11 plus maths, topic by topic

11 plus maths is built on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, and is usually asked faster and with more steps than in class. The topics fall into 10 areas:

1. Number & Place Value8 topics
2. Arithmetic8 topics
3. Fractions, Decimals & Percentages8 topics
4. Ratio & Proportion4 topics
5. Algebra4 topics
6. Geometry8 topics
7. Measurement4 topics
8. Statistics & Probability4 topics
9. Problem Solving4 topics
10. Exam Skills4 topics

Which of these your child is tested on, and in what format, depends on the school. Its admissions page says which test it uses.

1. 1.1Reading and writing large numbersOne zero can change everything
2. 1.2Rounding numbersLook one digit to the right
3. 1.3Comparing and orderingThe first difference decides it
4. 1.4Roman numeralsSmall before big means take away
5. 1.5Negative numbersCrossing zero? Count both sides
6. 1.6Prime numbers, factors and multiplesShared factors make it smaller
7. 1.7Square and cube numbersA root is not a half
8. 1.8Prime factorisationSplit until every end is prime

1. 2.1Mental addition and subtractionRound to a friendly number, then adjust
2. 2.2Column additionCarry the ten, every time
3. 2.3Column subtractionHow to borrow from a zero
4. 2.4Multiplication tablesBuild the facts you cannot remember
5. 2.5Short multiplicationMultiply first, then add the carry
6. 2.6Long multiplicationTwo small jobs and one zero
7. 2.7DivisionEvery digit needs an answer above it
8. 2.8Order of operationsOne sum, one agreed order

1. 3.1Understanding fractionsMore slices means smaller slices
2. 3.2Equivalent fractionsSame amount, different pieces
3. 3.3Mixed numbers and improper fractionsTurn the wholes into parts first
4. 3.4Adding and subtracting fractionsMake the pieces the same size
5. 3.5Multiplying and dividing fractionsDividing can make it bigger
6. 3.6Decimal place valueMore digits is not more
7. 3.7Converting fractions, decimals and percentagesA fraction is a division
8. 3.8Percentage calculationsGoing backwards? Divide, don't subtract

1. 4.1Understanding ratioPart to part is not part to whole
2. 4.2Simplifying ratiosSame units first, then divide
3. 4.3Sharing in a ratioAdd the parts, find one, multiply
4. 4.4Direct proportionFind one, then scale

1. 5.1Using letters for numbersSide by side means times
2. 5.2Simplifying expressionsOnly like terms combine
3. 5.3Solving equationsUndo the last step first
4. 5.4Sequences and nth termAny term is a calculation

1. 6.1Properties of 2D shapesFold it in your head before you count
2. 6.2Perimeter and missing lengthsPerimeter is a walk, not a space
3. 6.3AreaUse the height that stands up straight
4. 6.43D shapesCount the edges you cannot see
5. 6.5Volume and capacityVolume means multiply, never add
6. 6.6Types of angle and measuringGuess first, then read the scale
7. 6.7Angle factsKnow the total, find what is left
8. 6.8Position and coordinatesAlong the corridor, then up the stairs

1. 7.1Metric unitsKilo means a thousand
2. 7.2Imperial units and conversionsDecide which unit is bigger first
3. 7.3TimeMinutes do not work like decimals
4. 7.4Speed, distance and timeOne triangle, three formulas

1. 8.1Representing dataRead the key before the chart
2. 8.2AveragesPut them in order first
3. 8.3Data analysisWhich row, which column
4. 8.4ProbabilityCount counters, not colours

1. 9.1Multi-step and checkingAnswer the question that was asked
2. 9.2Working backwardsUndo every step, last one first
3. 9.3Pattern problemsFind the rule, jump to any term
4. 9.4Logic puzzlesLet the clues do the work

1. 10.1Managing time in a timed paperTwo passes beat one stubborn question
2. 10.2Common mistakes and checkingCatch the slip before it costs a mark
3. 10.3Mental strategiesEstimate first, then use the options
4. 10.4Learning from a mock paperThe score is not the useful part