Maths is still cool!

As both my children are now in grammar schools, I thought my work, as far as tutoring is concerned, is over. I couldn't be more wrong! Within a week of results being announced, my telephone wouldn't stop ringing. Guess what, somebody wants their kids to know maths. What's more, people want good, thorough education for their children. And I am not talking only about grammar schools, as I was approached by a number of parents begging for classes to boost their children's performance at schools. And you know why? Why are people so eager to put their names on the lists for tuition? Because I get results. I don't beat around the bush and offer half-baked ideas. I don't pat on the back and convince everyone that everything is "lovely". If your child doesn't work and expects a great pass either to grammar school or at GCSE, then there is nothing to talk about. You just carry on dreaming. And I will work with children who know what they have to do.

KS3 Mathematics

For secondary school pupils (year 7-9) I use CGP KS3 Mathematics (levels 5-8). This book is really handy for an individual revision. It also contains answers. I have just ordered an accompanying book: Collins Revision - KS3 Mathematics. I reckon it will be really useful for any child approaching the end of Year 9 ( end of KS3 level). If your child is at this stage and still finds gaps in his knowledge, get into work before it is too late. It is much easier to revise mathematics at the end of Y9 than before the GCSE.

Don't forget these fractions!

1/2 and 1/4 are covered in primary schools, but fraction addition, multiplication, subtraction or division is not always. Don't let your child be caught on the exam unable to solve a simple problem like 1/2 * 4

Go to the any local library, browse KS2 maths books that they have on offer before you buy them and practise these "awful" fractions.
I would recommend browsing through any educational books before buying them, as your child may have strengths in totally different areas to his peers and you will be able to accommodate his needs more by buying more suitable books. 

Verbal reasoning

Susan J. Daughtrey - 11+ Verbal Reasoning
Multiple choice version -  purchased this format - very good.

Second test done, 100% achieved.

Schofield & Sims

I really recommend getting books 1-6 for mental maths practice. When my son was just starting the books, he was very apprehensive of his ability to solve the questions. After a year of constant practice, he is just flying through the books and nothing seems to be too difficult.

He is not even 10 years old, but he has already finished 11+ to 12+ Bond Papers and he started asking for more! (this would not have happened a year ago!)

Division and decimals

4.800 / y =0.240
I ask my son to solve this problem and found out that he forgot how to do it!

So we practised some moe similar questions.

Looking at scale

Good questions in mental maths books involve finding out distance in reality using a scale.
e.g. the scale of a map is 1: 1000,what distance in metres is represented on the map by 1mm?