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GL Mathematics preparation for QE Barnet
Strong 11+ Mathematics preparation is more than faster arithmetic. It is accurate reading of a diagram, graph, timetable or number line, followed by a short route that can be checked.
Build the core families
| Family | What to practise | First representation |
|---|---|---|
| Number and calculation | Place value, operations, factors, fractions, decimals and percentages | Estimate or write a number sentence |
| Ratio and proportion | Scaling, sharing, rates and inverse reasoning | Make equal parts or a unitary step |
| Measurement | Units, time, money, perimeter, area and capacity | Write the units beside each value |
| Geometry and position | Angles, shapes, coordinates, symmetry and transformations | Draw or annotate the shape |
| Data and statistics | Tables, charts, scales, totals, range and comparisons | Read the scale before the values |
| Problem solving | Several linked steps in an unfamiliar context | State the requested quantity first |
The GL Mathematics material is a familiarisation source. It shows useful families and a separate answer-sheet routine, but it is not a QE paper and its timing is not the QE local duration.
Use a four-line problem-solving route
- Name what the question asks for, including the unit.
- Extract the values and relationships that can change that answer.
- Calculate in the shortest clear chain, using a diagram or table when it reduces the load.
- Check the result against the wording, unit and approximate size before choosing an option.
Worked example Keep the unit visible
A recipe uses of a litre of water for one batch. A family makes four batches. How many millilitres of water are needed?
Why this works: The fraction is applied to the number of batches, then litres are converted to millilitres.
Why the tempting route fails: Stopping at 3 without the requested unit, or multiplying by 4 before identifying the fraction, makes the check harder.
Practise no-calculator checking
- Use known fraction and percentage relationships before reaching for a written method.
- Estimate the size of an answer before calculating exactly.
- Use the inverse operation to test a result when that is quicker than repeating it.
- Look for a scale, unit conversion or hidden second step before selecting an option.
Build a calm Mathematics rhythm
- Start with a short single-family set and explain the route aloud.
- Mix two families and include at least one diagram, chart or multi-step context.
- Use a labelled GL familiarisation practice clock only after the route is secure.
- Review skips and guesses, then return to the 476-question bank for the exact repair.
Sources
QE Barnet entrance-test FAQs. The school's calculator, marking and format boundaries. Read the FAQshttps://www.qebarnet.co.uk/admissions-information/secondary-transfer-entrance-test-faqs/
GL Mathematics familiarisation material. A source for observing Mathematics families and practice mechanics. Open the GL Mathematics materialhttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0681/5498/2630/files/maths.zip
GL Assessment free materials. The familiarisation landing page and its school-specific warnings. Read GL's guidancehttps://11plus.gl-assessment.co.uk/pages/free-materials
The worked example and route are original. The course does not reproduce GL diagrams, wording or answer options.