Maths in the Eleven Plus & Common Entrance Exams
The 11+ maths and Common Entrance exams cover a wide spectrum of mathematical ideas. They test how effectively a pupil can tackle questions and operate under timed pressure when faced with a variety of number questions.
The structure and style of the 11 plus exams will vary from school to school but the key areas of testing that you need to be aware of when preparing your child are:
- The ability to think and calculate quickly
- Application of the four number operations quickly and accurately
- Secure knowledge of multiplication tables (up to 15)
- A sound understanding of number bonds, measurement, mental arithmetic, data handling and geometry
There are two very common formats for the Eleven Plus maths exam papers:
- Standard format – where pupils write their working out and answers on the actual test paper
- Multiple-choice format – where answers are marked in a separate answer booklet
What we do
When preparing our pupils for the Tiffin School papers, Common Entrance tests and CEM exams, our tutors cover the complete KS2 curriculum to a detailed degree over the two years. In addition to the areas mentioned above, we specifically work on:
- Numbers and place value
- Calculations
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Money problems
- Area and Volume
- Prime numbers and prime factors
- Geometry
- Graphs and pie charts
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Statistics
- Basic algebra
How parents can help
There are a few tips for parents to help you in the preparation stages of your children’s maths exam:
When your child is in Year 4, you can keep a check on basic maths skills during the Easter break and Summer holidays. You could:
- Practice multiplication tables and general number bonds
- Reinforce doubling, halving or even finding a quarter of numbers
- Work on the practical and general ‘common sense’ side of maths eg what does 500g look like? How much is a litre? How much will a bucket hold?
During Year 5, regular 11+ revision and practice tests should be initiated. Now you could:
- Set a regular routine of practicing sitting test papers (many good publishers such as Bond, CGP and others and invaluable at this stage)
- Go through mistakes together and work on any misconceptions.
- Put some particular emphasis on the areas where mistakes are made and work on those until your child gets a good grasp
Incidentally, Eleven Plus Centre offer all our Year 4 and Year 5 tutees an Easter and Summer revision pack as part of their Tiffin or Slough tuition programmes. These packs contain revision material and past exam questions to ensure whatever has been learned is practiced and ‘fresh’ for when the new term begins.
Are you preparing your child for the Tiffin, Slough or local Independent schools around Hounslow?
Do you need some help or advice on Grammar school exams or Common Entrance test preparation?
