How to improve 11 Plus mental maths.

Understanding 11 Plus Mental Maths

11+ mental maths tests evaluate rapid arithmetic under 45-second question limits, comprising 40% of GL assessment and 30% of CEM exam scores according to 2023 exam board data. GL Assessment formats include 50 questions in 25 minutes, while CEM Centre offers 40 questions in 30 minutes. These structures demand speed arithmetic and accuracy from Year 6 pupils aiming for grammar or independent school entry.

Mastering these formats starts with grasping exam preparation basics. GL papers focus on separate mental maths sections, testing times tables and quick sums. CEM integrates numerical reasoning, blending mental calculation with problem solving.

To succeed, follow this roadmap: explore common question types for targeted practice, tackle time pressure challenges with drills, and build arithmetic fluency through daily maths practice. Parents and tutors can support with worksheets and timed tests.

Consistent maths workbook use and mock tests help track progress. This approach boosts confidence, reduces maths anxiety, and sharpens mental agility for selective school admissions.

Common Question Types

11+ exams feature 12 specific question types including missing digit problems, rapid times tables, and money calculations, per analysis of practice papers. These cover eleven plus maths essentials like addition strategies and division methods. Recognising them builds arithmetic fluency.

Prioritise based on exam weighting: focus on high-frequency types like missing digits and times tables first. Use Bond papers and CGP books for practice. This builds rapid recall and exam technique.

Time Pressure Challenges

Students average 32 seconds per question but need 25 seconds for top scores in 11+ mental maths. Time pressure tests working memory, as research suggests it strains cognitive skills under stress. Year 6 pupils must aim for elite speeds to pass 11+ exams.

Practice with timed tests to bridge the gap. Techniques like question skipping and estimation skills help manage pace. Daily drills improve mental stamina and concentration span.

Experts recommend spaced repetition and deliberate practice for speed gains. Track progress with benchmark tests, focusing on weak areas like carry over or rounding approximation. This fosters a growth mindset for selective admissions.

Building Number Sense

Number sense forms the foundation for all mental maths operations in the 11 Plus exam. It involves understanding numbers, their relationships, and how to manipulate them quickly without paper. Students with strong number sense handle addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with ease during timed tests.

The National Curriculum KS2 standards emphasise place value, number bonds, and estimation as core skills for year 5 and year 6 maths. Mastering these builds arithmetic fluency essential for CEM exams and GL assessments. Parents and tutors can support daily drills to boost confidence.

This section previews a sequential pathway: start with place value mastery for rounding and estimation, move to number bonds essentials for rapid addition and subtraction, then apply them in speed arithmetic. Regular practice with flashcards and worksheets leads to automatic recall. Track progress to target grammar school entry.

Focus on mental agility through fun maths games and timed challenges. This approach reduces maths anxiety and fosters a growth mindset for eleven plus preparation. Combine with times tables and quick sums for comprehensive numeracy skills.

Place Value Mastery

Master 4-digit place value patterns using the 'landmark numbers' method (1000, 2000, 5000) to solve rounding questions mentally with confidence. This technique anchors numbers to familiar points for quick mental calculation in the 11+ exam. Practice daily to build speed in year 6 curriculum tasks.

Try these 8 specific techniques: nearest 10 anchor by jumping to the closest ten, power of 10 jumps like multiplying or dividing by 10 mentally, and visualising number lines. Use chunking strategy for larger numbers and left-to-right calculation for precision. Incorporate abacus method or Vedic maths for advanced learners.

For practice: Round 4782 to nearest 1000. Step-by-step: Anchor to landmark 5000, subtract 218 mentally (5000 - 200 = 4800, minus 18), lands at 4000. Time each method during maths practice, aiming for fluency in mock tests.

Extend to decimals and money problems with similar jumps. Use worksheets from CGP books or Bond papers for reinforcement. This builds estimation skills vital for problem solving in selective school exams.

