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Original poster

Please help me prepare for numeracy and literacy tests

26 replies

LockedOutOfMN · 06/08/2018 23:06

Taking these soon for imminent QTS. Very worried as I've failed the online practice tests miserably.

How can I prepare?

Also, what do I need to take to the test centre in terms of paperwork? There are different requirements listed on different parts of the D. of E. website and I can't seem to get through to them on the phone, and no response to 2 emails I've sent.

Please help me - very very anxious.

OP posts:
FannyCornforth · 07/08/2018 04:31

Hi! The best book for the numeracy test is by Tom O'Toole, you can get it from Amazon. I bought all the available books, and that one really is excellent. Don't bother with the Mark Patmore book. I also joined Numeracy Ready which has lots of practise tests, and I joined another online thing which I can't remember the name of. You just have to do lots and lots of practise, I'm afraid. You will get better, especially with the mental maths. For the maths test I studied for several hours a day for weeks. I'm not very good at maths! I'm also in my forties, so was very rusty.
I wasn't worried about the literacy test, as English is my thing. Unfortunately, there's not as much help available out there for the literacy as there is for the numeracy.
Don't go for your tests until you're feeling much more confident. I found the actual test easier than the Numeracy Ready tests. When I did mine (2016) you were only allowed three attempts, but I hear now that there are no limits. You definitely have to take either your driving license or your passport to the test centre. To be honest, I was in a terrible state when I took mine, on betablockers and diazepam, as I was so nervous, but like I say, you could only have three goes then. I passed first time though, but only due to the hours I put in. Anything else, just ask! Hope I've been helpful.

Original poster
LockedOutOfMN · 07/08/2018 04:38

Really helpful, thanks FannyCornforth. I just keep running out of time on the mental maths, I freeze as soon as I start to hear each question. I'll certainly follow your advice. Thanks again.

OP posts:
FannyCornforth · 07/08/2018 05:33

You're welcome. You really will get better. They really are so scary, aren't they, but you'll be fine. If I could pass the numeracy test, anyone can. All the best.

ForeverBubblegum · 07/08/2018 06:57

Wright down the key numbers on the first read out of the question, then start working straight away. You just get use to tuning out the repeat so you have slightly longer to work.

Original poster
LockedOutOfMN · 07/08/2018 16:07

Thanks again - starting to feel a bit better. Just got to keep practising and try not to blank out during the tests.

OP posts:
HopeClearwater · 07/08/2018 16:15

Wright down the key numbers

Are you for real? Confused

FannyCornforth · 07/08/2018 16:28

I hope not. I wouldn't want Forevers tips on passing the Literacy Skills Test...

Feenie · 07/08/2018 16:41

I'd be careful what you say, Fanny - you misused the word 'practise' more than once in your post!

ForeverBubblegum · 07/08/2018 16:50

OK tip two, don't type quickly on a small phone with autocorrect whilst bf a kicking toddler. I left him at home when I sat the test and it helped considerably.

FannyCornforth · 07/08/2018 16:51

No I didn't Feenie . I know the difference between 'practice' as in how to do something, or 'action as opposed to theory' (as the OED has it) eg ' it is good practice to wash one's hands', and 'practise' to do something to get better, or to improve: eg 'practise your spellings'. I am also aware that I missed out a possessive apostrophe in my previous post.

Feenie · 07/08/2018 16:54

Yes, you did.

also joined Numeracy Ready which has lots of practise tests

Incorrect - they are practice tests.

You just have to do lots and lots of practise

Incorrect - should be practice.

I'd give up now if I were you!

AnduinsGirl · 07/08/2018 16:55

Fanny, you are wrong and Feenie is correct. "Practice" is the noun; "practise is a verb." In the contexts of your first post, you were incorrect.

FannyCornforth · 07/08/2018 17:00

Sorry everybody!

ohreallyohreallyoh · 09/08/2018 12:28

Speak to your university - I did the tests in a crossover year - so we had three attempts but we were allowed to start the course before passing and as I finished the PGCE, it had changed to 3 attempts and pass before the course starts. The uni I was at employed a maths teacher to help those of us who were struggling but cynically, it was about not losing bodies on the course cos people were failing. It is interesting that it has returned to unlimited attempts - that’ll be the recruitment/retention thing!

Clavinova · 09/08/2018 21:07

"Practice" is the noun; "practise" is a verb

The same rules apply for "licence" and "license" Wink

Feenie · 09/08/2018 23:07

See also advice and advise, device and devise, etc.

It's a Y6 spelling objective - personally, I would put it on this Literacy test!

Original poster
LockedOutOfMN · 10/08/2018 17:36

Thanks again, all. Test's next week. I've found all your advice really helpful, and it's boosted my confidence too.

OP posts:
FannyCornforth · 10/08/2018 19:22

All the very best to you! Let us know how you got on please Locked.

Original poster
LockedOutOfMN · 17/08/2018 22:15

Passed both. SO relieved!!

OP posts:
FannyCornforth · 18/08/2018 07:57

Well done! Excellent!

Original poster
LockedOutOfMN · 19/08/2018 22:18

Thank you to everyone who offered me advice and support on this thread - it really really helped. I am so grateful to you all.

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 20/08/2018 18:26

Why did I think you were already a teacher?

Changebagsandgladrags · 20/08/2018 20:39

Well done!

Original poster
LockedOutOfMN · 21/08/2018 19:57

I am noblegiraffe. Just working backwards and getting QTS (I hope).

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 21/08/2018 20:04

Good to know I’m not going mad! Good luck with QTS!