Hints. Tips. Advice.

The Sage’s Spellbook

Writings from The Revision Wizard to help you make your learning journey more magical.

  1. A free printable practice pack for KS2 and the 11+: eighteen questions built around the mistakes children actually make in spelling, times tables, fractions, SPaG and verbal reasoning, with the answers and a one-line fix for each.

    Six printable sheets covering the spelling, times table, number, SPaG and verbal reasoning mistakes children actually make, with a one-line fix for each. Free, with the answers, and no sign-up needed to take it.

  2. Nearly every child who gets a block counting question wrong gets it wrong the same way. It is not a reasoning failure and it is not a maths failure. It is one specific habit, and it takes about a minute to fix.

    Block counting is the most commonly missed non-verbal reasoning question type in the 11+, and almost always for the same reason. Here is the method, the trap, and practice questions with worked answers.

  3. Twenty questions on apostrophes, ten out of ten, and nothing left a week later. It is one of the most reliable findings in learning research: the practice that feels the most productive is usually the practice that sticks the least.

  4. If your child is heading into Year 6 this September, the 11+ is probably front of mind. But with so much conflicting information online, it's hard to know exactly what's on the paper – and what actually matters. Here's a clear, honest breakdown of what's tested, how it works, and how to prepare without burning out.

    The Kent Test is GL Assessment format - four sections, same day, September of Year 6. Here's exactly what's tested, what the scores mean, and how to prepare without burning your child out.

  5. A strong vocabulary is one of the biggest advantages a child can have when sitting the 11+ exam. It improves comprehension, boosts confidence in verbal reasoning sections, and makes creative writing more vivid and expressive. With hundreds of possible words to learn, it helps to start with high-impact words that frequently appear in 11+ practice material.

    Top 10 Vocabulary Words Your Child Needs for the 11+

  6. Verbal reasoning tests are a crucial part of exams like the 11+ and SATs, assessing how well students understand and process language. While many parents focus on improving their child’s logic and problem-solving skills, one hidden challenge often goes unnoticed — VOCABULARY.

    Verbal Reasoning: The Hidden Vocabulary Challenge You Must Prepare For

  7. With National Offer Day for secondary school places happening next week, it’s the perfect time to talk about the eleven-plus (11+) examination. If you live in an area with academic selection, you might already be thinking about this important step in your child’s journey.

    National Offer Day for Secondary School Places

  8. A strong vocabulary is key to your child’s success in reading, writing, and communication. The more words they know, the better. It helps with being able to express themselves clearly, understand new concepts, and excel at school... Here are my top five simple and fun ways to help your child expand their vocabulary at home, whatever their age.

    Five Easy Ways to Boost Your Child's Vocabulary at Home

  9. If you’ve ever tried getting your child to sit down with a list of words to memorise, you probably know the struggle. Eyes glaze over. Sighs get louder. And suddenly, everything - *even tidying their room* - seems more appealing than studying. Discover how fun, interactive vocabulary games can boost your child’s confidence and help them ace SATs, 11+ exams, and beyond!

    Why Vocabulary Games Are a Game-Changer for Exam Prep