Number Bonds Essentials

Automatic recall of number bonds to 20 and 100 boosts addition speed in mental maths for the eleven plus. Focus on complementary pairs like turning 7 +? = 10 into 3 + 7 = 10. Daily drills enhance rapid recall during timed tests.

Use this memorisation chart for essentials:

Set up a flashcard drill system for 5 minutes daily, shuffling pairs for variety. Progress tracker template: log daily recall rates, targeting high accuracy. Spaced repetition strengthens memory for exam preparation.

Apply to subtraction techniques and addition strategies, like bonds for carry over avoidance. Combine with times tables for multiplication tricks. Parental support through fun maths apps builds cognitive skills and mental stamina for 11 Plus success.

Core Mental Techniques

Proven shortcuts cut calculation time by 60%: addition partitioning (15→8s), multiplication Vedic methods (22→9s), division chunking (28→11s) per timed trials. These core mental techniques outperform finger counting by building speed and accuracy for the 11 plus exam. Students master mental maths through practice, gaining confidence in timed tests.

Finger counting slows down as numbers grow larger in eleven plus papers. Techniques from Vedic Mathematics by Bharati Krishna Tirthaji offer smarter paths. They train arithmetic fluency for year 6 curriculum challenges like multi-digit sums.

Preview these 9 specific shortcuts across sections: left-to-right addition, power of 10 subtraction, 11× trick, 5× method, 9× fingers, vertically crosswise multiplication, halving doubling division, friendly chunks, and over-subtract adjust. Daily drills with times tables and number bonds build automaticity. Parents support with flashcards and worksheets for exam preparation.

Experts recommend Vedic maths for cognitive skills like pattern recognition. Combine with mental agility exercises for grammar school entry. Track progress in mock tests to target weak areas and boost scores.

Addition and Subtraction Tricks

Use left-to-right addition and subtract from power of 10 methods to solve 3-digit problems 3x faster: 456+278=734 (left→right: 400+200=600, 50+70=120, 6+8=14). These addition strategies and subtraction techniques suit 11+ exam speed needs. Practice reduces carry over errors in quick sums.

Nearest 10 first: 47+28 → round to 50+25=75, adjust -3+3=75. Power of 10 subtraction: 1000-456=544 (1000-400=600, 600-50=550, 550-6=544). Partition tens and units: 89+37 → 80+30=110, 9+7=16 → 126. Bridge to 100: 98+47 → 100+45=145. Equal groups: 25+25+25=75. Compensate: 199+101 → 200+100=300. Front-end load: 567+289 → 500+200=700, 60+80=140, 7+9=16 → 856. Subtract pairs: 500-123 → 500-100=400, 400-20=380, 380-3=377. Number line jumps mentally: 234+156 → jump 200 to 434, 50 to 484, 6 to 490. Before/after timing shows 18s→6s with regular maths practice.

Try this practice set of 20 problems: 123+456, 789-234, 345+678, 900-567, 267+189. Answers: 579, 555, 1023, 333, 456. Use daily drills for confidence building and tutor guidance.

Incorporate rounding approximation for checking, like 47+28≈50+30=80, close to 75. This aids estimation skills in CEM exams and GL assessment. Build mental stamina with timed sessions.

Multiplication Shortcuts

Vedic vertically & crosswise method solves 23×17 in 4 seconds (20×17=340 + 3×17=51 → 391) vs traditional 12 seconds. These multiplication tricks extend times tables for 11 plus mental maths. Target 8×8 in 3 seconds through rapid recall.

Key shortcuts include: 11× trick: 142×11=1562 (1+4=5 middle, 1|5|6|2). 5× any number: ×10÷2, like 47×5=470÷2=235. 9× finger method: 7×9, touch 7th finger, 6|3=63. 25×: ×100÷4, 36×25=3600÷4=900. Vertically crosswise: 23×14 → 2×1=2, (2×4+3×1)=11, 3×4=12 → 322. Square numbers: 15² → (10+5)²=100+100+25=225. Practice builds procedural fluency for year 5 maths.

