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Original poster

Eton assessment afternoon - help! And Tonbridge, too

31 replies

Thereshallbeaspirin · 19/09/2014 11:48

DS going for interviews/assments this month at both the above. Aptitude Tests / assessments themselves not a problem - he's fine on all of these, but not sure what he should expect in terms of the interviews? Anyone got any insight they can share?

DS is a sociable sports-mad and very bright all-rounder, so in theory ought to have enought to talk about, but he is firmly of the view that talking about himself and what he does is 'showing off' so I'm not sure he will sell himself very well, especially if they floor him with something unexpected.

Thx in advance...

OP posts:
Dapplegrey · 21/09/2014 09:29

Thereshall - at the Eton interview my ds was asked about his interests and when he said he liked doing things with his friends, the master asked him 'what do you consider important in a friendship and ds answered ' someone who I like doing things with and someone who I'm loyal to and who is loyal to me".
I think as the others have said, be chatty and enthusiastic.

Original poster
Thereshallbeaspirin · 21/09/2014 09:12

Outgoing and perky should be fine, and we will practice on the 'vague showing off' front - reversing a decade of advice to the contrary which we have drilled into our DCs Grin

OP posts:
Michaelahpurple · 19/09/2014 20:11

He does need to ago off a bit (in a polite way) but most importantly should appear outward- going and perky. Two word answers are unlikely to do it.

ZeroSomeGameThingy · 19/09/2014 15:21

It's a great skill to be able to discern the line between "selling oneself" and "showing off...Grin

From what I remember of the "tour talk" at one of those schools they definitely don't go out of their way to trip little boys up with sneaky questions about global politics or high finance (their example.) Although obviously some broad basic familiarity would help anyone to feel more confident.

What is more important is that your DS can converse with sincerity about why he wants to attend that particular school. If he has no experience of boarding can he say why he thinks he would enjoy it. If he does board - what does he like about it?

Also - beyond being "bright" can he demonstrate, in the space of a few minutes, a genuine enthusiasm for learning? (Without being in the least rehearsed.)

And will he make the place fun???

(Can't help with the other school I'm afraid! Although I'm not sure I've been helpful at all anyway...)

Original poster
Thereshallbeaspirin · 19/09/2014 14:39

Really? For 10yo kids? Confused

My son has asked about stuff like Syria and IS, but even I'm hard pressed to name the current French President.

OP posts:
vjg13 · 19/09/2014 12:13

Not sure for those schools but for the independent selective schools here, the questions at interview have included current affairs, who is the French/USA president, what is happening in Syria etc.

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