Preparing for the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) assessments requires more than just a good grasp of core maths concepts—it’s all about problem-solving and critical thinking. To help students excel, we’ve gathered some of the best resources that provide excellent practice in these essential skills. Whether your child is aiming for top marks or simply wants to build confidence in maths, these resources will give them the tools they need.
1. More Mathematical Challenges by Tony Gardiner
For students who want to push their mathematical thinking to the next level, Tony Gardiner’s More Mathematical Challenges is a must-have. This book contains questions from the Junior Maths Olympiad, offering challenging problems that encourage deep thinking and creativity. Tackling these problems will help students approach unfamiliar situations with confidence.
2. Understanding Maths – Problem Solving by Steve Mills and Hilary Koll
Mills and Koll have crafted an excellent resource for building problem-solving skills. Understanding Maths – Problem Solving is particularly useful for ISEB preparation because it focuses on the reasoning and application of maths, rather than just memorizing formulas. This book helps students learn how to break down complex questions into manageable steps.
3. Elastic Numbers by Daniel Griller
Elastic Numbers by Daniel Griller is a unique collection of over 100 puzzles, ranging from beginner to more advanced levels. The book starts with simpler problems to help students gain confidence before gradually increasing the difficulty. This makes it perfect for students preparing for ISEB who want to develop their problem-solving skills step by step.
4. BBC Bitesize Maths Problem Solving
BBC Bitesize offers an interactive and engaging introduction to problem-solving. Their website provides clear explanations of various maths concepts and is a great starting point for students who may be less confident in their skills. The topics covered here align well with ISEB preparation, providing a strong foundation in key areas of maths. Explore their maths resources here.
5. Junior Maths Challenge & UKMT Mentoring Sheets
The Junior Maths Challenge (JMC) materials from the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) offer excellent practice for ISEB candidates. These challenges are designed to stretch students beyond the standard curriculum and develop lateral thinking. The UKMT’s weekly mentoring sheets are another fantastic resource, providing ongoing practice in problem-solving. Access JMC resources here.
6. Mathematical Association Puzzles and Resources
The Mathematical Association website offers a wide range of puzzles and resources perfect for students preparing for ISEB. Their collection includes material that will help students think critically and approach problems in creative ways. The variety of puzzles available ensures that students will find something to engage and challenge them. Discover their resources here.
7. The Maths Wizard Challenge
For younger students in Years 4-6, the Maths Wizard Challenge is a fun and effective way to sharpen problem-solving skills. This challenge covers a broad range of topics and encourages students to think outside the box. It’s a perfect way to prepare for the types of questions they’ll face in the ISEB exams. Check it out here.
Conclusion
Using these resources will not only help students prepare for the ISEB exams but also foster a genuine love for maths. The combination of puzzles, challenges, and focused problem-solving exercises ensures that they’ll be well-equipped to tackle any question with confidence. Encourage your child to explore these materials as they prepare for the ISEB or 11+ senior school exams.