Do most private independent primaries hothouse them?

[flack]

Local private primary

1. follows national curriculum
2. class sizes of 10-15
3. gives half hour of homework to children in RECEPTION. More and more as they get older.
4. Starts children who are barely 4 on full days when they go into reception (no half time at all).

Isn't 1) unusual?
I think 2) is great.
But isn't 3) and 4) too demanding? Those things really put me off. I would not want my barely 4yo being pushed so hard. What's the advantage of a small class-size if the children need so much reinforcing at home?

I wondered how typical it was, do most indep. primaries push the academics so hard, so early?

I wonder how Non Verbal Reasoning can be seen as a valuable skill? I am glad that I never have to look at another bit of it ever again! Timetabled too - wow - how boring.

A lot of state secondaries use CAT tests for setting. Verbal and non verbal reasoning practice maybe be boring, but it helps a child get into a good set or a school.

I have worked as an exam invigilator with year 7 kids sitting CATS tests and being completely freaked out by them. Its not a nice sight and if schools are going to use such tests there is a lot to be said for children having a bit of practice before hand with plenty of time for questions.

I did verbal, non verbal reasoning test practice at 11 years old and I have to admit I quite enjoyed them in a weird way. They are a bit like solving puzzles. The practice of these tests also help with attitude tests when people apply for graduate recruitment schemes.

Certainly I plan to introduce my state educated son to bit of verbal/ non verbal reasoning when he is a little older. Its good exercise for the brain, rather like a cross word or suduko.