8+ exam - what would you make of this?

[projectsrus]

My DD1 sat an 8+ exam/assessment day to two different schools.

School n.1 was a mix of tests, reading with a teacher, informal and formal interviews, playtime, a lesson with a class, etc...all great. She loved it.

School n.2 it was tests ALL day apart from a short break at lunch. My DD said nobody talked to her, no interviews, no informal chats, just head down on papers all day - there are no follow up interviews. She said she didn't like the vibe of the place.

I was a bit shocked that a school wouldn't speak to a child and try and get to know them a little and has really put me off the school, which allegedly has great pastoral care! My DD had a huge headache afterwards whilst when coming home from school 1 was fresh as a rose and very happy. Funnily enough school n.1 is much more academic too. Any thoughts?

On the face of it, I would forget about School 2. However, presumably there were reasons why you got as far as sending her for the tests?

Yes ironically they are renowned for their pastoral care! Not a good first impression on that front though and I think I would have a job convincing my DD to go there now!! But I wondered if this was a "normal" thing to do. I would have thought an interview was the norm....

School number 1 sounds at least as formal as either of the two DD did.

DD, sorry... DD not at that point yet.

Gah. Auto-incorrect. DS.

I thought - naively perhaps - that any school that is assessing a child at 7 or 8 years old (or even beyond), would want to get a feel for the child's personality, interests and general aptitude. Can't see how this can be achieved by just looking at tests and not speaking to the child at all. Not sure if it is just me being super-critical though.

DS has just sat 8+ and it was very similar in format to your school 1 except no lesson in a class. They also got juice and cookies which helped make a good impression with DS.

I think you are right about getting a feel for the child. The guidance from our school was that interview would be looking for enthusiasm (about any old topic of the DC's choosing), eye contact and ability to converse comfortably.

Would you discount a school on that basis? I know I'd have a job convincing my DD to attend the school now. She said the teachers told them "it wouldn't be like this in a normal school day" but still..............

It comes over as a bit arrogant, as if the decision is only theirs to make. It isn't of course as you and DD can walk away. I would be trying to find out more from parents of children already there.