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Original poster

Interview at westminster

38 replies

IndeCandidate · 26/12/2022 18:05

What do you guys recommend? children in formal / casual ?

the email says if we get invited it will be 20 min so any idea on questions ?

Warm regards And many thanks in advance

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Original poster
IndeCandidate · 08/01/2023 13:47

@crazymama123 ok must be different process for 13+ as we are doing 11+

Wish you all the best

@Lightsabre - that what scares me as we are very average family n very average income n I hope school atmosphere is accommodating to bright kids from different backgrounds.

are children from middle class families locked down upon or bullied? As we cannot afford that lifestyle

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Lightsabre · 08/01/2023 13:32

Ds sat the exams and interviews several years ago for 11+ entry so the format may have changed . He's a sixth former now.

He was also preparing for the super selective grammar schools so had been tutored for approximately a year prior to the WUS exam. We had a good idea that he would do well in the exam as he'd sat the Sutton grammar/Wallington mock tests in Year 5 and was in the top 10 for both. He also had Cats test at his primary school in year 5 and 6 and was consistently 135-141 across the board so we knew the academics/test weren't going to be a problem. Having said that, he was quite intimidated on the second test day as there were pupils who'd flown in from places like Hong Kong and a fair few chauffeurs and Rolls Royces.

It was the interview we were less sure about due to his shy nature.

crazymama123 · 08/01/2023 12:57

Interesting. We’ve been given information about both the exam and the interview. We’re doing 13+ so I don’t know if that’s the same for you?

Original poster
IndeCandidate · 08/01/2023 11:18

@crazymama123 is if for 13+ or 11+?

we are only told abt 14th Jan written exam n interview date only if clear exam on 14th .
but no further requirements revealed on interview as such

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crazymama123 · 08/01/2023 10:51

From the email they sent us, it looks like it’s a one on one interview where they have to present on a topic they’ve done at school that they’ve found interesting or challenging. It doesn’t mention any group interview or interview in pairs.

ttbn · 08/01/2023 10:31

Hi all. Would you be able to advise whether there are any group activities or interviews in pairs as part of their process? We were really not expecting to get to this stage for Westminster and now very lost! Thank you for any tips.

Original poster
IndeCandidate · 26/12/2022 22:37

@CrankyP thank you for encouragement

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CrankyP · 26/12/2022 21:30

DS went for Great school entrance so was training at his prep for roughly a year in advance plus the school knew he would arrive prepared at 13. For 11+ doing a few practice tests can’t hurt I guess but it’s too late for a big work programme. I am sure the school would be used to boys not being polished at that age and very experienced at seeing a potential fit.

Original poster
IndeCandidate · 26/12/2022 19:28

@Lightsabre thanks a million. That’s really helps . I was so confused that do we need to go for specialist tutors who are charging£150 per session which I surely can’t afford. Was feeling so guilty to let him go unprepared.
what a relief. Thank you.

then it means interviews wouldn’t last 20 min , isn’t it? Must be like 30-40 min

@ItsACrater n @CrankyP thank you so much

is written paper for second round very hard ?any idea which papers we can compared it to ? We were thinking to let him try one or two before exam just to give him timed practice.
will the invigilators announce 30 min /10 min
So that kids don’t get distracted n leave half the paper

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Original poster
IndeCandidate · 26/12/2022 19:22

Thank you

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Lightsabre · 26/12/2022 19:00

Is this for 11+?

Ds went in school uniform which was quite informal. Given a poem to explore, a short session with a maths teacher who 'taught' a concept then have a question based on the concept. Then interview with both heads - usual stuff, what are your interests, what books do you read. My Ds was a very shy boy but academic and was offered a place.

CrankyP · 26/12/2022 18:32

Some boys turn up in a suit but that is definitely a small minority. Just go in a polo and nice jumper, trousers and clean shoes. Westminsters are chosen for academic ability and relaxed, confident, erudite thinking, not on tailoring. So, don’t worry too much, unless it makes him feel better.

ItsACrater · 26/12/2022 18:06

Sorry not done this interview but schools round here that interview kids tend to go in their current school uniform. I could have that wrong!