The eleven-plus (11+) is an exam taken by some students in England and Northern Ireland in their final year of primary education, it governs admission to grammar schools and other secondary schools which use academic selection. The exam tests knowledge as well as the ability to problem solve and apply critical thinking.

There are four main subjects tested in 11 Plus exams: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English.

Verbal reasoning is problem-solving based around words and language. It aims to evaluate the ability to think constructively rather than just recognise vocabulary. It is trying to test a child's skill rather than their knowledge. It can include solving word problems, identifying letter and number sequences, deciphering number and letter based codes and following written instructions to come up with an answer.

Non-verbal reasoning is problem-solving using pictures and diagrams. The questions are based around mathematical concepts such symmetry, rotation, mirroring, shape, size and direction, and use diagrams rather than words.

Regular use of the four DoodleLearning apps, DoodleMaths, DoodleEnglish, DoodleTables and DoodleSpell can help your child to prepare for the eleven-plus exam.

The DoodleLearning apps will help learners to develop their knowledge, skills, vocabulary and the ability to problem solve. DoodleMaths and DoodleEnglish include both verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning questions as part of your child's regular work programme. In addition, your child will also be practising the skill of reading/ listening to questions carefully, and following the directions exactly, which can help avoid mistakes caused by misreading questions. The Doodle apps present content in a variety of different ways to ensure that users gain a deep understanding.

On top of their regular work programme you can tailor your child's learning by Setting Assignments to consolidate learning and support areas of weakness and by Setting a Goal for you and your child to feel confident that they have covered the learning that they will need for the exam. In addition, if children are finding any question particularly challenging, and the in app help features aren’t enough, they have the option of saving the question to their Tricky Questions folder. Once they are saved to their Tricky Questions folder, a parent can then help the child with that particular question and support them in this area.

You can monitor your child's progress and understanding on the Parent Dashboard, this will help you to work out your child's strengths and weaknesses and the areas where they need further support well in advance of the exam.

With regular practice and a good understanding of the exam and it's questions, DoodleLearning can help support you and your child in the build up to the eleven-plus exam.