This page has been put together to help you practise and revisit some of the brilliant skills you’ve learned all through primary school.

It’s a great way to boost your confidence in Maths and get you ready for the exciting next step into Year 8!

It's time to race the clock! In this section, you will learn:

• why speed and accuracy are both essential for any test
• how to manage your time (eg don't get stuck on one hard question)
• strategies for answering questions quickly and carefully
• how to build your confidence by practising under pressure

In any test, you have a time limit. It's not just about getting the right answer but getting the right answer in time. Many pupils find this the hardest part. The only way to get better is to practise.

A timed practice challenge helps you build your mental maths speed. You might have 5 minutes to answer 20 questions on multiplication, or 10 minutes to solve 5 multi-step word problems.

The goal is to train your brain to find the answer quickly but also accurately. There is no point being fast if all your answers are wrong! Accuracy must come first, then you can work on getting faster.

Here are some top strategies to use when you're working against the clock.

• Read the question properly: Rushing and misreading 'add' as 'subtract' is a very common mistake. Always read the whole question carefully before you start.

• Don't get stuck: This is the most important rule! If you have spent more than a minute on a question, 'flag' it (mark it) and move on. You can come back at the end if you have time. It is better to answer 5 easy questions than to spend 5 minutes stuck on one hard one.

• Know your basics: Your times tables, number bonds and division facts should be instant. If you have to stop and work out 7 x 8, you are losing valuable seconds. These timed challenges will show you which areas of number you need to practise.

Time's up! Well done. You've seen how important it is to practise against the clock.

Remember, the goal is accuracy first, then speed.

Know your maths facts, manage your time and don't get stuck on one question.

This is the key to feeling confident and calm.

Think about these questions to stretch your thinking and sharpen your skills!

• What does it mean to ‘not get stuck’ on a question? What is a good strategy to use if you find a question too hard?

• Which area of maths do you feel fastest in (eg addition, times tables, fractions)?

• Which area of maths do you feel you need to practise to get faster?

Have a chat about your answers with a parent, teacher or your class.