NIMBLE MINDS

REASONING, THINKING AND WORKING TOGETHER

ages 4 to 11 years

REASONING

Reasoning is problem solving; thinking in a logical way, whether it be with words and language (verbal reasoning) or with patterns, diagrams and 3D shapes (non-verbal and spatial reasoning) or numbers (quantitive reasoning).

To succeed academically in both state and private schools in the UK, children need to be good at reasoning. In-school assessments such as CAT tests or INCAS all measure reasoning ability. Reasoning is used for academic selection at 7+. 8+, 11+ and Common Entrance Pre-Tests and beyond. Psychometric tests used to measure mental ability are based on reasoning and increasingly used in the recruitment process.

New changes to the Consortium 11+ Examination for Year 7 Entry 2023

This bespoke online test is comprised of two parts. Part 1 will test English, Maths, Verbal and Non-

Verbal reasoning. Part 2 will test problem solving and include a creative and analytical component.

This welcome change reflects the changing role of education in helping to equip the life skills they

need in our rapidly evolving world. The Nimble Minds programme has always had a heavy emphasis

on creative and analytical components as well as problem solving.

We aim to help enable children to become adaptable and creative in their thinking. Our programme

is planned around the 4 C’s in education – critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and

communication.

THINKING GAMES

Thinking skills games, specifically chosen to boost:

Concentration
Executive function (cognitive flexibility, working memory, self-control)
Ability to follow instructions both written and verbal
Memory (auditory, visual, short term, long term)
Processing speed – information retrieval
Working calmly under timed conditions – hugely important for exams
Critical thinking
Creativity
Vocabulary
Confidence

GROUP Activities and Challenges
and group discussions

Our workshops include group problem solving activities, games and group discussions.

Group interviews and group activities are used alongside exams in the 7+, 8+ and 11+ exams by leading schools. Children really enjoy this part of the workshops. Activities are carefully planned to boost the 4C's: CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION.

Helene Jones

Helene has over 30 years of teaching experience and was a learning support coordinator at leading London prep schools for 20 years. She is fully qualified to carry out educational assessments and is a member of the British Psychological Society. Her work with children covers three broad areas.

Birthday Sparks

Specialist Teaching
Ages 4 to 11years at Eaton House Belgravia and privately
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City skyline

Specialist Teacher Assessor
Ages 4 to 11 in schools and privately
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Nimble Minds
Reasoning and thinking programme
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Since starting the Nimble Minds workshop, K had gained an enormous amount of confidence when approaching reasoning questions. I have also seen a big improvement in his test results. Thank you!

Mrs M

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My son Harry really enjoys the Nimble Minds course. It’s really helped change his approach to reasoning and his mindset when dealing with problems. As a result his scores have improved. I found Helene’s very focused tips and personalised feedback on his specific needs extremely helpful.

Mrs L July 2019

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Thanks for teaching Henry on these two incredible days, Henry really loved the workshops.

Mrs U

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Our son has really enjoyed the session and keeps asking to play similar games. It has been a wonderful experience.

Mr S

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“I cannot thank you enough for introducing us to Helene, She was wonderful and really seemed to get a take on Alfie very quickly, and what is more important is that he really enjoyed the process.”

Mrs T

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“Efe enjoyed every second he spent at the club and every week he was looking forward to being there again. You’ve opened up a window to show the kids there is a way to learn while having fun and there is a way to have fun while learning I can imagine the demand and I believe every single boy in the school deserves a chance to peek through the window.”

Mrs U mum of Efe

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“Helene Jones came to us on recommendation from a teacher friend. She assessed our son in a thorough, informed and child friendly manner. The information she provided us with was very helpful. She subsequently assisted us in some last minute tutoring, Fraser really got on well with her and she was able to step in and provide him with the tools and confidence that enabled him to win the place at the school. We would all thoroughly recommend her.”

Mrs B

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My son Harry really enjoys the Nimbleminds course. It’s really helped change his approach to reasoning and his mindset when dealing with problems. As a result his scores have improved. I found Helene’s very focused tips and personalised feedback on his specific needs extremely helpful.

Mrs L

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Since starting the Nimble Minds workshop, K had gained an enormous amount of confidence when approaching reasoning questions. I have also seen a big improvement in his test results. Thank you!

Mrs O’K

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Joe loved the workshop. Thank you for the fun

Mrs G

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Just to say that K’s cats score in reasoning have so much improved thanks to you. It seems you have pressed just the right buttons.

Mr V

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Both my husband and I have been blown away by the assessment. This was by far the most useful hour we have spent on the development of our 5 year old son since his birth.

Mr Mrs G

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We have learnt so much about our child in this one session and have now got the tools to work with him on the areas that he needs help with.

Mrs K July 2019

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MEANINGFUL, ADAPTIVE, HANDS-ON, ENJOYABLE LEARNING

OUR WORKSHOPS BUILD REASONING SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE FOR EXAMS WHILST HAVING FUN.

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We are a small, boutique company. We are proud of our programme; devised to help to prepare children to succeed in our rapidly changing world. We combine reasoning with activities to promote problem-solving, critical thinking, perseverance, resilience, curiosity, creativity, originality and collaboration.

NIMBLE MINDS

REASONING

THINKING GAMES

GROUP Activities and Challengesand group discussions

Helene Jones

Birthday Sparks

City skyline

Since starting the Nimble Minds workshop, K had gained an enormous amount of confidence when approaching reasoning questions. I have also seen a big improvement in his test results. Thank you!

My son Harry really enjoys the Nimble Minds course. It’s really helped change his approach to reasoning and his mindset when dealing with problems. As a result his scores have improved. I found Helene’s very focused tips and personalised feedback on his specific needs extremely helpful.

Thanks for teaching Henry on these two incredible days, Henry really loved the workshops.

Our son has really enjoyed the session and keeps asking to play similar games. It has been a wonderful experience.

“I cannot thank you enough for introducing us to Helene, She was wonderful and really seemed to get a take on Alfie very quickly, and what is more important is that he really enjoyed the process.”

My son Harry really enjoys the Nimbleminds course. It’s really helped change his approach to reasoning and his mindset when dealing with problems. As a result his scores have improved. I found Helene’s very focused tips and personalised feedback on his specific needs extremely helpful.

Since starting the Nimble Minds workshop, K had gained an enormous amount of confidence when approaching reasoning questions. I have also seen a big improvement in his test results. Thank you!

Joe loved the workshop. Thank you for the fun

Just to say that K’s cats score in reasoning have so much improved thanks to you. It seems you have pressed just the right buttons.

Both my husband and I have been blown away by the assessment. This was by far the most useful hour we have spent on the development of our 5 year old son since his birth.

We have learnt so much about our child in this one session and have now got the tools to work with him on the areas that he needs help with.

MEANINGFUL, ADAPTIVE, HANDS-ON, ENJOYABLE LEARNING

GROUP Activities and Challenges
and group discussions