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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.

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Primafacie · 07/01/2014 14:46

Hi mumteacher, DS will be attending a "getting to know you" session at a feeder for a top boys' school next month. He will be only 2.9 and I know they are massively oversubscribed, so there is a selection element to it.

His language is good, he likes books, iPad games, space, trains and diggers, and loves to invent games and stories with DD (4), but his nursery tells me he tends to be very quiet while he is there, and doesn't play much with other kids yet.

Obviously given his age I don't think the school expects him to be doing quadratic equations, but do you have any tips on things to focus on over the next few weeks to help him shine? I went through the 4+ last year with DD, but DS is a lot younger and I am a bit thrown! Many thanks in advance.

datrish · 07/01/2014 15:18

Hi mumteacher, What happens when child (4+) is called for final stage assessment at NLCS. What sort of questions are asked in one to one assessment. Are they mainly interested in the child's personality or knowledge?

4PlusMum · 07/01/2014 18:21

I have a friend whose daughter went to NLCS yesterday. I took DD today. Saw another family accompanied by their tutor WTF! DD had a great time. She insists she can't remember what she did and was far more interested in the chocolate they gave her on the way out.

Original poster
mumteacher · 07/01/2014 19:31

Primafacie social interaction, sharing, recognising some fruits/ veg, some shapes depends which school.

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Original poster
mumteacher · 07/01/2014 19:32

4plusmum WOW! Could it have been a nanny? How did you know it was a tutor?
Pleased to hear your dd enjoyed it x

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Original poster
mumteacher · 07/01/2014 19:35

And before anyone asks - the answer is no! Wink

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Primafacie · 07/01/2014 20:16

Thanks, that's helpful!

4PlusMum · 07/01/2014 22:07

The 'tutor' was actively (and loudly) coaching the child before she went in and was then talking professionally to the family while they waited. Too smartly dressed for a nanny.

horsemadmom · 07/01/2014 23:31

Well, that kid won't get in. If nothing else, nobody wants parents who are that obnoxious. I hope she enjoyed the kitkat.

GoodnessKnows · 07/01/2014 23:41

The school isn't silly enough not to have noticed... and made note of it. Silly parents. How naive.

datrish · 08/01/2014 13:09

Hi mumteacher, What happens when child (4+) is called for final stage assessment at NLCS. What sort of questions are asked in one to one assessment. Are they mainly interested in the child's personality or knowledge?

coldatchristmas · 08/01/2014 18:48

What percentage of girls are called back from first round to second round? Thank you

coldatchristmas · 08/01/2014 18:49

sorry I meant What percentage of girls are called back from first round to second round at nlcs and habs girls at 4+? Thank you

Tableforfour · 08/01/2014 19:37

NLCS usually gets 200 applicants and calls back 90-100. Last year they had 280 apply but still call back the same amount. They do all the second rounds over 2 days which are publicised in advance (the dates of them).

Habs do it differently, they call back a few straight away and then more throughout January and they don't have a fixed ratio of first to second rounds.

Dropsy23 · 08/01/2014 20:34

Tableforfour do you know much about habs 5+
My dd sat on Monday. Wondered how many girls called back when one would hear and any tips if she makes the second round. Thanks in advance

Tableforfour · 08/01/2014 20:45

I've heard on the grapevine that habs have more than usual applicants for 5+ this year and are taking 22 instead of 20 but I have no idea if that's true or not! I think they generally offer second rounds in dribs and drabs throughout January, just to maximise the stress....

4PlusMum · 08/01/2014 20:57

Anyone else at NLCS yesterday that witnessed 'Tutorgate'?

Please tell me that is not the normal calibre of parent as I won't be able to keep up with the Joneses!

Someone I meet there yesterday told me NLCS is 40% up on applications this year.

Dropsy23 · 08/01/2014 21:33

Thanks tableforfour, habs intake for 5+ is usually 22.

Tableforfour · 08/01/2014 21:42

Ah. Shows how much I know then! Thought it was 20.

Original poster
mumteacher · 08/01/2014 23:49

Tableforfour You are right about the number of girls called back at nlcs and the approach Habs take.

22 girls in take at Habs x

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Original poster
mumteacher · 08/01/2014 23:56

4plusmum it's not the norm. However, parent are tunnel visioned and very tight lipped and will rarely share info for music teachers out side school or are very cagey about the activities their dd does...etc. of course, there are a few happy to help ;)

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missravda · 09/01/2014 11:57

end of a long week of assessments, good luck to everyone! Now let's wait to hear back if we are through the next stage. It's nerve wracking...

missravda · 09/01/2014 11:59

mumteacher, thank you for all your advice so far. It's been very useful. How would the schools (NLCS, HABS and Channing) communicate about the outcome of the first stage? Email or Post? Tx

Dropsy23 · 09/01/2014 13:44

V nerve wracking!
Good luck everyone. Usually by post.

kaneabel78 · 09/01/2014 16:57

NLCS, Habs, Channing - has anybody heard about round 2s yet?