Maths Foundations
Short lessons for ages 11–14: Number, Algebra, Ratio and percentages, Geometry, Statistics, Money maths. Fresh practice every time, marked instantly, with a check-up at the end of each unit.
Parents’ guide · ages 11–14 · Early secondary
Helping your 11–14 year old learn at home
Moving to secondary school brings more teachers, more subjects and more responsibility. Young teenagers need structure but also want to be trusted. Help them set up systems — a planner, a homework routine, good sleep — and stay interested in what they are learning without taking over.
What children typically learn
Every child develops at their own pace. Use this as a rough map, not a checklist.
- Working with algebra, ratio, geometry and data.
- Writing analytical and persuasive texts and using evidence.
- Studying several sciences, history, geography and a new language.
- Managing a timetable, homework deadlines and their own equipment.
- Learning how to learn: note-taking, testing themselves and spacing out practice.
Everyday activities that help
Most take five to ten minutes and need nothing special.
Weekly planner check
Sit down together for ten minutes on Sunday to look at the week: deadlines, clubs and when homework will happen.
Test, don’t reread
Encourage flashcards and quick self-quizzes instead of rereading notes. Offer to be the quizmaster.
Tech with a purpose
Agree on where devices live at night and which apps help with study. Model the habits you ask for.
Read widely
Novels, comics, news and non-fiction all count. Leave interesting books and articles around the house.
Talk about the world
Discuss the news, a film or a podcast over dinner and ask for their opinion — and their reasons.
When to talk to the teacher or a doctor
These are not signs that something is wrong — they are good reasons to ask. Early conversations help.
- Grades drop suddenly, or your child refuses to talk about school at all.
- They seem withdrawn, very irritable or sad for weeks, or sleep much more or less than usual.
- You notice signs of bullying, including online, or worrying changes in friendships.
- They avoid lessons, are often late or say they feel unwell before school.
- They cannot keep up with reading or writing tasks despite working hard.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s health or development, contact your doctor, health visitor or school.
Practise together
Worksheets and games for this age
Print them or play on screen with instant marking.
Programmes for this age
Logic & Codes
Short lessons for ages 11–16: Sequences and odd ones out, Expert puzzles. Fresh practice every time, marked instantly, with a check-up at the end of each unit.
Study Skills
Short lessons for ages 11–16: Remember more, Plan and focus. Fresh practice every time, marked instantly, with a check-up at the end of each unit.
Collections for this age
Articles for this age
How to Use Flashcards Properly: The Leitner System and Better Cards
How to make flashcards that test real understanding, run the Leitner box system, space your reviews and choose between paper and apps, for ages 9 to 18.
How to Make a Revision Timetable You'll Actually Stick To
A step-by-step guide for teens to building a revision timetable, with an example week, how to adjust it when things slip, and how to avoid burning out.
How to Revise for Exams: Techniques That Actually Work (Ages 13–18)
Active recall, spaced repetition, interleaving, practice papers and sleep, explained with real examples so teens can revise smarter instead of just longer.
Mental Maths Strategies for Kids: Partitioning, Bridging and More
Five mental maths strategies every child should know, with worked examples: partitioning, bridging through 10, compensation, doubling and halving.
Learning Wiki topics
Mean, median and mode
Mean, median and mode are three kinds of average. The mean shares the total out equally, the median is the middle value in order, and the mode is the most common value.
Order of operations
The order of operations is the agreed order for working out calculations: brackets, then powers, then × and ÷, then + and −. UK pupils learn it as BIDMAS; US pupils as PEMDAS.
Ratio
A ratio compares two or more amounts, written with a colon. A ratio of 2:3 means for every 2 of one thing there are 3 of the other.
Active recall
Active recall means testing yourself by pulling information out of your memory, instead of rereading it. It is one of the best-supported ways to revise.
Probability
Probability measures how likely something is to happen, on a scale from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain). A fair coin landing heads has a probability of 1/2.
Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition means reviewing what you have learned several times with gaps in between, instead of cramming it all at once. The gaps help memories last longer.
Track your child’s progress
Your parent dashboard suggests a ten-minute plan for today and builds a printable weekly pack matched to your child’s level.
Questions about ages 11–14
How much homework help should I give a 12-year-old?
Help them plan and get unstuck, then let them do the work. If a task seems far too hard or too long, encourage your child to tell the teacher, or send a short note yourself.
How can I tell normal teenage moods from something more serious?
Moodiness that comes and goes is common. Sadness or withdrawal that lasts weeks, talk of hopelessness or self-harm, or big changes in eating and sleep need prompt help from your doctor.