Times table extensions chart to 15×15: ×1112131415 11121132143154165 12132144156168180 13143156169182195 14154168182196210 15165180195210225 Use for mental calculation in Bond papers.

Daily flashcards and apps enhance memory techniques. Combine with visualisation aids for square numbers and patterns. This prepares for independent school maths challenges.

Division Strategies

Chunking division (748÷4: 700÷4=175, 48÷4=12 → 187) solves problems 4x faster than long division, averaging 9 seconds vs 35 seconds. These division methods boost problem solving in 11+ exam. Focus on friendly numbers for speed arithmetic.

Five key strategies: Halving/doubling pairs: 624÷8 → 624÷4=156 ÷2=78. Friendly number chunks: 435÷5 → 400÷5=80, 35÷5=7 → 87. Over-subtract & adjust: 96÷6 → 100÷6=16⅔, adjust down. Compatible pairs: 364÷7 → 350÷7=50, 14÷7=2 → 52. Reverse multiplication: 288÷12 → think 24×12=288. Practice with maths workbooks like CGP books.

Error analysis table: Common MistakeExampleFix Forget remainder748÷4=186Check 4×187=748 Wrong chunk435÷5=87Use 400+35 Over-adjust96÷6=15Estimate 16×6=96 Ignore decimal19÷4=44.75 via halving Review with error analysis for score improvement.

Incorporate spaced repetition and deliberate practice. Parents track with practice papers for time management. This reduces maths anxiety and builds exam technique.

Daily Practice Routines

Consistent 15-minute daily routines using apps like Maths-Whizz and DoodleMaths improve scores, as supported by a meta-analysis on Spaced Repetition Learning in the Journal of Educational Psychology 2019. These routines build arithmetic fluency through short, focused sessions. Parents can preview structured plans with specific apps and progress metrics.

Start with spaced repetition to reinforce times tables and number bonds. Apps adapt to your child's pace, targeting weak areas like division methods or subtraction techniques. Schedule sessions after breakfast for optimal focus.

Incorporate daily drills alongside fun maths games to reduce maths anxiety. Track daily completion to build confidence for the 11+ exam. Combine with parental support for reviewing errors each evening.

Use online resources like Bond papers for variety. This approach fosters mental agility and rapid recall essential for eleven plus success. Adjust routines based on year 5 maths curriculum needs.

Timed Drills Setup

Use 5 apps (Maths-Whizz £39/mo, DoodleMaths £6.99/mo, Mathletics £7/mo, IXL £9.99/mo, Prodigy free) with 100-question daily sets targeting under 25 seconds per question. These tools focus on speed arithmetic for 11+ mental maths. Set up begins with a simple weekly progression.

Week 1 involves 50 questions per day on addition strategies and multiplication tricks. By Week 4, increase to 150 questions, adding fraction basics and decimal handling. Follow a schedule template: 7am drills, 4pm review.

Free resources include Bond Online (£25/yr) and CGP worksheets for offline practice. Parents provide tutor guidance during reviews. This builds mental stamina for timed tests in GL assessment or CEM exams.

Progress Tracking Methods

Weekly diagnostics using CGP benchmark tests track percentile gains through targeted weak area drills. Focus on progress tracking to aim for steady improvement in 12 weeks. Use simple tools to monitor eleven plus readiness.

Create a tracking spreadsheet template with columns for Date | Score | % | Weak Topics | Next Focus. Review raw score trends weekly to spot patterns in mental calculation speed.

• Raw score trends show overall improvement in quick sums.
• Stanine tracking compares age-standardised performance.
• Error logs highlight issues like carry over mistakes.
• Speed graphs plot time per question for arithmetic mastery.

Example: Week 3 shows division at -12%, so focus on chunking strategy next. Analyse errors in money problems or time calculations. This deliberate practice builds a competitive edge for grammar school entry.

Tackling Word Problems

Word problems make up a large part of 11 plus mental maths tests. Many children struggle because reading comprehension fails in maths contexts, as noted in the National Numeracy strategy. This leads to missing key details under exam pressure.

