3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2013

[mumteacher]

I have had a number of messages asking if I have any spaces in my classes. I'm really sorry but I have been at full capacity for some time now.

However, I do appreciate that this is a very stressful time of year for parents who have children sitting these private school assessments in January 2013. So, I'm hoping that by setting up this support group thread I can help by answering some questions you have about these assessments.

Hopefully this thread will also contain some useful insight from the experiences of parents who have already been through the process.

[Schmedz]

It is just as bad IMHO.
I think it is sad people feel they 'have to' do it especially when schools can easily spot a tutored child and in reality, it actually counts against them in the selection process.

[Tableforfour]

schools can easily spot a tutored child and in reality, it actually counts against them in the selection process.

Well in the recent round of 4+ tests I have been involved in, all the tutored children (I use tutored to encompass weekend tutoring and feeder nurseries as to my mind they are the same thing) got in to several schools and those who were at normal nurseries with no tutoring got one offer, low down their list of choices, or no offers. The schools may be able to spot it, but they still offer the children places.

[Schmedz]

And yet ours doesn't...

[Schmedz]

Mum teacher - would be grateful for the link to the alternative discussion to which you refer as I can't seem to find the appropriate thread.

[mumteacher]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/1663735-Is-tutoring-for-3-4-5-7-now-the-norm

Definitely agree that there are too sides - and both very valid sides to this debate.

However the place for this discussion, I'm sure you'll agree is the link I have copied above.

[sanam2010]

Mumteacher, back to 4+ assessments, question about NLCS: would 4+ be mainly more local candidates. and 7+ from all over North London, or do people send their 4 year olds there even from Hampstead or Golders Green, for example? Also, if you don't yet live nearby but plan to move nearby in case DD gets into NLCS, would the school think parents are crazy? Do you think location might be taken into account in the 4+ in that they prefer families who won't need to subject their 4 year old to a long commute? Thanks!

[horsemadmom]

They come from everywhere at 4+ and adjust to the journey very quickly. No preference for local girls. I do know one family who sent their DD at 4+ who lived in Chiswick and planned to move closer to the school as they weren't on a coach route. It took them 2 years to sell!

[sanam2010]

Horsemadmum, wow, from Chiswick!!! So at least it means I won't be the craziest for considering moving there ;-). We rent only so would be very easy for us, I just have a preference for being somewhere relatively close to Central London, that's the only constraint...

[horsemadmom]

The school website has the coach routes. They reassess every year based on new joiners. Please bear in mind, age 4-7 they can take the coach in the am with a chaperone but may need to be collected. Parents are always interested in school run rotas so you don't have to drive every day.

[mumteacher]

Yeah! Something we can agree on horsemadmum.

Sanam2010 the school in question is very fortunate that it receives applications from near and wide. The girls are therefore selected on merit and not location. Unlike Habs, nlcs girls can start using the coach service as soon as the parents feel the girls are ready and settled.

[sanam2010]

thanks horsemadmum and mumteacher! I did see the coach routes, I was simply wondering if perhaps people who lived in Highgate or Golders Green, for example, were more likely to keep their children at local schools till 7+, so that maybe mainly older children were using the bus. But I guess the NLCS name is so strong people will do a lot for their children to be able to attend. I am waiting for the outcome of the Bute House ballot :-), if news is bad (as is very likely), we'll try NLCS and move somewhere near.

[horsemadmom]

It was the case before the move to 2 form entry that a lot of 7+ girls came from Hampstead surrounds. This changed when the 7+ intake was reduced and parents didn't feel they had the luxury to wait. BTW, the family from Chiswick were in your position. The coach is very sociable and the girls become self-sufficient very quickly.
Mumteacher, unless things have changed, it is the First School teachers who determine when a girl is ready to use the coach. They can also remove the privilege if a girl or her parents are uncooperative with their chaperone. It has happened.

[SwimmingMom]

mumteacher, I know this is an old thread, but am wondering if you would be willing to share a few tips regarding 7+ entrance tests that my DD will be sitting in January 2014? We are attempting LEH, NHEHS and SHS. Thank you.

[mumteacher]

Swimmingmum do you have particular concerns? ( it's such an old thread but since it's something people still find useful I do check back now and again I may start a new one for 2014 entry) x

[SwimmingMom]

Am looking for advise on the LEH 7+ entrance coming up in Jan. I've got info from the school, but it appears to be deceptively simple, but I know they test for KS1, level 3. I need some info on what kind of maths problems to expect. Also, what kinds of story writing plus tips on practicing story writing.

teachermum - I've sent you a PM too.

[mumteacher]

Just seen your pm swimmingmum. Busy for a couple of days but will def look up what info I have for you x

[peppa2529]

Hello Mumteacher! I would so love to speak with you should you find a few moments to spare - I appreciate how busy you are at this time of year! Your advice is invaluable and extremely generous, and if you could possibly send me a way to contact you privately, I would be very grateful. Kind regards!

[subzerotemp]

Hello mumteacher, I'm in the same position as Swimmingmum - also applying for LEH, Jan 2014 exams.
Please could you let me have some tips on maths and English comprehension & story writing too. Thanks very much for your help!

[newbiemum80]

Hi mumteacher,

This is a great post - thank you! Can I ask please for 7+ entry at CLSG, JAGS and LEH, do you know what ballpark mark on the bond 6-7 maths, english and VR means you'll be in with a chance of passing the written assessments?

I've read on this thread that the bond papers are useful and on others that bond 7-8 is the right level. Do you know if that's the case please? If so, what's the level on 7-8?

Many thanks!

[mumteacher]

Apologies for the delayed reply.

LEH work in accordance with the national curriculum for the junior school. They say level 3 but I have my 7+ Students pitch higher.

Story writing - go bk over this thread I've put story writing hill which is very useful for structure. Make sure a variety of story writing is practiced eg day at the beach, holidays, letter writing, postcard, space, storm...

Maths problems - start with one step eg a bus has 3 passengers at the next 2 get off how many are still on the bus? My students will be taught to solve two step problems by Jan.

Bond books 7-8 is a great place to be. The first 10 tests from 8-9 if the child is willing/able.

[newbiemum80]

Useful and scary! Thanks again.

[subzerotemp]

Thank you for the tips mumteacher!

[lovinglifex]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/1905744-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2014

[lovinglifex]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/1905744-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2014

Sorry new at this!

[Goldie14]

Hello
Mumteacher!
Thank you for posting this :-)

My son is in Y1 and I am a little stressed about 7+ having older child go through 11+ last year.

Do you think I can prepare my little one with past papers and general multiplication, division and times tables?
Also should I train him to write essays?
Some schools stopped non verbal, should I still buy Bond book?