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Original poster

3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2014

659 replies

mumteacher · 08/11/2013 18:47

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.

OP posts:
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Smalltoothbrush · 25/01/2014 07:53

No specific knowledge but certainly for the 4+ the average seemed to call back half.

jin220 · 25/01/2014 11:14

My DS is on the 4+ reserve list for both St. Martin's (Northwood) and St. John's. Any idea on how much movement there is on the reserve list and the size of the list?

GoodnessKnows · 25/01/2014 11:30

Have none of you noticed that Mumteacher hasn't been responding (in your hour of need)? Hmmmm

GoodnessKnows · 25/01/2014 11:30

She may do now though Wink.

AmIIndecisive · 25/01/2014 13:26

The reality of this is that most people on this forum are in competition with each other so the information sharing (with regards to tips on the actual assessments) is going to be limited, and that includes mumteacher. It's not really surprising. The reason I like this thread is that it's a good support for those going through a similar situation and its nice to be able to talk about it with other people, and to get timelines and info from those that understand the process. I would have torn my hair out without it! So I am grateful it's here for that reason alone.

If I made my living tutoring kids for assessments like mumteacher, I'd probably do the same and look on these forums, though I think pm ing people to dig for assessment info to use for her own may be a little bit sneaky but I suppose she is a businesswoman.

Caecilius · 26/01/2014 09:28

She disappeared last year too.

GoodnessKnows · 26/01/2014 10:46

Hmmmm. Interesting and very ... supportive at this stressful time for you all. I'm sure she's very busy - or doesn't know the answers so is pretending to be.

Caecilius · 26/01/2014 11:47

All of you who divulge info to her regarding the first assessments be aware that her priority are her tutees. She will be using all this info for them- I think it may be possible to work out some stuff for round 2 if it didn't come up in round 1. If I was paying her to tutor my child I wouldn't be pleased with this thread unless my child was benefitting from it- which I think they would be.

ThisIs40 · 27/01/2014 13:10

Such hostility! Be nice, people. If you don't like this thread, don't read it; it really is as simple as that.

lovepretzels · 27/01/2014 14:25

ThisIs40 - I couldn't agree more!

AmIIndecisive · 27/01/2014 14:50

Changing the subject, did any if you see kids come out and unable to participate in all of the Round 1 assessments? We had 3 leave NLCS in our group, one of which was spoken to by Mrs Newman for a long time and who eventually coaxed her back in, only one at Habs was brought out to be taken to the toilet by her mum (am sure she probably lost points for that). Did any of you witness similar and do you think the children are automatically given a no or are they open minded?

AmIIndecisive · 27/01/2014 14:51

Changing the subject, did any if you see kids come out and unable to participate in all of the Round 1 assessments? We had 3 leave NLCS in our group, one of which was spoken to by Mrs Newman for a long time and who eventually coaxed her back in, only one at Habs was brought out to be taken to the toilet by her mum (am sure she probably lost points for that). Did any of you witness similar and do you think the children are automatically given a no or are they open minded?

lovepretzels · 27/01/2014 15:50

This didnt happen either time to us. I think it may count against them as they are less school ready but dont think it would be an automatic no if they impressed in other areas. I am not sure how regimented the assessments are eg with points for each activity and how much weight they give to that "spark" How many extra marks would be awarded for a girl that can have a good, confident conversation with a range of vocabulary?

Faithmum02 · 27/01/2014 19:03

Amiindecisive sorry but why do u think a child being brought out for her mum to take her to the toilet may be bad

AmIIndecisive · 27/01/2014 19:08

Probably not that bad but maybe refusing to go with the teacher or going by herself may show less independence - I personally don't think it's bad I am asking if you think they take things like that into account - would a child who had gone in the classroom have scored higher. Think it's safe to say I am obsessing over the assessments Shock

4PlusMum · 27/01/2014 19:12

AmIIndecisive, the girl who came out of Habs to go to the toilet is through to round 2. What's wrong with that? At least she was confident enough to ask to go to the toilet.

I was also at NLCS when a child came out and was coxed back in by Mrs N. I would be very surprised if she got called back. It was only 1 as far as I noticed (but it sounds like I was in the same assessments as you - Monday 12pm, Friday 11.45am?).

AmIIndecisive · 27/01/2014 19:18

Yes that's the one.

Ok I was just trying to work out how much opportunity they give them really but as I said I need to stop obsessing.

Glad that little girl got to Round 2 and I suppose it does show confidence to ask the teacher.

Faithmum02 · 27/01/2014 19:34

Thx amiindecisive... New to these assessments so was wondering if it was a prob

lovepretzels · 27/01/2014 23:12

Amiindecisive - you are not alone. I am obsessing too! Its hard not to..

lovepretzels · 27/01/2014 23:12

Amiindecisive - you are not alone. I am obsessing too! Its hard not to..

AmIIndecisive · 27/01/2014 23:56

Only a week and a day and it's all over....

4PlusMum · 28/01/2014 08:40

Oh dear. Have you heard then?

Kokomma · 28/01/2014 10:10

Both NLCS and Habs are sening out heir letters on the 3th of Feb

Kokomma · 28/01/2014 10:10

Sending and their, keyboard misbehaving.

AmIIndecisive · 28/01/2014 10:51

Yes sorry 4plusmum, I meant til we get the letters, unless they trick us again and email out on the Monday instead!

By the way, does anyone know of they do hot lunches at Habs and NLCS?

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