Preparing your child for 11+ (or 13+) Maths

Take a step at a time and the results of your efforts will multiply...

If the thought of preparing your child for anything vaguely mathematical brings you out in a cold sweat – take a deep breath and carry on reading – after all, you’ve got this far. A parent who conveys a fear of maths to a child does more harm than good; relax and it might even prove fun! If, on the other hand, you are rubbing your hands with glee and rolling-up your sleeves, ready to demonstrate your extensive knowledge of differential equations and partial fractions, a word to the wise:

...nothing is more off-putting or dangerous than making a child jump in at the deep-end, without a life-belt when they’ve only mastered the basic strokes!

Preparing your child

Before you phone the nearest tutoring agency, sign-up for on-line help or rush to buy the latest self-help guide it's worth doing a bit of homework. Find out: what's essential, what's not; what constitutes a hiccup rather than a hurdle and when to rally rather than retreat! Featured below are answers to common questions but if you still have a burning issue - get in touch - we may well be able to help.

1. What does my child need to know?
   
   The maths syllabus for common scholarship is based on the maths syllabi for Common Entrance at 13+ and 11+. They, in turn, are based on the National Curriculum for maths which is taught through the Numeracy Strategy – phew!
   
   The 11+ syllabus falls broadly in line with National Curriculum levels 4 and 5, while 13+ extends to level 7 of the National Curriculum . The syllabus for Common Entrance 11+ and 13 + maths can be found here . Always check you have the latest version.
2. What areas of maths will be covered?
   
   The syllabus will differ in the small print but most will cover broadly similar ground.
   
   Maths is divided into four key areas: 
   
   
   1) Number - including fractions, decimals, percentages and integers.
   2) Algebra - expressions, equations and formulae
   3) Shape and space - including area, volume, co-ordinates and nets.
   4) Handling data (statistics and probability) - such as the idea of chance, averages and graphical representation of data.
   
   If you’d like more detail about the topics covered see  11+ and 13+ maths - what your child should know


3. Is there a set paper for 11+ maths?
   
   No. There are set papers for Common Entrance at 11+ and 13+ and there is a common academic scholarship paper which some independent schools use. Aside from these, schools or consortia set their own papers. It is often the way questions are presented, rather than the mathematical requirements, that flummox children so ensure you obtain sample papers from your intended school.
4. How do I know what MY child will need to cover?
   
   The syllabus is fairly standard but different schools will emphasi...