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3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ Support Thread 2021

82 replies

Thunderball1 · 21/01/2021 23:44

Creating a forum for stressed out parents undertaking a particularly difficult assessment path in these days of Covid.

I can only offer support as I'm equally worried as most parents having to record their children and send in video footage of them being particularly clever and those having to do zoom assessments for 3/4 year olds.

Wishing everyone luck and a peaceful mind!

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KimchiLaLa · 25/01/2021 12:26

Thanks Thunderball1 - there's another thread on this but labelled 2020 so confusing!

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MickeyMinnie · 25/01/2021 12:47

Thanks @Thunderball1 for starting this new thread!
Asking on behalf of a mum - has anyone heard back from JAGS for 4+ entry?

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DirtyDancing · 25/01/2021 13:38

@MickeyMinnie waiting for JAPS 4+ news... on edge of my seat!

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Thunderball1 · 25/01/2021 13:54

I saw the other group and realised how confusing it was so created 2021.

I hope it helps

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SouthLondonMommy · 25/01/2021 14:09

@MickeyMinnie we heard we were shortlisted last week Tuesday and were asked to submit a video of our daughter doing some activities by Friday at 5pm.

Final offers are due by this Friday January 29th. I hope that helps.

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KimchiLaLa · 25/01/2021 17:10

It's all so nerve wracking isn't it? We're only doing 3+ too lol!

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MickeyMinnie · 25/01/2021 17:15

Thanks for creating this thread @Thunderball1, and thanks for the info on JAPS @SouthLondonMommy!
This year has been particularly tough for parents and children going through assessments. Many schools are having to work out what to do at the last minute, children are having to adjust to taking tests that are different from past years, and some parents have been kept in the dark as to what’s going on. I guess it’s up to all of us parents to keep each other informed (and sane!). Thanks everyone!

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MickeyMinnie · 25/01/2021 18:06

Yes it is @KimchiLaLa!

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DirtyDancing · 25/01/2021 18:28

Is JAPS sending letters or emails do you know? TIA

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SouthLondonMommy · 26/01/2021 20:14

@DirtyDancing its going to be an email thank goodness!

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DirtyDancing · 26/01/2021 20:19

If I refresh my the Mail on my phone much more I’ll end up with RSI!!

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Newt432 · 26/01/2021 20:23

Anyone from Dulwich prep 3+ entry?

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KimchiLaLa · 27/01/2021 19:35

Anyone had any updates from...anywhere?

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DirtyDancing · 27/01/2021 21:00

Just popped on to ask the same.. nope! 4+ should be Friday.. next week for our 7+ results. I may have an aneurism! The CAT4 test crashed twice on DS this week in one test & he has to do it again. So annoying!

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KimchiLaLa · 27/01/2021 21:15

Sounds awful! I think it's worse that we are living through it in real time as it were, ie some of us obviously sat through the video calls (well I did one), etc. There's lots more to analyse and ponder Grin

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DirtyDancing · 27/01/2021 21:32

Same! One of us is in the next room, listening to the whole thing. I don’t think I breathed once. We are also going to see exactly what DS has written in the interview for the literacy element.. and I think sometimes I’d rather not know!

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LondonGirl83 · 28/01/2021 09:43

Alleyns said they would be restarting their process in early February and emailing out new assessment dates but we haven’t heard anything and can’t get through to the registrar.

Has anyone heard anything from them? I’m hoping we haven’t missed an important email!

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LondonGirl83 · 28/01/2021 10:37

Never mind, the email just came through! Assessment will be next Friday and Saturday in person

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DirtyDancing · 28/01/2021 15:05

I am really surprised they have decided to do them in person!

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LondonGirl83 · 28/01/2021 16:47

Yes, they say it’s because they did half the candidates in December so want to be fair. However, it’s strange as the situation is not really better now than when they postponed a few weeks ago. I think they realised there is no certainty about when things will be back to normal and don’t want to people to withdraw after accepting elsewhere. As it is a parent will have to pay a deposit at JAGS before knowing about Alleyns this year as it’s all out of whack. They usually are perfectly aligned.

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DirtyDancing · 28/01/2021 17:52

That’s interesting from a waiting list perspective. Might mean there is more movement this year.

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SouthLondonMommy · 28/01/2021 18:14

Yes, I think JAGs will over offer / have a larger waiting list than usual. Emails are tomorrow night so not much longer to wait!

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Goostacean · 28/01/2021 18:20

Woo, glad to have found this thread! We only have one application in, for 3+ at Arnold House (NW London). Had a video call with the head over two weeks ago and now no news... Just want to know what the plan is going forwards, so we can plan.

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DirtyDancing · 28/01/2021 19:40

@SouthLondonMommy what does ‘over offer’ mean? Is it offering to more children, than actual places, in the expectation some will drop out? Would they ever end up with too many kids?!

I didn’t realise it was tomorrow evening, that will save me looking at my phone every 5 mins. Also means I can have wine straight away whatever the outcome!

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SouthLondonMommy · 28/01/2021 20:30

@DirtyDancing yes and all schools over offer. The degree to which they do depends on if they are typically most applicants first, second, third etc choice. Alleyn's headmaster confirmed they over offer in one of the zoom events.

Schools are pretty good at knowing how much to over offer by. They are cautious and prefer to err on the side of too few over offers which is why they also use waiting lists. Though a waitlist can be tricky as people move on and pay deposits elsewhere so schools can't rely on that alone.

Theoretically a school could end up too full but there usually is a range. For instance Alleyns reception intake is between 18-20 not a fixed number.

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