Numeracy skills test worries

[CryingInFrontOfStrangers]

I have been offered a pgce place to do secondary English. I'm really excited and looking forward to it, but now I have to get through the numeracy skills test. I haven't done any real maths for 11 years years and my mental maths skills especially are so rusty. That's the part I'm most worried about. I can answer the questions... eventually, I'm just far too slow. Has anyone got any tips?

Do all the on-line practice papers, and get any that you can in different formats. I got a set for the kindle, and did several on a 5 hour train journey.

Don't do the test until you're pretty confident you'll pass first time. Once you're on to your second time, and then fail, the stress for the third time is massive.

And good luck. If it's only speed you'll get there.

Practice, practice and practice! The more you do the easier it becomes. There's books apps ect that can help. If you're consistently not getting a particular question type correct think about a tutor for a session or two to help.

Many providers offer support sessions for those holding offers that you might want to go to too.

I was in your position this time last year. I agree with the above poster, lots of practice with the online tests, I also used a couple of books as I was so rusty. I took the test when I was pretty sure I'd pass (in May in my case). Took both tests together which was fine. Don't forget there's an on-screen calculator for the second maths part, practice using it. Use the practice question to quickly write down any timetables you aren't confident in. YouTube has lots of helpful videos too. Good luck.

I got myself some tuition with a resourceful previous year PGCE maths student. Cheap and focused! My university also employed a tutor to do group work with people who were struggling - again focused on the matter in hand. Have a look at the uni website to see if they are doing anything. More than anything you need your timestables. I would also advise not trying to do the test until you feel you can pass - the stress of not getting it first time is hellish!

I recently had a look at these tests out of interest as DS is applying to do secondary Maths teaching. He's doing a Maths degree so it was the English he was practising.

I must admit I was surprised at how challenging the tests were, I had assumed they were very basic. I could see that the English test was designed to trip you up with subtle differences in multiple choice answers.
My maths dates back to O level in the 70s so I was even rustier that you OP. Much of it was really just arithmetic and not difficult apart from time constraints. There were an awful lot of graphs though, many formats were unfamiliar to me.

Maybe worth going through a GCSE Maths revision guide?
Sharpen up your mental maths by never using a calculator and actively doing day to day calculations.

Passed my literacy test today. I'm not attempting the numeracy test until I feel better prepared. Thanks for the tips everyone, much appreciated. I've just booked myself on a support session with the uni I have an offer from.

A sympathetic primary NQT gave me a crash course in mental maths. It's hard when you're rusty, practice, practice, practice and good luck!

Hi OP when I was preparing for my numeracy skills test last summer (which I was so nervous about!), I was recommended a website called Numeracy Ready by someone who'd just passed her test. You have to pay a bit to access extra tests after a free trial, but it was so helpful! I also used a book called Passing the Numeracy Skills Test by Mark Patmore, which again I found hugely useful. Hope this helps! :)

Numeracy Ready was brilliant when I was doing my QTS test, worth paying for.
I also used Kahn Academy for revision.
I ate Rescue Remedy pastilles and drank hot chocolate for a full hour before the test too, it seemed to work!