Think Academy Year 4 Maths Programme | 11+ Preparation UK

Year 4 Mathematics Programme (11+ Preparation Pathway)

A Critical Year for Building Thinking & Exam Readiness

Year 4 is a pivotal stage in a child’s mathematical development. At this point, students transition from learning isolated concepts to building structured thinking systems and interconnected knowledge frameworks.

It is also the year when early preparation for 11+ entrance exams begins.

Students are no longer expected to simply “know” mathematics — they must:

• Understand how concepts connect
• Apply knowledge flexibly in unfamiliar problems
• Develop speed, accuracy, and strategic thinking

This makes Year 4 not just a learning stage, but a turning point in both mindset and performance.

What Will Students Learn in Year 4?

1. Master the 10 Core Problem-Solving Methods

Throughout the year, students will systematically learn and apply 10 essential mathematical thinking methods, including:

• Systematic listing
• Enumeration
• Working backwards
• Trial and testing
• Substitution
• Elimination
• Diagram modelling
• Logical deduction
• Condition transformation
• Recursive thinking

These methods are universally applicable across all primary maths topics and form the foundation for advanced problem solving.

By mastering these methods, students significantly improve:

Problem-solving speed

Accuracy

Logical reasoning ability

2. Build a Complete Mathematical Framework

Our curriculum is built on analysis of 10+ years of 11+ exam papers, covering over 500 exam sets and tens of thousands of real questions

Students will systematically learn the 7 core 11+ maths modules:

• Number & Operations
• Geometry
• Word Problems
• Counting
• Algebra
• Number Theory
• Combinatorics

Year 4 Focus:

• Strengthening Number & Operations
• Mastering Word Problems (Core Priority)

This stage is essential for:

• Bridging Year 3 foundations
• Preparing for advanced topics in Year 5 & 6
• Building a complete mathematical system

3. Develop Abstract Thinking Through Word Problems

Word problems are a key focus in Year 4, making up around 70% of learning emphasis.

Students will:

• Transition from concrete thinking → abstract reasoning
• Learn to model complex scenarios
• Apply multiple strategies to one problem

This is one of the most important steps toward 11+ success.

Start with structured guidance to keep preparation calm and manageable. A free 7+/11+/GCSE maths trial lesson can help your child build confidence, understand exam-style questions, and develop the right pace without unnecessary pressure.

Our Teaching Approach

Data-Driven Curriculum Design

• Built from thousands of real 11+ exam questions
• Categorised by difficulty, topic, and exam frequency
• Focus on high-frequency and high-value problem types

Structured Learning Model

Every lesson follows a proven framework:

Concept → Method → Application

This ensures students:

• Understand deeply
• Apply confidently
• Retain long-term

School Integration

• Lessons start from school-level knowledge
• Extend into deeper and more advanced applications
• Include “school connection” sections to reinforce learning

Class Levels (Differentiated Learning Paths)

Foundation (F)

• Build a complete mathematical thinking system from scratch
• Ideal for students needing structure and confidence
• Focus on fundamentals + 11+ grammar school preparation

Acceleration (A)

• Steady pace with strong reinforcement
• More time for consolidation and understanding

Suitable for:

• Strong school performers
• Targeting grammar schools and mid–top private schools

Mastery (M)

• Faster pace with deeper content
• Covers additional advanced topics
• Higher expectations on independence and thinking

Suitable for:

• Students with prior enrichment
• Aiming for top 10–20 independent schools

Competition (C)

• Advanced extension beyond Mastery level
• Designed for maths competitions (e.g. UKMT pathway)
• Requires selection and strong mathematical foundation

Course Structure

• Start Date: 1st September – 20th December
• Total Lessons: 16 sessions
• Lesson Duration: 90 minutes (including break)
• Class Size: Up to 20 students

Flexible scheduling:

• Weekday evenings or weekend daytime classes available

What’s Included

• Live interactive lessons + full replay access
• Pre-class preparation materials
• Homework with detailed teacher feedback
• Mid-term assessment & progress report
• Direct teacher Q&A support
• Extensive practice question bank

Learning Support & Benefits

Academic Support

• Mid-term exams / 11+ mock tests
• 1-to-1 progress feedback
• Revision sessions to close knowledge gaps
• Expert talks from top school admissions professionals

Learning Resources

• Exclusive study packs based on real 11+ exams
• Monthly calculation workbooks
• Topic-based problem sets
• Full access to past papers (11+, UKMT, etc.)

Entry & Assessment

All new students will receive:

• A free online assessment
• Personalised feedback from teachers
• Recommendation of the most suitable class level

Why Start in Year 4?

Year 4 is where:

• Thinking methods are fully built
• Knowledge becomes structured
• The gap between students begins to widen

Starting early ensures your child:

• Builds strong foundations
• Gains confidence in problem solving
• Is fully prepared for the intensity of Year 5