The Bar Model Summer Course

Course Information

Our Bar Model Course is designed for pupils who want to strengthen their problem-solving skills and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The Bar Model is a world-renowned visual method that helps children make sense of word problems, break them down step by step, and solve them with confidence.

What Are Bar Models?

The Bar Model approach uses simple rectangular bars to represent quantities in word problems. This visual tool transforms complex problems into easy-to-understand diagrams, helping students clearly see the relationships between numbers before calculating the answer. Once mastered, it dramatically reduces the time needed to interpret and solve even the trickiest questions.

Key Benefits of the Bar Model Approach

• Deep Understanding: Bar Modelling builds strong mathematical comprehension, enabling children to retain strategies and apply them flexibly.
• Improved Problem Solving: Word problems are often the hardest part of 11+ maths exams. The Bar Model provides a reliable structure for tackling them effectively.
• Enhanced Reasoning: As a visual method, bar modelling naturally strengthens mathematical reasoning and logical thinking.
• Time Efficiency: By visualising problems quickly, children save valuable time during 11+ exams, allowing more focus on challenging questions.
• Accuracy and Efficiency: With more time to check work, students reduce careless errors and improve overall accuracy.
• Competitive Advantage: Mastering this technique gives pupils a clear edge in 11+ maths entrance exams.
• Confidence Boost: When children can confidently solve complex problems, their belief in their own ability grows—improving performance across all areas of maths.

Pre-requisites

To get the most out of this course, children should already be confident in the following areas:

• Adding and subtracting numbers up to 5 digits
• Multiplying and dividing accurately and efficiently
• Understanding basic fractions, including equivalence and simple addition/subtraction of fractions

Course Structure

This course includes two live lessons per week for five weeks — a total of 10 hours of interactive learning. Lessons are delivered in small groups to maximise engagement and individual attention.

We begin with number-based problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) before progressing to fraction and ratio-based problems using the Bar Model framework.

Lessons take place every Monday and Thursday at 10 am during the Summer Holidays.

This course is ideal for pupils currently in Year 4 or Year 5 preparing for the 11+ entrance exams.

Pre-Recorded Bar Model Course

Families who enrol on this live course can continue their child’s progress with our Pre-Recorded Bar Model Mastery Course — available exclusively to participants for £99 (usual price – an additional £349). This self-paced programme reinforces concepts learned in the live sessions and offers extra practice for long-term success.

Fees

The total course fee is £349 per student as an early bird offer, and then £500 after.