The Trinity-Whitgift-Dulwich-Alleyns 10+/11+ thread 2015

[Firefox1066]

I thought I would take the plunge and start early the 2015 T/W/DC/A 10+/11+ thread that has become an annual staple MN!

This thread has been inspired by the likes of (among others) Ladymuck, Seeline, SoupDragon et al, who have been an amazing resources to people like me in previous years' threads.

Although T & W tend to dominate, I have also included DC and Alleyns as I know a lot of parents these days have DC's sitting for some/all of them.

I hope this thread will continue in the spirit of previous years' thread, with the support, hand-holding and knowledge that has been the hallmark of MN generally but this thread in particular.

Let the fun begin....

Cloe489 - the questions for DC were along the lines of "How would you describe a DC boy?", "How much contact do the boys have with girls?", "When will this year's intake get to use the new Science block?", "What are the 400 year anniversary plans?" (the Head is very keen on talking about that!!).

My favourite was one couple (not in with us but in with a friend) who asked "Do you play rugby here?". My friend almost choked as DC is known as a rugby keen school and they were staring out a window that faced several rugby pitches!!

Hi, I'm new to this group. My DS sat Whitgift and Trinity 11+ exams, I haven't heard anything and getting really nervous. Does that mean that he won't get to interview stage?

Liquorice12- glad I'm not the only one staring at my phone! Too scared to leave the room without my phone ??

Second year running for me as DS did T 10+ and was unsuccessful after reserve list Last year we get a call on the last possible day for interview calls (two weeks to wait was dreadful - we thought the no thanks letter had got lost!). It's equally as torturous this year....had a 'have you been missold PPI?' call earlier. She got short shrift, let me tell you!!!

It is really early for interview calls yet. They will be trying to sort out those boys who are also applying for co-curricular scholarships, so that the dates don't all clash (as they will know which boys are sitting same dates at the other school).

I think last year T started their calls on Tuesday, but they do continue to call into next week, and W goes on even longer.

Hello to everyone! I'm new here & can't stop reading this addictive thread! - some of the information (from previous years threads as well) is extremely useful or at least reassuring - thanks so much to those who share it. We sat T & W exams this year 11+, also still waiting for the calls from the schools, all hopes for the quiet weekend after 3 exams last week were ruined after W started calling on Sat. and our agonising wait started early and still continues...Keep rereading those messages where others say that order of calls does not mean anything to calm my nerves. Also keeping within close distance from the phone. I guess no calls today (after 5pm)...

Thanks ladydepp...those were pretty much the questions that were brought up! I asked about the science block! DS felt that interview went well so I guess it's just a waiting game now! Can't believe I have to wait another whole month to hear back from DC now.
Also still no call from W or T yet.

Anyone had any interviews at W today? Were interviews a similar format to previous years? Usual questions?

Just to reiterate - the order of calls/letters really, really means nothing. We waited TWO WEEKS for a letter from W calling ds for interview.

I was a gibbering wreck, and our recycling bags were heavy and clinking but the lateness of the letter didn't mean a thing. You have to hang on in there (although I absolutely think they need to send out their thanks-but-no-thanks letters ASAP!)

Another newbie here. We live abroad and took the W10+ exam at the local British Council. Plan to fly back for interview if we get the call... but nothing as yet. Getting a bit neurotic to say the least!

Just wanted to say I'm thinking of you all. I remember the wait for the phone call - it's horrible. Been through it again this year with DD, but somehow things seemed more civilised.

Anyone else in the close to 700 strong crowd at Alleyn's today? So many people! DS seemed unconcerned so hope it goes well for him.

Hi everyone, as a nervous mum who can't help checking updates from this group, I would like to make a bit contribution here: just got an e-mail invitation for Scholarship audition from W (they said the letter would be sent by post) , but haven't heard anything about the Interview...so, remember to check your e-mail when waiting for call/letter...

