Preparing for High School

Is you son or daughter ready to make the big jump from Year 6 to Year 7?

It’s an exciting time. The new independence and challenges that high school brings make the transition from primary to secondary one of the biggest steps young people face.

In Year 7 students step up in Maths as well. They get introduced to Algebra and Geometry problems which lay the foundation for the GCSE course in Year 11. It’s best to be prepared.

Top tips for success in high school maths:
1. Get organised! – Make sure they have all the equipment necessary for school. (Scientific Calculator, pencil, pen, ruler, protractor, compass, eraser)
2. Practice! – Students should put some extra time in at home to study and practice what they are learning at school. This will really help them keep up with the work.
3. Ask! – Encourage students to ask their teacher if they are stuck. Teachers want to help. Either ask in lesson, or ask during break or lunchtime.

Essential Topics

Students must know some key topics from primary school to be prepared for secondary school maths. In my view, the following are key:

Fractions
Students must be able to add, subtract, multiply or divide fractions.
They must also be able to find a fraction of an amount.
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Students must be able to convert between all 3 types of number. They should be able to convert ⅗ into a percentage or decimal.
They should also be able to find a percentage of an amount.
Area and Perimeter
Students should be able to find the area and perimeter of squares, rectangles and triangles.
This should also apply to compound shapes.
Numeracy
Finally, students must be able to do all the common complex numeracy with pen and paper: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing upto 4 digit numbers.
UKMT
Problem solving and logical thinking practice. This is great for higher ability students who are ready to push themselves with more challenging maths. This does require a strong foundation in other areas of maths first.

Click here for Addvance Videos on Fractions
Transum Link to Fractions Practice
Exam Questions on Fractions
(answers)

Addvance Video Link for FDP
Addvance Video Link for Percentage of an Amount
Transum Link for Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Conversions

Addvance Video Link to Area and Perimeter
Addvance Video Link to Compound Areas
Transum Link

Transum: Long Division

UKMT
Addvance has a page covering all the UKMT resources and tips.

Below is a video explaining the GCSE Maths course. This course is what we start preparing for in Year 7 all the way upto Year 11. I think it may also be helpful context.