Does anyone know what children are asked to do for 4+ entrance at Haberdashers?

[stressed2007]

My DD will be going for the 4+ 'play group' asesssment at Haberdashers soon. Does anyone know what they are asked to do/what they are looking for? There is very little information given by the school. Many thanks

It is so wrong to test at 4. There are so many 4 year olds that develop a bit later and turn out to be really clever when they are older.

"draw a picture of a person
write your name
count objects
recognise numerals and 2D shapes
complete a jigsaw puzzle
share a story and chat about it, be asked to make predictions talk about the characters etc"

DS would be unable to do any of these and I know a fair a few children in his nursery would struggle to complete all of those tasks as well.

it does sound a bit horrendous and brutal, but that is life. If they have got a queue of people wanting to get in, then they have to filter it somehow. They will try and choose the children who show the most advanced development at that age. They have got no better way of predicting who will turn out cleverer in the end.

I wasn't aware that they tested at 4 and at first it is shocking. But the more I think about it some sort of selection is necessary if they are oversubscribed.

It may sound negative to say that life is not fair, but however much we may wish the opposite, I think it is realistic.

To get a place at that school, you need a lot of spare cash. Even money can't guarantee you a place there, you still need to pass the selection. So lots of people who would hope to get in will be disappointed.

Good luck to those who make it. The positive thing about life is that there are many other paths to happiness and success. Many disadvantaged children will still turn out cleverer and more successful.

A friend's sister looked into a very well known London prep school and was told her son (three I think) would have to undergo a 'psychological assessment' to see if he was 'suitable'. I haven't a clue what that would have entailed and she didn't go any further, but it seems H is far from unique..