Having gone through the whole 11+ experience my (humble) words of wisdom are that I would give your son/daughter a bar of chocolate to take into the exam with them. My son had to be at the school at 12 pm. He was too nervous to eat a large breakfast (only managed a couple of cornflakes), so went into the exam on an empty stomach. A friend of his kindly gave him some chocolate in the break, which I've no doubt raised his energy levels and he was able to concentrate better. I know its not rocket science, but after all the months and months of preparation it didn't occur to me and I think it made a big difference.

Dear ButtyBoo

Totally agree, only this morning I was having a conversation with one of my students, takes his 12+ soon. Said as he will be having his breakfast early, to get there in time, his sugar levels will be taking a nosedive, so recommended a banana/breakfast bar to eat just prior to test.I have this conversation every year with my students, every little thing helps.

Another one of my 'mad' 'requirements' PASTA is off the menu for the last month before the tests, Why you may ask? I read in one of my Focus magazines, that although pasta is known for giving physical energy, in some poor souls it can have the reverse effect on mental energy!

A couple of years ago, one of my students came off the pasta, together with the rest of the family, the younger sibling more or less lived on pasta. mum noticed an immediate response to his concentration levels. QED. Mum has since limited his intake of pasta.

Patricia

Hi Patricia,

Agree that pasta can be counter productive for some. Wheat intolerance is often the reason for this. The younger sibling you mentioned....quite typical..individuals often crave the food that they are intolerant to.

Would like to mention that for any parents who aren't restricting pasta, avoid for evening meals, particulary the night before the tests. The burst of energy is more likely to keep your child awake and won't last until the next day when it is really needed.

HP


Hi ButtyBoo, well said - you definately need a snack if the tests run over a couple of hours. I think we gave our daughter a piece of fruit and a sticky bun (oh dear, now I've made her sound like an elephant )

HP