ALL NEW; WHITGIFT/TRINITY/DULWICH/ALLEYNS 10+/11+ 2016

[MrsPatmore]

Thought I'd go ahead and start. Found the old threads really interesting and would welcome ongoing input from those who've been through the whole process.
Ds in Year 5 and we are looking at a mixture of grammar schools and indies for 11+ Whitgift recommended this year - we've been told there is a drive to raise academic standards. We're going to the Open afternoon on 10th Nov.

Yes ours is tomorrow at 9:30, poor boy is shattered but LOVED day at T today.

Sorry just realised you probably referring to W, we got letter today for Monday interview, don't worry as we have loads of friends that are still waiting

Yes we didn't apply to T. Am really worrying that it's taking so long!

So glad he enjoyed!

Provencal - they don't invite children to the sports assessment if they have no intention of interviewing them so you don't need to worry!

Thank you. They did say this when I rang them but I'm a worry-wart at the best of times

Interview has come through for 27th

Anyone heard from Alleyns re the interviews yet?

We also just got a call to arrange a Trinity interview for next week.

The lady said she still had lots of calls to make.

Sorry to de-rail this slightly. I have been reading with interest (went through this with DS 18 months ago...)
Now DD is in Y5 and options are more difficult. Is there a girls version of this thread for SE London?

Sydenham there is a girls SW London thread but think it includes Dulwich schools so might be worth looking at

Trinity is supposed to carry on interviewing until 3 Feb, so if anyone is still waiting for a call, I suppose we just need to be patient...

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/2419877-Is-it-too-early-to-start-a-2016-girls-11-W-SW-London-thread

Alleyn's letters are being received today. Not in this this year but wishing you all well.

DS has been invited to interview on 30th at Alleyn's. Very pleased for him as DC not interested.

Any tips for the interview? He's articulate and happy talking to everyone, but would be nice to give him a bit of guidance. We've not been taking it as seriously as some and I have felt we rather let him down on the prep side.

Hi
Has anyone had a call back yet for 11+ rugby or cricket next week?

Radiatorvalves - ds has interview at Alleyns on 30th as well.

The letter sounded like it would be a general chat - I wonder if the academic scholarship interviews are more focused? I think being confident and enthusiastic are key. Able to look the interviewer in the eye that sort of thing?

when it says they discuss their interests - guess it would be good to think about which interest they want to flag? my ds tends to go off on tangents talking about things he's not that au fait with -when actually I wonder if talking about the choir/karate/football wouldn't be better?

am delighted he has got through to the next stage but have no clue as to what the odds are now - am hoping we'll get more facts on the day?

Radiator for the Emanuel interview I printed off a number of questions from the Internet and we talked through them. It was really useful as it gave him some ideas and he actually talked around things more than I expected.

Anyone else but me worrying about what they should wear (as in me not him) to the W interview?

My friend had W interview on Monday and said it was very relaxed and no hard questions, more about his interests and to describe himself in 3 words, and think he had to read a passage.

We had our T interview and DS got a very hard maths question, and had to read a passage and was then asked questions on the passage. Asked what he wants to be when he grows up and why. We had a meeting with HM and as expected lovely and relaxed and was given the opportunity to ask him questions.

HTH

Thanks Fleur, Provençal and NN. Great ideas....I think he will be fine, but as ever, running through a few questions / having a mock interview is always a good idea. He can chat about most things, but having a bit of focus when faced with an open ended question is probably a good idea.

Good luck to all. Maybe we'll see you Fleur??

Things to think about for interview (but I wouldn't 'rehearse' them as such, just get DSs to have a think)
Favourite subject at school - why
What are they reading at the moment, favourite book, author - why
Hobbies, interests, achievements
Have one eye on the news/current affairs
strength/weaknesses

Have them think if there are any questions they might want to ask.

Think about walking into the room, smiling, handshaking and greetings etc

But remember, all the interviewers know 10-11 yo boys. They've come across all the types before. They want to get the best out of your DSs. My DS actually ended up quite enjoying the experience.
Good luck!!

Prvencalroseparadox - I'd go for smart casual for W interview (as a parent, that is). I did see some dads wearing office-type suits/ties, but not many mums very formally dressed.

NNS03 - do boys need to wear school uniform for T interview?

He did but only as it was a school day and was going to school after his interview. If it is Saturday probably not but best to check with someone that had a Sat interview. Good Luck!

Hi everyone, de-lurking - have been following this thread with interest.

My DS1 has 10+ interviews at W & T.

Does anyone know whether you can read anything into who they are interviewed by? (From an academic scholarship point of view, that is). Just wondering...

Berora - we have Saturday interview at T tomorrow. I asked about uniform or not, and was told hey don't have to wear uniform. But they can if they feel more comfortable in it. But that's for a Saturday - not sure about weekday interviews, but assuming they'd be off to school afterwards, then I'd probably do uniform for that.

Thank you, NNS03 , yes it is a Saturday one... Could anyone on this thread advise whether boys should wear school uniform for a Saturday interview at T please?