Below are five of the most challenging sub-topics your child could face on their 11+ exam. These areas are known for costing students marks. For each one, we have included our top recommendations on how you can use Atom Nucleus to develop these skills.
1. Algebra
Algebra first features as a subheading on the National Curriculum under the Year 6 programme of study. However, it is usually included in Grammar School entrance exams in September of Year 6. This means that most students will not yet have covered algebra at school by the time they take their exams. We recommend using custom practices to begin introducing algebra from mid-year 5 to support 11+ preparation. This will also give your child a head start in a topic that will form a large part of the maths curriculum up to GCSE level and beyond.
Our Top Tip:
”Make the most of the lesson library where your child can watch recordings of lessons on Algebra and Equations. When it comes to the most challenging topics it can be very beneficial to see the steps a teacher takes to solve a problem and pick up any tips they have for exam technique!
2. Following Folds
Whilst some students are good at Non-Verbal Reasoning for many it is the most challenging 11+ subject. Following folds questions such as the one below need students to visualise and keep track of many shapes in their head at once.
Our Top Tip:
“When revising one of the best things to do is get an A4 page and a pair of scissors and follow the instructions to make the pattern that is being described. This helps students create a mental representation of how the shapes move and interact with each other for the real exam. Once they understand the method repetition will be key in building confidence.”
3. Comprehension - Inference
Being a confident reader is vital for any entrance exam. Encouraging your child to read varied and challenging texts will not only improve comprehension skills but also spelling, vocabulary and punctuation. Within comprehension 'inference' tends to be the area students struggle with the most. It requires students to form their conclusions based on contextual evidence from the text.
Our Top Tip:
“One fun way to build inference skills is to play ‘prediction’ and ‘storytelling’ games. At the end of a chapter get your child to write down a prediction of what is going to happen next. Another version of this game is to write an alternative ending to a story! Your child can also watch the recordings of previous comprehension live lessons in the lesson library. Type in 'Inference' to the search bar to bring up the relevant lessons.”
4. Worded Problems
Maths worded problems are infamous for costing students marks in 11+ exams. Often the last sentence alters what you think the question is asking so it is important to read the full question carefully. Alongside this confidence converting worded questions into numerical sums will ensure your child gains marks where their peers could be losing them.
Our Top Tip:
"We recommend setting regular custom practices in 'Worded Problems' under the subtopic number > operations in maths alongside Time, Speed and Money under measurement > weights and measures. These questions are frequently displayed as worded problems. Once your child has completed each activity go through the transcript together, reflecting on any corrections and what they would do next time. If the child spots themselves that they didn’t read the question properly, they are far less likely to make the same mistake in the real exams!"
5. Nets and Cubes
Another of non-verbal reasoning, questions involving Nets and Cubes can be one of the areas students struggle with most.
Our Top Tip:
We recommend watching the 11+ Exam Prep: Nets and Cubes live lesson to learn all about the dud rule, opposite rule and orientation rule. Combined, these will help students face any nets and cube questions they may see in the real 11+ exam.
Accurate at time of publishing.