Hello, still waiting for the calls. Keep telling myself to be more hopeful as DS should have done enough at the T&W exams to get through to the interview stage as he did pass exams for couple of grammar schools and they were pretty tough. Last year we did 10+ for T only without preparing and passed but did not get an offer after the intervew so i'm afraid getting an intervew is not garantee of a place! It is not easy to get detailed information out my DS but he said that at the T intervew apart from a chat he was given a text and asked questions on it so I guess they tested his comprehension (which is his weekest point). One thing I wanted to ask if anyone knows:Do interviewers at schools really ask questions like: What is your preferred school? Why do you want to go to (our) school? Surely they shouldn't really be asking such questions as they must know that most people apply to several schools and like them more or less and just hoping to get to one of them, hopefully a favourite, but if not, they would happily consider others. I just think those questions are pointless and making parents uncomfortable. And also there is a tricky matter of discussing with your child at what to say or not to say if asked that. Am I overthinking that?

Im inclined to agree with you mum3074 ...asking the question about the preferred school is a little naughty. I DO think though that asking the boys WHY they want to come to the school is important. We were at pains to make Firefox Jnr (and indeed Firefox III, who is only in Year 2!) rank the schools at the open days and give reasons why he thought he'd thrive at the school. Even though he is only 9 (we are going for 10+) I dont think it's too young to have dc's be able to come up with thinkgs they like and dont like about the school.

Im also not particularly convinced that schools use what you SAY as guidance as to what you will DO. I feel that they probably play the percentages and look at whether you applied to the grammars and where your ds sits in the cohort to best guess as to the likelihood of you taking up a place, if offered.

On a separate note, I have given my brother the key to my house so that he can check for post this afternoon, while Im at work! He asked he "what am I looking for" and I said "I'm hoping NOT to receive a letter from T".....the look of bemusement on his face was priceless!

Mum3074 - with regards to W they do seem to have a reputation to expect to be the first and only choice, but of course know that boys will apply to other schools.

T definitely asked DS why he wanted to come to the school at his 10+ interview. He said because DH had and his grandfather had - the person interviewing laughed and said 'No pressure then!!' In actual fact we had chatted with DS about how good the facilities were and how much he wanted to try out the music things etc beforehand, but obviously that had bypassed DS when questioned. He was not asked at either T or W which his preferred school was.

we're a nice crowd now!
suerte I didn't know one could exams for W at the British Council! Good luck to your son.

To second a previous poster, I also got an email this morning (W) inviting for a Scholarship audition, good sign! But weird to get in an email. They say a letter will follow.

Yeah, we did the same Seeline. We have a DN at T and he is both a music scholar and in the choir, so DS has a ready made reason to go there (he's very very close to his cousin) and has met Mr B, Mr DT etc a number of times already....no good if he hasnt passed the blasted exams though!

Congrats olgius...at least I know that they are looking at 10+ now (even though DS is not going for any scholarships)

Firefox they might be fishing out people that asked for an audition as these need to be done with early on?

Congrats to everyone who heard smth one way or another - all steps in the right direction towards the goal hopefully! I agree it is probably a bit easier to make a passionate speech on your favourite school at the interview but at your second-third favourites - a bit less so. It reminds me a little of those job intervews when employers ask applicants this pointless standard question why they want to work for their company and the applicant is expected to answer that they dreamed about this opportunity for years even if all they want is any good job with a good salary! Seeline - I think the answer about dad and granddad at T was actually perfect - totally natural and cute! :)

Thanks @olguis, W seemed very used to arranging overseas applications, all organised quite seamlessly. They even said DS could do the interview on Skype if we couldn't fly in (though personally can't see that being particularly easy for a 9 year old) Good luck to everyone waiting...

Ok, so I know that W has starting calling boys in for interviews (either by phone or letter) but has ANYONE started hearing back from T yet? (11+). I've no post today at all and no phone call. Just wondering if T has even actually started getting back to people at this point. Thx!

Changing the subject slightly, hope things went ok for your Dd Seeline . Do you have a clear preference from the schools she put in for? I am waiting to hear from RR but Dd has an offer from Woldingham, and that may be the way we go. pros and cons either way!