How to choose the right 11+ learning platform for your child
Choosing an online learning platform can be a daunting process. Here we explain some of the features to look out for when choosing an online learning resource.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Formative assessment is the process of monitoring children's learning progress. Formative assessments are carried out all the way through the learning process. They provide feedback to both you and your child and identify the areas where your child needs to improve, perhaps due to a gap in their understanding or due to a misconception. The tests available on the BOFA® platform are an example of formative assessments.
PARENTAL INPUT
Does the platform require a parent, guardian or teacher to direct the child through their learning? Some platforms will require a significant amount input from an adult in order to set tasks for the child, while others will fully automate the process using the child's age and exam date to create a schedule of work. Using a platform such as BOFA® that creates a bespoke schedule of work for your child saves you time and leaves you confident that your child is learning in a structured way.
ADAPTIVE
Does the platform adapt to the ability of your child? Many platforms now use AI to monitor your child's progress, adapting the frequency and level of work as is appropriate for your child. Using a platform which adapts to the ability of your child leaves you confident that your child is being appropriately challenged and working at a suitable pace.
MOCK TESTS
Some 11+ exams, such as the ISEB Pre-test, have notoriously tricky formats, and some, such as the London 11+ Consortium test, contain less familiar subject tests, taking some mock tests to familiarise with these exams will be very beneficial. However, the majority of 11+ exams such as those provided by CEM and GL Assessment are quite straightforward and do not require specific mock exams to replicate their format. Mock Tests are not necessary for all children's 11+ preparation so at BOFA® we offer Mock Tests as a standalone product meaning you only pay for the content you need.
If you decide your child will benefit from sitting some mock tests, it is useful to consider what the purpose of a mock test is, and how many mock tests it is appropriate to ask your child to sit, as many of these exams are over 2 hours in length. At BOFA® we recommend children build subject knowledge during regular short sessions before using a few mock exams to develop their exam technique and time management skills, a month or so before the exam.
FREE TRIAL
A free trial provides you and your child with the opportunity to try the platform to ensure it is a good fit for your child before you commit to a paid subscription.
WILL MY CHILD ENJOY IT?
Finding a platform which engages your child will be a priority. Children enjoy using platforms which enable independent learning, and where they can see the progress they are making. The automated nature of the BOFA® platform means your child can log in and go straight to their next task. Your child will be rewarded for regular time keeping, good results and regular improvement.
Here are some of the comments we have received from children.
"Great for children about to do the 11+. Best app to learn because they make it fun! I've used it the past few months and loved it.", Eva
"I'm finding BOFA very useful and my confidence is growing. Thanks for the help.", Harvin
"I love using BOFA. It's like having my own tutor that helps me work through questions I don't understand.", Lauren
"FABULOUS, this was an amazing test. I have had lots of fun.", Nirali
Parents love BOFA® too.
"I wanted to get in touch to acknowledge what a great app you have here. My son had been using 11+ books for a while but I really feel his learning and confidence grew once he started using this app and as a result he did very well in his 11+ exams. I truly believe this has a lot to do with how tailored the app was to his needs. I would also like to thank you for all the support and prompt responses I was given early on with any help I needed. As a result of all of this I have been recommending your site to many other parents.", Jo
"Bofa was incredibly helpful for my son in preparation of the 11+ exam. It helped identify his weaknesses and also improve his time management and he really enjoyed the format online. It's a fantastic resource for families that we cannot recommend highly enough.", Lauren
"I have been exceptionally impressed by the customer service and level of support which Planet Bofa provides – which is extremely refreshing especially when compared to a lot of firms these days! Thank you once again for all your help and assistance.", Nicholas
Compare Product Features Across These Popular 11+ Learning Platforms
| BOFA11+ | Atom | Century/Bond | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages catered for | 7-11 | 7-11 | 9-11 |
| Number of questions | 27,000+ unique questions never repeated | 100,000 questions | 20,000+ questions |
| Teaching format | Formative learning - identifies gaps in learning and improves them. All topics covered but prioritises spending time covering weaker areas. |
Time is spent covering all topics equally, including those which your child is confident in. | Time is spent covering all topics equally, including those which your child is confident in. |
| Adaptive | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How are tests marked | All tests are automatically marked within the platform. | Mark mock test papers by hand or upload a photo of your child's answer sheet. | All tests are automatically marked within the platform. |
| Tracking progress | Raw % score and standardised score for every test. Parent's receive a report after every test, identifying weaker areas where further support will be provided to plug knowledge gaps. View summary reports for a quick update or more download subject data for a more in depth review. |
Reports by topic include standardised scores. Reports detail weaker topics to focus on. | Reports identify your child's strengths and weaknesses. Graphical analysis. |
Compare Prices Across These Popular 11+ Learning Platforms
| BOFA11+ | Atom | Century/Bond | |
|---|---|---|---|
| KS2 | £9.50 per month | £39.99 per month | £11.99 per month |
| 11+ | £9.50 per month | £59.99 per month | £29.99 per month |
| Mock Tests for ISEB London Consortium City School etc |
£55 for 3 Mock Tests | £69.99 per month | £41.99 per month |
| Free trial period | 7 days | 5 days | 7 days |
BOFA® is the only online learning platform to use formative assessment to identify and then plug gaps in children's understanding in preparation for 11+ and senior school entrance exams.
But what does this really mean?
Well, all BOFA® tests (including Mock Tests) come in 3 stages:
- The initial test - where we determine what your child knows, but more importantly we identify what they don't understand.
- The practice stage - where we take your child through the questions they answered incorrectly. The correct answer is shown with a full explanation how to get to the answer.
- The retest - which provides an opportunity for your child to attempt some similar questions a few days later to demonstrate what they have learnt during the practice stage.
At the end of the retest any questions they are still struggling with are put into a report for you so you can see which topics may require further support.
Launched in 2007, BOFA® is the original online formative learning platform that paved the way for the multitude of online learning resources that now exist. If you're looking for a cost-effective 11+ platform produced by an established and experienced company, look no further than BOFA11+
If you have any questions you can contact our support team by phone or email. Or start your BOFA11+ free trial here.