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.

Kaneabel78 you should hear bk by Tuesday next week at the latest from nlcs, Habs could take till last week in Jan!

I have two nieces at NLCS - both entered from state schools - one on an academic scholarship. Although definitely bright, they both attended external tutoring school classes for a couple of years prior to entry.

My daughter entered GHS at 4 years old from a relatively poor state primary. We did all the usual things that any interested parent does withe their hold - reading, talking, colouring, etc. some parents are unable to do the "basics' with their kids and thus need external support. In my view their is nothing wrong with that as long as the child's particular needs/ interests are borne in mind. No one size fits all. Teaching phonics for one four yearl old may be wholly appropriate and not so for another.

My son 2 years old, will sit the assessment for Lanesborough school soon. I hope that he gets in as it is a great school, I think it will challenge him and he will enjoy it there as he has much in common with his sister that leads me to believe he will thrive there as much as his sibling does in her school.

Good luck to all. A good start/ education is an irrepressible gift that no one can take away.

DD2 had her 3+ assessment this week. She went in ok (cried for a minute or so but was fine after that) and did all the activities etc. The only problem is she is very, very shy with people she doesn't know and I don't think she said a word while she was in there! They reported she was "very quiet". So I'm quite doubtful she's got through. We're now waiting on the results - I hate the waiting game! Good luck to everyone else waiting.

Nothing yet from NLCS but they said it would be by Tuesday.

Anyone else think Habs were really rude? No welcome, no staff to talk to parents whilst the girls were being assessed. I get that they are massively oversubscribed so they don't need my business, but do they have to be so obvious about it!

P.S. DD has had a great time this week. She says she's not going back to nursery and only wants to go to big school from now on. I am shattered. G'night.

When we went to Habs we were welcomed and given tea, coffee , biscuits and pastries while we were waiting. Admittedly no staff but compare it to SHHS where you don't even stay on the premises!

Yeah. That helped us make up our minds about SHHS. Turned down places at 4 and 7.

Good morning all. Any news from the postman today ?

We haven't got anything in the post. I was under the impression NLCS post out on Friday evening?

Nothing here as well - the postman has come and gone!

Has any one heard from Habs?

Round 2 for 4+ at Habs has started. Notification by telephone not post.

Nothing here yet either.

I thought Habs round 2 starts next Thurs / Fri. They were still doing round 1 yesterday.

Actually that's really strange as my friend went to Habs this morning for her Round 1 - I'll tell her about the phone thing - do you know people who have received calls already?

My teacher, are you sure about that?

Has anybody on this forum received a call from Habs?

Surprised about the comments on Habs. We were welcomed, and had one of the teachers in the room with us and she was talking to all parents during the Wednesday 8.45 am assessment. She told us not to expect anything till at least the end of next week. They were too busy now with a bunch or other assessments and exams, 5+, 7+ or 11+ (it sounded like everything was happening at the same time) and she said they won't have the time to review round 1 until the end of next week. However, mumteacher might know more so would be good to hear if they already started round 2.

To be a bit more clearer, I meant the process for round 2 has started. My of my students has been called back for round 2 which will take place end of next week.

Goodnessknows assuming you're addressing me, what do you think I'm not sure about?! That it was by phone or that people were hearing back for round 2?

On both fronts I'm sure!!

That should read one of my student

Thank you, mumteacher, we'll have to cross our fingers now and wait

mumteacher, one more question - do NLCS, HABS and Channing call the nurseries for feedback and if they do, when does this happen before or after round 2? tx

My daughter sat NLCS on Wednesday, she had a purple fit in the car before going in, but somehow managed to calm down, as soon as I got her in it was time to go in !
The teacher happened to see her first and took her by the hand and in she went! Sat habs today, not sure about this school, so boring in the waiting room, no teachers around to talk to, I guess they can be like that! NLCS - lots of teachers around a real lovely school. Good luck everyone! X

We had a relatively nicer experience with Habs. The curriculum coordinator was on hand to answer questions. By far the worst experience was SHHS back in Nov , where the parents were literally told to leave and DD was pulled in by the wrist by the teacher. A painful experience that she still remembers and thankfully was not repeated at NLCS, Habs or Channing. Overall, the staff and parents at NLCS made assessment day a very pleasant and by far the best experience for both myself and DD. First impressions do count !

Nlcs ask for references from nurseries from everyone that applies in round 1 - there isn't time bt both rounds to only request references for girls who make it through to round2. Habs haven't in the past asked for references for. 4+ only 5+.