a more diverse range of subjects. In a competitive society, parents are increasingly aware that it is essential to ensure that their child has a firm footing on the education ladder and access to a Grammar School education can be crucial to that aim.
The Head Start Mission
Our mission statement at Head Start is “A commitment to achievement; maximizing your child’s potential”. Naturally, a Grammar School is not suited to every child. However, at Head Start we believe that every child should be given the chance to maximise his or her full potential and given the opportunity to prepare for and take the 11+ exam and ensure that they are at a school that suits their needs and abilities, whilst providing opportunities to be challenged and grow as intellectuals and humans.
With 30 years as an established educational institution preparing students for the 12+ and 11+ examinations, our courses have been carefully devised and fine-tuned over to deliver on that mission and specifically meet the needs of a prospective grammar school student. We have the experience, the know-how and tools necessary to really make a difference, giving your child the ‘Head Start’ required to pass the 11+ and succeed at secondary school and beyond. Our 11+ pass rate is always exceptionally high and we are committed to achieving excellent results.
A commitment to achievement; maximizing your child’s potential
8 Phases of 11+ Tuition at its Best
Head Start Education is pleased to offer a comprehensive and structured programme of study in preparation for the Grammar School Selection 11+ Examinations, specifically designed to reflect the curriculum and examination requirements set by Bucks County Council and provided by GL Assessment. Whilst there is much focus on Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning, time management, exam technique and strategy (subjects not taught at school) that is just half of the 11 Plus syllabus. The other half, consisting of Maths and English, follows that of the National Curriculum, covering and reinforcing key aspects of numeracy and literacy taught at school. Beyond this we devote considerable effort into mentoring and fostering the correct mindset and approach towards all aspects of their studies at school and in the home.
View our 8 Phases of 11+ Tuition
The objectives of our 11+ programme are as follows:
- To deliver a comprehensive and well-structured programme of study that introduces students to the concepts and question types within the 11+ exam and develops their understanding through practice and familiarization throughout the year with our own specially designed and written test papers and course material.
- To provide opportunities for in-depth and insightful assessment and analysis of students academic ability, potential and attitude and the reporting of such, by way of our unique Assessment Courses, Assessment Report and exclusive, bespoke Mock Tests.
- To give your child the tools necessary to complete the 11+ test within the time allocated and, furthermore, to consistently achieve a mark that will secure a Grammar School place through greater understanding of the concepts and improved examination technique.
- To foster and encourage a positive mindset towards examinations and ensure that your child approaches the 11+ with confidence, self-assurance and determination to perform at their best and fulfil their true potential.
- To provide supplementary education, tuition and support for key skills and concepts within maths and English, covered in the National Curriculum, to raise each child’s numeracy and literacy levels to…
- Pass the 11+ and provide a solid educational foundation and a Head Start for your child to succeed in secondary school education and beyond.
The Head Start Difference
Meeting Your Child’s Specific Needs
At Head Start we are devoted to the aim of meeting your child’s specific needs. Due to the small class sizes, your child is given individual attention whenever it is needed. Furthermore it is our job to identify your child’s needs and address them accordingly.
At Head Start, we value parental contribution highly. No one knows your child better than yourself – By passing the knowledge you have of your child on to us, we can get to know your child better and hence implement the most appropriate teaching techniques tailored to their specific needs. We therefore enjoy a superb collaborative relationship with all parents and we are happy to talk to you about any concerns you may have. On our Summer Schools we have ‘parent open days’ and an official presentation at the end of the week to acknowledge your child’s efforts and achievements.
The Latest Techniques
Head Start has always been at the cutting edge of new learning techniques. The Head Start team has the ability to implement the most advanced teaching methods at its disposal whenever appropriate.
Edu-Kinesiology
‘Edu-Kinesiology’ is a technique that we specialize in at Head Start. ‘Edu-Kinesiology’ or ‘Brain Gym’, is a group of activities which help our nervous system and hence the rest of our body and mind, to work more efficiently and effectively. The activities have the effect of removing ‘learning blocks’ consequently increasing ability, while decreasing stress and frustration.
‘Brain Gym’ exercises encourage ‘whole brain learning’, which helps better functioning. You can do ‘Brain Gym’ exercises anywhere – at home, in the car, in the classroom, in or before an exam – and whenever you want to improve your child’s performance. Learning becomes easier and quicker, the brain works better and can control the rest of the body more effectively. Pupils don’t have to concentrate so hard and learning new facts and skills can become enjoyable. Pupils can perform activities that they never thought were possible.
Enjoyment
Head Start is committed to achieving exceptional results in the 11+. However, we believe that children must enjoy the entire learning experience if they are to achieve their best. It is not our style to make your child study rigorously at a desk without a break. We understand that children have a limited attention span when it comes to learning and in order to want to work hard they must get the chance to play hard.
At break times we offer a number of different activities for the children, ranging from sports to more quiet interests. We are lucky enough at Head Start to have staff that are qualified in a variety of different activities including football, athletics, cricket, dancing and drama. As well as creating an atmosphere and ethos conducive to work, Head Start is also a very social environment, where the children get a chance to meet different people and make new friends.
Care and Safety
Care and safety are of the highest priority at Head Start. There is always both a male and a female member of staff present at all times. First Aid equipment is always on sight and a number of staff possess certificates in first aid and child protection.