Keeping Learning Ticking Over
SEAG Transfer Test preparation often becomes a major focus for families as the summer holidays approach, but maintaining the right balance remains essential.
With the summer holidays now less than two weeks away, many families are looking forward to a well-earned break. After a busy year, children deserve the opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy some time away from school routines.
However, while it is important to switch off, I believe it is equally important to keep learning ticking over during the summer months. This does not mean hours of daily work or trying to recreate school at home. In fact, short, consistent periods of reading and revision are usually far more effective.
Research has consistently highlighted what is commonly referred to as the “summer slide”, where some children lose progress made during the previous academic year, particularly in reading and maths, if key skills are not regularly revisited. Fortunately, preventing this does not require much work. Even one to two hours a week can help children maintain confidence and return to school feeling prepared rather than trying to rebuild lost ground.
Why Most of My P6 Pupils Continue Through the Summer
One of the reasons the vast majority of my Primary 6 SEAG pupils continue their lessons throughout the summer is the calendar. By the time children return to school in September to Primary 7, there are fewer than eleven weeks until the first SEAG Transfer Test.
For many families, this comes as a surprise. September arrives quickly, and the weeks before the examination pass remarkably fast. When viewed in that context, it becomes easier to understand why so many families choose to continue with some level of preparation during July and August.
Continuing some work over the summer helps children maintain momentum and return feeling confident and familiar with the material, rather than spending valuable time in September revisiting forgotten topics.
Reading regularly, revisiting key maths concepts and maintaining familiar routines can make a huge difference. Children who return to school with confidence often find the first few weeks of Primary 7 much more manageable.
Introducing Levelled Papers at the Right Time
Parents often ask me when children should begin completing full practice papers. My own pupils are already completing full tests and, naturally, they are finding some of them challenging at this stage of their journey. That is completely normal and, in many ways, desirable. Children need to be stretched and exposed to the demands of the test, but equally, confidence must be protected.
At this stage, I am careful about the papers I choose. I also tend to reserve the most demanding papers, including some old-style 11+ tests, amended to reflect that certain topics are not on the current SEAG specification, until later in the summer when children have had more time to strengthen their understanding and develop their test technique.
For now, I feel many pupils benefit most from a balance of appropriate levelled full practice tests, topic work and working through reported past-paper questions together. This allows children to identify gaps, apply their knowledge and steadily build confidence before moving on to the most challenging papers later in the preparation process.
Building Confidence Through SEAG Transfer Test Preparation
SEAG Transfer Test preparation can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly during the summer months when families are trying to balance holidays, activities and well-earned rest. In my experience, children make the best progress when preparation remains calm, consistent and manageable.
This is one of the reasons I rarely advocate large amounts of work during July and August. Children need time to recharge, but they also benefit from maintaining some structure. Reading regularly, revisiting key maths topics and completing appropriate practice questions can make a significant difference by the time September arrives.
Confidence plays a huge role in successful preparation. Children who understand why they are making mistakes and feel supported in addressing those mistakes are far more likely to make long-term progress. For that reason, I place a strong emphasis on discussing solutions, sharing strategies and helping pupils understand the thinking behind each answer.
Another important aspect of SEAG Transfer Test preparation is recognising that every child develops at a different pace. Comparisons with friends or classmates rarely help. Some children flourish early, while others make enormous strides during the final few months before the examination. Progress is rarely a straight line.
Ultimately, successful preparation is not about doing the most work. It is about building secure foundations, maintaining confidence, and ensuring children approach the months ahead feeling positive and well-prepared.
SEAG Transfer Test Mock Exams
Looking slightly further ahead, I will once again be running SEAG mock examinations later this year. While they are still around three months away, previous dates have sold out, so I feel it is sensible to mention them at this stage.
The mock examinations use never-before-seen papers that I have created myself, based on reported question styles from previous SEAG pupils and the extensive bank of questions I have built up over the years. My aim is to provide children with realistic, challenging papers while remaining faithful to the style and content of the current SEAG specification.
Each mock examination will also be followed by a Zoom walkthrough session, where we review the paper together, discuss common mistakes and look at strategies for approaching difficult questions. In many ways, I feel that this follow-up session is just as valuable as the mock itself, as it helps pupils understand not only what they got wrong, but why they got it wrong and how they can improve moving forward.
This year’s mock examinations will take place on 12th and 19th September and 17th and 24th October at Glenn John Martin’s GAC, 32 Bar Hill, Newry, BT34 1SZ.
As always, my aim is not to create unnecessary pressure, but to help children approach the months ahead feeling calm, confident and well prepared.
Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Education Support Hub
Since 2019, Education Support Hub has supported children across Northern Ireland in developing confidence and skills in English, maths, phonics and SEAG Transfer Test preparation. I work with pupils from Primary 3 to Year 10 through small-group online lessons, carefully matched by ability and learning targets.
Parents often tell me they value the calm, structured approach and the emphasis on understanding rather than rushing content. If you would like to arrange a no-obligation chat or assessment to discuss your child’s needs, please get in touch.
Daniel Guiney MSci
Founder, Education Support Hub
📞 07513 286626
📧 daniel@educationsupporthub.co.uk
🌐 www.educationsupporthub.co.uk