How to pass the Maths paper of the 11 Plus Post Reply

[Jess from Mentor Education]

Tips for the Maths element of the 11 Plus

Here at Mentor Education, we having been getting lots of calls from parents asking advice about the final run into the 11 plus. We wanted here to share some tips and advice related to the Maths element of the 11 plus so that everyone can have the best chance of success. Parents should remember that the Maths exam covers the entire Year 6 syllabus – even though the exam happens early in Year 6. So you must make sure your child has mastered it. Key areas include:
 

- Using number and placing value accurately
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

- Fractions, including decimals and percentages

- Ratio and proportion

- Basic algebra

- Measurement

- Geometry

- Handling data and statistics

The Maths exam is usually one paper lasting between 45 minutes and an hour. The exam tends to start with short questions testing basic mental maths, which your child will need to move through with speed. These early questions are quite easy and students should be able to answer them confidently and quickly before move onto the more complex, problem based questions that follow. Exam technique is critical as students need to ensure they leave enough time to answer the harder questions later in the paper. The final quarter of the paper usually tests children with questions they won’t have seen before. This is where children can really differentiate themselves. It is vital that pupils get to this stage of the paper in time to properly attempt some of these questions, especially if they are applying for a scholarship place.

[Jess from Mentor Education]

How you can help your child with their Maths

As with every aspect of the 11 plus, speed is of the utmost importance in the maths exam. The key to achieving this is a secure knowledge and quick recall of times tables and numbers bonds. Your child should focus on these in Years 4 and 5 at school and continue to practise them throughout their 11 Plus [preparation year, no matter how good they are at Maths. There are several excellent apps that gamify the acquisition and practice of these skills so that children enjoy their learning. These include:

- Hit the Button
- King of Maths
- Squeebles Times Tables
- Times Tables Rock Stars

These are all simple and effective ways of practicing quick-fire recall and other mental arithmetic skills.Remember that mathematical ability will also play a large role in your child’s non-vernal reasoning score. It may be tested in your child’s interview, with mental maths and logic questions, so maths skills are essential to success in the 11 plus.

[Jess from Mentor Education]

How we can help?

We have a Weekend school which operates out of Dulwich every Saturday and Sunday mornings. We have classes for Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. Classes are designed to help students, master the curriculum, gain speed and we include mock examinations and interview practice. You can book here:

11 Plus Weekend Classes | 11 Plus | Mentor Education - Mentor Education

We also have intensive October Half Term Courses. These include a dedicated Maths course, as well as courses in Reasoning, Comprehension and Creative Writing. We also run our ever popular “Games for Interview” sessions afterwards which helps children prepare for the group interview section of the assessment. You can book this here:

11 Plus October Half term Courses - Mentor Education

Our courses are award winning and the reason we won “Tuition Agency of the Year” last year at the industry awards. Our courses are taught by qualified teachers with a track record of getting children into schools like Emanuel, Dulwich College, JAGS, Alleyn’s, Trinity, Whitgift and more. We have a 40 year track record and on average 90% of our pupils get into their first or second choice school. Do call or contact us to find our more about how we can help you. hello@mentoreducation.co.uk, 0208 883 2519