3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2014

[mumteacher]

I started the below thread last year and have had so many people find it useful I thought it might be worth doing it again.

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.

Thank you coldatchristmas

I have really appreciated mumteacher starting this thread. The process is so opaque, anyone who can give some clarity is much appreciated

Sdp123 - purely on what I have heard re Aldenham Prep - the school itself is lovely, good pastoral care, academically I know of a few mums that have not been happy with the child's progress, kids got moved to Radlett Prep for the "push" academically. All depends on what you are looking for your child. I don't have personal experience with the school, I.e my kids didn't go there. Again know of 3 mums that sent their kids for pre prep (nursery) then moved then to RP.

Good Luck - hope it helps x

Coldstchristmas thanks x I don't have the time nor the inclination to react/ debate on ja123's comment. Although I should say is that I have a PGCE from the institute of education in primary years and have taught and tutored for many years.

All said and done - bk to assessments coldatChristmas don't lose hope on Habs yet. Don't know if I mentioned already but only one of student has heard bk and I'm convinced the phone will ring for the others... And you x

Hi mumteacher, I sent you a pm yesterday, I would be hugely grateful if you could take a look x

Regarding Channing, the existing parents are not at all happy that they have had two double intakes in recent years (I'm not a parent there but a close friend is) so I wonder if they will want to annoy them more by doing another.

haha that's the spirit!

Thank you pink Angel2

Going to NLCS tomorrow. What should we expect? Really appreciate any advice!

We are going to NLCS on Friday. Please help what to expect. Much appreciated. Thanks

Good Luck MissRavada

Good luck to all the NLCS round 2s, sounds to me like the school assessment comms have made life stressful this year as people aren't sure to look out for the postman, their phone ringing or an email!

Am IIndecisive - yes. NLCS have handled the best (minus the surprise email) Habs process is v bad handled I think. They need to give parents a date or range of dates. No consideration for parents' plans eg travel with work etc.

it's been really interesting to lurk on this thread and observe all the madness and stress!

for those who are disappointed over habs, from what I understand, entry at 11+ is not guaranteed despite attending pre prep and prep. maybe mumteacher could clarify whether this is indeed the case?

so, on the presumption this is correct, a child at 4 or 7, will be different at 11 and could enter then? also, how must those parents feel whose children don't get in at 11, having spent 7 years in prep making friendships - it must be very difficult for them.

the other option would be putting dc in an equally good (but cheaper) prep, saving roughly 5k a year in fees and getting them to sit the 11+ for habs as many other preps seem to have a good success rate in getting children in at this point..

also, there's strength in the thought that they would have experiences of different schools..14 years in one school to me seems a very long time...

Loveroflife- I totally agree re the cheaper prep options, some kids thrive at 4 & 7+ assessments - others get in at 11.

It's purely down to when our kids are ready. Saying that RP's year 6 boys - general consensus 30% move to Habs boys, 30% Merchant Taylor's, remaining girls and boys across other top schools, QE, habs Girls, couple to NLCS, st H, 1 or 2 to Hen Bar, couple to Watford Girls & Parmiters.

Xxx

those figs are useful pink...

if it was me i would not test for habs so young, save 35k+ by putting them in another prep and then get them to sit habs at 11 if i was so inclined to want them to really go to habs.

i think if they do 4-18 they will enter uni only knowing the 'habs way' is that particularly beneficial, only being exposed to one type of 'brand'?

also, i'm a big fan of mixed so young, if you have a boy and he doesn't have a sister/female friends, then.4-18 in single sex is too male concentrated imo..

Thank you, Somesweetperson1234! Good luck to you and all the other parents and girls going through 2nd round!

Hi Mumteacher

Thanks very much for your posts. How do you choose who to tutor? You seem to have an amazing success rate! Would you take an end of July prospect? Like my second child :). having just done the 4+ process - and made a hash of it, we need help! happy to switch to PM but concious that you said you are very busy.

Ellie74 really sorry haven't yet managed to check all PM. If its a query about this yr are you able to post on here? If next yr can it wait till end of jan?

Nlcs round2 is group based smaller than in round1 but similar set up. There could also be an element of 1-2-1 depending how round1 was for your dd. she will be asked general knowledge questions: what is honey? What is your favourite book? Hopping, catching, skipping (no rope) and if summer born possibly put on a princess costume so I'd advice to put your dd in clothes they are comfortable in, go to the toilet by themselves in and can work the buttons and zippers on.

Hi,
No, it was a query about this year and it was kind of personal so I preferred to pm.
No worries if you don't have time

Mamatea since I only tutor part time selection is on a first come bases. Chn are so young, change so much and so quickly I don't believe in selecting based on ability or month of birth.

mumteacher, thank you so much! we are all really grateful for your insights so far! Please ignore the negative comments by some of the people on the thread so far. You've given us all so much comfort in this painful (for mum's, no the girls!) process.

Can someone put any light on Channing round 2 please...