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Archiver > NORTHUMBRIA > 2002-08 > 1028319115


From:
Subject: Fwd: Re: [NMB] 11 plus
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 16:12:02 -0400 (EDT)


Adding to the list of 11+ failures that have done OK, I am curious to
know if there are grammar schools still around and whether the 11+ or a
variation of it is still in existence. I let the UK about 25 years
ago.

My saving grace was at the age of 13 transferring by exam to an all boys
comprehensive school. While I was very good at school up until I took
the 11+ I failed it miserably, more from nerves than anything else. my
parents and in particular my father though that my failing was one of
the worst disasters of the 20th century so one can imagine the pressure
I was under before I took it.

The village my Grandfather lived and died in was Lynemouth in
Northumberland. The primary school there was tiny compared to the
primary school that I attended in London. I often wondered whether
there were enough grammar schools to go around for the numbers that
passed the 11 plus or that there were a certain number of places and
that in a year when a large number did well the cut off point was simply
raised to exclude students that in previous years would have passed.
Anyone know?

Cheers -

Alec
(Lansdowne PA USA)








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