The Eleven Plus Interview

As May draws to an end it is time for the Big Interview. Here we conduct an in depth interview with a celebrated ten year old.

Corine, a bright and zesty ten year old, agreed to the interview – and made time for us in her busy schedule. She reached fame in her school recently when she recited “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth. What drew attention her feat was that she was able to explain much of the poet’s imagery and use of language.

She explained why Wordsworth wandered lonely as a cloud. She was able to comment of the significance of words like “host” and “jocund”. When she came to the words: “the bliss of solitude” she was able to relate this to her busy day. Her teachers and head teacher were so bowled over by the depth of her understanding that they had no hesitation in awarding her the coveted “Pupil of the Year” award.

How do you mange to fit it all in?

I just love to be busy. One day I want to achieve 14 GCSE passes – with at least 6 at A* level. I like to find out new things. One day I want to learn Japanese. We went to a Japanese restaurant once and had tapinaki and I loved hearing the cook speak in Japanese. I would really like to be a cook one day.

What do you like about doing eleven plus work?

I like the challenge of being timed and trying to get as much right as possible. I always aim to complete the test papers in less than the time allowed so that I give myself time to go over the answers. I love to find mistakes in my work. The algebra is the best part. I know that very little complex algebra will come up in the eleven plus examinations but I really enjoyed learning about straight line graphs and solving simultaneous equations with graphs.

What do you do for exercise?

Well I dance four times a week. I have been doing that since I was three years old. My brother goes riding twice a week – and sometimes the riding teacher has a spare horse and allows me to ride. I love being so high off the ground. I have been rock climbing a number of times and that is wonderful. It is so scary but exhilarating.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has every happened to you?

I went to a party once and had to pay a forfeit. There were boys and girls at the party. We had to draw names out of a hat and then pair up to sing together. I drew a boy and he would not do what he was supposed to do. He kept laughing and messing up. I was so embarrassed. My friends keep reminding me – and every time I see the boy he is horrible to me.

What school do you want to go to?

My dad keeps saying he does not mind where I go as long as I do not talk while he is watching football. My mum wants me to go to grammar. She went there and she keeps showing me her old photographs. My older brother is at grammar, the same one my dad went to, and my younger brother, the one who likes riding, does not really care. I suppose I want grammar. I did hear about one of my cousins who went on exchange to America – but she is much older that me. May be one day I could get some education in Japan.