Pupils often misread operations or overlook steps in multi-step questions. The strategy highlights how poor vocabulary recognition affects problem solving. Practice builds links between words and maths actions.

A systematic solving framework changes this. It starts with spotting keywords, then breaks down into steps like drawing models and writing equations. This previews methods to boost accuracy in eleven plus exams.

Regular drills with CGP books and Bond papers help. Parents can support through daily maths practice, targeting weak areas like money or time problems. This builds confidence for grammar school entry.

Key Vocabulary Recognition

Flashcard 50 essential terms like 'per'=divide, 'each'=÷, 'total'=+, 'difference'=-. Aim for quick recognition through daily review. This targets instant recall in 11+ exam word problems.

Use a table to organise vocabulary by category. Practice with quiz-style questions reinforces links. Categories cover money, time, and measures for broad coverage.

Quiz yourself with 20 examples daily using flashcards. Track progress in a notebook for times tables and operation links. Combine with mental calculation for speed arithmetic.

Multi-Step Breakdown

The BAR method solves multi-step problems: Box givens, Arrow operations, Result answer. Example: Train A 60mph, Train B 40mph towards each other 100 miles apart. Close speed 100mph, time 1 hour.

Follow this 5-step protocol for every question. It builds arithmetic fluency and reduces errors in year 6 curriculum tests.

1. 1Circle all numbers and units.
2. 2Underline key words for operations.
3. 3Draw a bar model to visualise.
4. 4Write equations step by step.
5. 5Check units and estimate for sense.

Practice with real exam examples from CGP books. For instance: £45 spent on 3 items at £12 each, how much change from £50? Box: 3×12=36, 50-36=14. Another: Bus leaves at 9:15am, 2hr 45min journey, arrival time? 9:15 + 2hr=11:15, +45min=12:00. Repeat 10 examples weekly for mastery.

This method suits CEM and GL assessments. Parents track via worksheets, building mental stamina. It enhances problem solving for selective school entry.

Exam Day Preparation

Final week protocols boost scores through mock exam simulation and breathing techniques recommended by cognitive research. These methods help students peak on exam day for the 11 plus mental maths section. Focus on consistent practice to build confidence.

Research suggests managing exam anxiety improves performance, as noted in sports psychology reviews. Students often face pressure during eleven plus tests, but simple strategies make a difference. Prepare with day-before and exam-day checklists for smooth execution.

The day before, complete light maths practice like timed drills on times tables and number bonds. Avoid heavy revision to prevent fatigue. Ensure early bedtime and a nutritious meal.

On exam day, arrive early with essentials like pencils and a watch. Review a quick mental calculation warm-up. These steps support mental stamina for the full 11+ exam.

Speed Boosting Tips

Practice the 20-20-20 rule: tackle 20 easy, 20 medium, and 20 hard questions daily to build exam stamina in mental maths. This routine sharpens speed arithmetic for the 11 plus. Students notice quicker solving over time.

Use a question triage system on exam day. Skip any question after 30 seconds, flag it, and return later. In the last three minutes, prioritise easy ones to secure marks.

• Easy questions: quick sums like 7 x 8 or basic addition.
• Medium: subtraction techniques with borrowing.
• Hard: division methods or percentage quick calcs.

Follow this pacing chart by difficulty for timed tests.

This approach enhances time management and arithmetic fluency for GL assessment or CEM exams.

Anxiety Management

The 4-7-8 breathing technique, with a 4-second inhale, 7-second hold, and 8-second exhale, calms nerves before the 11+ exam. Experts recommend it to steady focus during mental maths. Practice daily for best results.

Try these five protocols for stress reduction. First, use a night-before visualisation script: picture solving questions smoothly. Pair it with exam hall breathing sequences upon entry.

• Positive self-talk phrases: repeat "I am prepared for this".
• Physical warmups: shoulder rolls and wrist stretches.
• Combine with daily drills to build a maths mindset.

Positive self-talk boosts confidence building during practice papers. Students report better concentration after regular use. Integrate with error analysis from mock tests for growth.