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7 Plus Group Task

The 7 Plus group task is an important part of the assessment process at many top independent schools. It allows schools to evaluate how children interact with others, work as part of a team, and demonstrate key skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and cooperation.

What is the 7 Plus Group Task?

Alongside written exams and interviews, schools use group tasks to assess children’s social and communication skills in a natural setting. Rather than just looking at academic ability, this activity helps teachers understand how well a child can:

  • Work collaboratively – Can they listen to others and contribute to the group?
  • Show leadership – Do they take initiative in problem-solving?
  • Stay focused and engaged – Are they actively involved in the task?
  • Communicate clearly – Can they explain their ideas confidently?

Common Types of 7 Plus Group Tasks

Each school has its own way of structuring group assessments, but common tasks include:

1. Problem-Solving Challenges

Children are given a task to complete as a team, such as:

  • Building a structure using Lego, blocks, or other materials.
  • Solving a puzzle together.
  • Completing a sequencing or pattern activity.

2. Storytelling and Creative Thinking

Some schools ask children to work together on a storytelling activity, such as:

  • Creating a story using a set of picture prompts.
  • Acting out a short play or scenario.
  • Completing a “finish the story” challenge.

3. Discussion-Based Activities

These involve group discussions where children are encouraged to express their thoughts, such as:

  • Choosing the best way to solve a problem.
  • Ranking items in order of importance (e.g., “What are the most important things to take on a desert island?”).
  • Debating simple topics in a friendly way.

4. Physical or Practical Tasks

Some schools include movement-based activities to observe how children engage with their peers. This might involve:

  • Following instructions in a game.
  • Completing a relay-style challenge.
  • Working together on an obstacle course or teamwork-based activity.

How to Prepare for the 7 Plus Group Task

While the group task is difficult to predict, there are ways to develop the skills children need to succeed.

1. Encourage Teamwork at Home

Practise cooperative activities such as:

  • Playing board games where children take turns and follow rules.
  • Building things together (e.g., Lego, jigsaw puzzles).
  • Encouraging role-play games that involve problem-solving.

2. Develop Listening and Speaking Skills

Many children struggle with balancing speaking and listening in group settings. Help them by:

  • Encouraging turn-taking in conversations.
  • Practising active listening by asking follow-up questions.
  • Teaching them to speak clearly and confidently when sharing ideas.

3. Build Problem-Solving and Creativity

Schools value children who can think independently and contribute creative ideas. You can develop this by:

  • Asking open-ended questions (“How else could we do this?”).
  • Playing thinking games like “What would happen if…?” scenarios.
  • Encouraging them to brainstorm ideas without fear of being wrong.

4. Practise Staying Focused in a Group

Children can sometimes get distracted in group activities. Help them build focus by:

  • Playing timed challenges where they must complete a task within a set period.
  • Encouraging patient listening before responding to others.
  • Teaching them to follow multi-step instructions.

What Schools Look For in the Group Task

During the 7 Plus group task, teachers will observe how children interact with their peers. The key qualities they assess include:

  • Confidence – Does the child speak up and share ideas?
  • Cooperation – Do they listen to others and work well in a team?
  • Leadership – Can they take initiative while being considerate of others?
  • Resilience – How do they react if things don’t go their way?
  • Enthusiasm – Do they show engagement and enjoyment in the task?

How Mentor Education Can Help

At Mentor Education, we offer expert guidance to help children succeed in every aspect of the 7 Plus assessment, including the group task. Our services include:

  • Mock Assessment Days – Giving children experience in a realistic exam setting.
  • Specialist Coaching – Helping children develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
  • Holiday Courses – Focused sessions covering all aspects of the 7 Plus, including group exercises.

By preparing in advance, children can enter the 7 Plus group task feeling confident and ready to engage.

Get in touch today to find out how our expert tutors can help your child excel in the 7 Plus process!

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Find out how Mentor can help you support you and your child as you approach the 7+. Get in touch today.

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