Almost every student struggles while preparing for the 11 plus exams. The time during the preparation of these exams is difficult for both students and their parents. But, students somehow manage to prepare for every core subject included in 11 plus. The problem occurs when it comes to mathematics and that is undoubtedly a difficult subject in every corner of the world.
Even if your child is doing well in other subjects like English, verbal, and nonverbal reasoning, there is a possibility that they are finding it difficult to cover the maths sections.
Well, you are not alone. This guide includes the secret winning strategies for tackling 11+ maths papers by which your child can perform exceptionally well in 11-plus exams. So let’s dive right into it
The Structure Of 11 Plus Maths Papers
It’s important to get to know about the structure of 11+ maths papers before diving into the preparation strategies. These exams usually cover all the topics that were taught to your child in key stage 2 and there might be topics included from their early key stage 3.
The main areas by which your child’s knowledge will be tested are:
- Number and Place Value
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication and Division
- Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
- Measurement
- Geometry (Properties of Shapes, Position, and Direction)
- Statistics
Each section of 11 plus maths papers may include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and problems that require more detailed solutions.
Essential Topics and How to Master Them
1. Number and Place Value
This topic is the most important because it builds the base for many other areas in maths. Here is what your child should know:
- They should be able to read, write, order, and compare numbers up to 1,000,000.
- They must understand and use place value for calculations.
- They should be able to count forwards and backwards with positive and negative numbers.
Winning strategy: Motivate your child to practise regularly to build their understanding. Flashcards can help them with quick memorisation. Discuss real-life applications like distances, and population sizes as it can make their learning more relatable.
2. Addition and Subtraction
This topic seems easy but in 11 plus maths questions, it might include more difficult problems to solve.
- Your child needs to master mental addition and subtraction with increasingly larger numbers.
- They should use formal written methods like column addition and subtraction.
- They should know how to apply rounding to check answers and estimate the results.
Winning strategy: Practising regularly with exercises that mix both addition and subtraction. Motivate your child to discuss their thought process with you which is crucial for building understanding and this practise will highlight the areas where your child lacks.
3. Multiplication and Division
These operations are important for handling many types of questions in 11 plus maths papers. To perform well in the exam your child should be able to:
- Identify multiples and factors and also common factors.
- Understand prime numbers and their properties.
- Accurately perform long multiplication and short division exercises.
Winning strategy: Include different types of multiplication and division exercises in your child’s preparation daily. You can use online educational games that include maths exercises to make the preparation more fun. Online platforms usually offer many interactive ways to polish these skills.
4. Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
The 11+ maths papers include several complex problems and for that, understanding fractions, decimals and percentages is very important. Your child must be able to:
- Compare and order fractions and decimals.
- Perform operations that involve fractions and mixed numbers.
- Convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Winning strategy: Use visual aids like fraction bars and pie charts. Your child needs to practise converting between the different forms to strengthen their understanding and build flexibility in solving problems.
5. Measurement
This section of the maths paper will test the multiple skills of your child from converting units to calculating the area and volume. They should:
- Be able to convert between different metric units for example: centimetres to millimetres.
- Know how to calculate the perimeter and area of shapes.
- Know how to estimate volumes and understand imperial measurements.
Winning strategy: Engage your child in practical activities like cooking or building projects where measuring things is involved. The real-world application would be really helpful for your child to build measurement skills.
6. Geometry
Geometry questions will test your child’s understanding of shapes and their properties. Your child should be able to:
- Determine and define the properties of 2D and 3D shapes.
- Understand and use angle measurements accurately.
- Solve problems that involve symmetry, reflection and rotation.
Winning strategy: Use drawings and construction activities so your child can explore the shapes and angles. There are many geometry tools online that provide a hands-on learning experience.
7. Statistics
The section on statistics in 11+ maths papers involves simplifying data from charts, tables and graphs.
- Your child should be able to read and simplify data from charts, graphs and tables.
- They should know how to solve problems that include data comparison and analysis.
