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.

[mumteacher]

Also should add out of 45 girls around 20 ish girls from northwood college will apply to Habs 5+. Only a handful of those are ever successful. Worth considering if your going to apply to Habs at 5+.

[Lesmiz]

Hi. Been following this post. Our DD just got an invite to NLCS 4+ 2nd round next week, what do you think can we expect there mumteacher ? Thanks!

[mumteacher]

Lesmiz there are elements to Nlcs round 2 that are group based and 1-2-1.

There will be a physical element jumping, throwing, catching.

[Lesmiz]

Thanks mumteacher ! Physical elements aside, do you know what else she should expect in the group & 1-2-1 sessions ? I believe in Rd 1 DD already had to draw/cut/build.

[Seaswan]

Thanks, Mumteacher, for your advice. Greatly appreciated. Do you mean that Habs don't look favourably at 5+ candidates from NC? Or that the teaching at Reception doesn't really bring students up to the required level to have a chance at success at the 5+ at Habs? What about St. Helen's in comparison? Thanks x

[mumteacher]

Seaswan both schools have a lot of girls app ing to habs5+ when 15-20 girls sit 5+ from nc and again same sort of numbers from st Helens your chances are more diluted since they take on only a limited number og girls from both these schools.

In both schools they know they lose girls to the 5+ so they do very little in the first term.

[maya1234]

Why would they limit the intake from a particular school though? Shouldn't entry be on merit as opposed to which school you have come from?

[mumteacher]

In theory yes, but you have to remember that they are all part of the same London consortium. It would not look 'right' upon a school like Habs to take 10 girls (half their intake) from a such as nc or st Helens no matter how bright the girls were.


A lot more politics are at play than 'merit' I'm afraid.

[maya1234]

That is terrible!

In that case they should keep current schools confidential...

[mumteacher]

It's not a perfect system but currently it's the one we have so we have to do what we have to do!

Let me know how you get on with the 5+ and I'll help if I can.

[SuiGeneris]

Thank you, mumteacher, that is very interesting. At the moment he knows:

Colours (rainbow plus brown, black and white)

Shapes (triangle, rectangle, circle, star, heart)

Numbers to 10 (recognises the numeral, can relate numeral to quantity and can order them)

He can also count to 13, but cannot yet recognise the numeral or do quantity.

However, his speech has been delayed due to some hearing problems (now solved) so he is not yet speaking as well as his monolingual peers. For example, he says "I going skiing", "nifished" (=finished), "mashasas" (=pyjamas). We are told he is within the normal range for a child his age.

The schools we are looking at include Thomas's Clapham. Do you think the speech issues will def mean he won't get in or are the other things likely to show that he is a relatively bright child who will pick up the rest once he has had the chance to hear well for a while?

How should his name be written for recognition? Uppercase or upper and lowercase?

[SuiGeneris]

Social skills: he is confident, likes playing with others. Does not always share, even when reminded. Will sometimes snatch toys off others. Not sure how he would react to a special playgroup as I don't stay while he is at nursery but the teacher tells me he looks after other children (well, tries to). Do they look at nursery reports?

[Seaswan]

Mumteacher, do you mean applying for Habs 5+ from a state school may be a better bet?! What is one to do in such a scenario, where the other options for reception entry are other consortium schools or state?

[mumteacher]

Suigeneris what a clever young man you have there x

Speech isn't going to stop him from gaining a place but his inability to listen and follow instructions and snatch will. Some schools do look at nursery reports and from the top of my head I can't remember if Thomas clapham do or not. I will check what I have on file for them and get back to you.

It may not be anytime soon (and since his assessment isn't till October your in no rush) I have 8 out of 10 girls who sat Nlcs called back for round 2 so currently really busy preparing for that. Hope you understand :)

[mumteacher]

Should've added name should always be capital letter to begin and lower case to follow just like all proper nouns. James, India, Lisa....

[Raynarayan]

That's of great interest. The per-schooling thought is best taken care off by looking for private online tutors which provide an initial boost to start up the educational life of any one. They prepare you well for your forth coming learning processes.

[impatientmum]

Hi my daughter has been called back for 4+ 2nd round at habs and Channing. Habs is a one on one interview while we speak to the head. Any idea what they may ask her. Also any idea what Channing may do at the 2nd round? Thank you

[Seaswan]

We are also through to the second round at Habs. Mumteacher, any light you could shed on what to expect would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all your help! X

[EastHollyDaleStreet]

Wow! This is fascinating ! My dd has just sat and passed 7+ at a selective day prep. She comes from a 'normal' primary, and when I tried to 'coach' her, she refused to sit and do anything . She simply went in, did the assessment and came out again! What's with all the coaching?? Surely if you need to coach your children, they are simply not up to the school standard? I am seriously interested, please don't think I'm being confrontational or superior!

[mumteacher]

Half the girls at Nlcs are more then likely being tutored, the girls already in the school are having extra lessons to keep pace. The new in take have to meet that standard not easy without someone putting in some time with the child. In my view coaching doesn't mean an external person but even a very hands on parent.

Your DD has done fab x congratulations. And I really don't want this thread to take such a turn (nor do I really have the time for this kind of debate right now however..) if by normal you mean stare primary then who taught your DD times tables? Or story writing cause they sure don't teach that in state yr 1 anywhere near the level required to pass Nlcs 7+. There's a lot of unknows here I don't know which school your dd got into and i dont have any history on your dd, etc.. I'm just basing this on what I know for sure for the schools that I help prep for.
Also please don't think me 'confrontational or superior' if I don't further respond to this line of inquiry on this thread, it's a really busy time of year and there are too many stressed parents that I could be helping. X

[mumteacher]

Seaswan and impatient mum hans round 2 that's amazing well done x

Puzzles, reading discussion about story, conversations bat holidays, weather

[EastHollyDaleStreet]

Like I said I'm not trying to be confrontational - was genuinely interested. With my dd, she has obviously been taught the basics at school but, to be honest, come home and wanted 'more' so we have been helping as much as we can. She is just naturally curious too. I will back out now and thanks for your reply

[mumteacher]

Sorry some how my last post was sent incomplete.

Conversations about holiday, weather ESP snow polar bears, it's really 20 mins to find 22 girls who will work best together in a class.

Good luck ladies x

[Turniphead1]

Thanks Mumteacher. Any tips for second round H'gate?