Winning strategy: Use everyday examples in your child’s exam preparation like sports statistics and weather data to improve these skills of your child. This method will not only make your child’s learning practical but, also show the relevance in their daily life.
Practical Tips for Tackling 11+ Maths Papers
Practice with mock exams
One of the most effective ways to make your child well-prepared for the 11 plus maths papers is taking a mock exam. They copy the real exam condition which is going to be really helpful for your child to get used to the types of questions and format of this maths exam. Mock exams will also highlight the areas where your child needs more practise.
Winning strategy: Schedule mock exams for your child way before the real exam date. Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses by reviewing the results of the mock exam. You can then use this analysis to customise your child’s study sessions.
Use 11 Plus Tuition Online
11 plus tuition online will give your child a flexible and detailed way to prepare for the exams. Online tutors can provide your child with personalised lessons that will cater to your child’s specific needs. They will also offer you a variety of resources that includes practise questions and engaging lessons.
Winning strategy: Choose an online tutor who has a proven track record of teaching the students subjects of 11 plus exams. Make sure that the tuition involves regular assessments and feedback sessions. Platforms like mock exam centre provide structured courses and practise papers.
Improve Vocabulary Skills
It is not directly related to the 11+ maths paper but, strong vocabulary skills can help your child understand difficult word problems. Encourage your child to read a lot and practise comprehension to improve their ability to handle tricky questions.
Winning strategy: Make reading sessions an important part of your child’s study routine. You can use vocabulary-building games and activities so learning new words becomes fun for your child. This will also help in the other subjects of 11+ exams.
Break Down Challenging Problems
Teach your child to break down the problems they are struggling with into small, manageable steps. This technique will not only make their problem-solving easier but will also help your child understand the concepts better.
Winning strategy: Regularly practise the above-mentioned technique with your child. You should start with simpler problems and slowly increase the difficulty. Use solved examples to show your child how larger problems can be handled step-by-step.
Maintain a Study Schedule
Consistency is the roadmap to success in exam preparation. A well-made study timetable will make sure that all the topics included in the exam are covered.
Winning strategy: Create a study timetable and include regular breaks along with extracurricular activities to keep your child engaged. Make sure your child sticks to this schedule but remain flexible to adjust things as needed as per their progress.
Use Interactive Tools and Resources
There are many online tools and resources available that can make your child’s learning more engaging and enjoyable. These resources include educational games, interactive quizzes, and video tutorials.
Winning strategy: Include these tools in your child’s daily study time. Many helpful resources offer a few free materials to use like BBC Bitesize, mock exam centre and Khan Academy. This can help your child learn with interactive content.
The Role of Parents in 11+ Maths Preparation
Parents play an important role in supporting their child’s preparation for the 11+ maths papers. Here are some ways to help your child:
Create a Positive Learning Environment
A peaceful and organised study space can greatly improve your child’s ability to focus and learn effectively.
Winning Strategy: Make sure that your child’s study area is free from distractions and provide them with all necessary materials. Develop a study routine that has regular study times.
Provide Motivation and Support
It is important to keep your child motivated and boost their confidence regularly. Praise their accomplishments and support them through all the challenges.
Winning Strategy: Use positive support to admit their efforts. Show your involvement in their learning process and offer them help when needed.
Stay Informed and Involved
Understand the requirements of the 11+ exams and keep track of your child’s progress. Communicate with their tutor and teachers regularly and do not miss out on anything.
Winning Strategy: Attend parent-teacher meetings so you can stay updated on your child’s performance. Use this information to support their learning at home.
Final Thoughts
Tackling 11+ maths papers can be challenging for your child as this subject particularly requires a lot of time and continuous effort. But, there is nothing impossible in the world of education. Your child can confidently ace the exams with the right techniques and support. Use these winning strategies to prepare your child for the 11 plus maths papers and they will be well prepared to handle every question they will face in the exam.
Don’t forget that your involvement as a parent matters a lot so, be with your child throughout this preparation process.
Good Luck.
