4+, 5+, 7+ madness 2015 - who's going to join me?

[4pluspsycho]

Following on from the 2014 thread, I've decided to name change and start a new one for 2015: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/a1905744-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2014

My dd will be sitting assessments for 3 schools in the coming months. I've tried to 'tutor' her myself, but in reality it's a half hearted attempt (from both of us!)

I'm hypocritical in the sense I'd really like her to go to 2 of the 3 schools; but do feel guilty trying to 'prepare' her, when I can see she's not at all interested in pencil control, shapes etc.

I'm going to give it our best shot through relaxed, play based learning and then see what happens on the day.

Anyone else or am I the only one?

[EdithWeston]

You have to just hang on in there. And remember two things:

a) most families are applying for more than one school, so there is a lot of movement on waiting lists
b) London in general has a lot of churn at prep/primary age, so even if you don't get an offer now, there is still a good chance of an ad hoc place later.

[Soveryupset]

I have no experience of London schools but I have 4 children, two at selective independent schools (entered at 8+) and can tell you that between 3 years old and 8 years old they are virtually all unrecognisable.

None of them could hold a pencil, let alone read or write their name when they started school. One of my boys didn't even know letters of the alphabet and struggled with colours age 4! I remember my mum despairing, the summer before school she made it her mission to teach him a few letters, she chased after him with flash card and all he would do is laugh and shake his head!

They all went to a state primary and with support at home, caught up and were all in the top set by Year 2. There was no way they would have got into the selective London schools as they were just very immature, clingy and shy. They are now none of the above, a few years later makes the world of difference.

You have to bear in mind that all children grow at different rates.

I know it's hard to see a rejection, but really it is just a matter of waiting a bit longer for them to mature.

[TrojanWhore]

It does all seem a bit mad, but another thought to hold is that what they are selecting is the children they want in their classrooms.

So anything above average is likely to be OK, but it needs to be combined with a friendly and confident manner. They don't necessarily want every child to be extrovert, but they will swerve shyness that tips into inarticulacy.

[AnxiousFromSurrey]

Anyone else waiting for Lanesborough news after Saturday's 4+ assessment? From what I can gather from DS, very little of what is suggested in this and last year's 4+ thread was tested: he was asked to cut a curvy line and to write is name on the crown he decorated, but no other drawing, letter/phonic knowledge tested. Also no jigsaws. On the plus side, he enjoyed it and has no idea it was anything other than a fun activity for an hour.

[Doc25]

my DD will be having a 6 + assessment in Jan..pls.advice...How to prepare...DD is bright but shy...pls.share your experiemces/thoughts.

[EdithWeston]

Is that a standard entry point, or joining a school because a vacancy has come up?

Is it a taster session (or day) at the school, including some some assessment?

If so, the main thing they are looking for would be a child who fits the existing dynamics of the group. So is of the similar brain power, and working at a similar level (by which I mean the general sense, not a specific NC level). They will also look at getting along with other children and general attitude.

Have they said what any formal tests will comprise?

[Xashax007]

My DS will be sitting these the following year.

Already panicking, great thread!

---

mumscafeteria.com/author/muswell-hill-mummy/

[EdithWeston]

Xashax007: I think I've seen a few of your threads! Have you got a settled short list of schools now?

[meditrina]

Doc25 different schools are looking for different things.

Do you now what form the assessment will be?

The received wisdom (which you will find all over the Net!) is your DC need to be working at the age appropriate level of Bond (or similar) for an 'academic' school, or one rung above.

How the potential pupils interact is just as important though. Some of this is unpredictable (eg if the school has a year with lots of boisterous children, they may be looking for calm ones). So the best hedging is to be in the middle IYSWIM: calm until invited to speak, then having plenty to say.

Reading a good quality children's magazine (or newspaper like First News) and discussing the articles can help a lot in confidence and vocabulary on a wide range of subjects.

[Xashax007]

EdithWeston,

I do have a few schools. A few interviews and a few waiting lists. So no place is for sure yet... Now we just have to wait and see what happens.



---
mumscafeteria.com/author/muswell-hill-mummy/

[2015herewego]

anyone still here?

[Kabir786]

Dear all,
Any tips for nlcs round1 assessment? Thank you very much

[Biscuitsneeded]

I have just stumbled across this thread. I freely admit that this is not a world that I inhabit, so you are of course at liberty to conclude that I am just ignorant, but this is monstrous! These are children of 3 and 4 that you are willing to put through hoop-jumping exercises to see if they will fit some kind of arbitrary 'standard'. Some very able children are noticeably ahead at 4, yes. That doesn't mean that if your child is not deemed to be ahead, or worthy of some of these ghastly-sounding establishments, that they are doomed to failure. There are plenty of good schools (private and state) out there that don't impose testing on infants, and if you find them, and you are supportive parents who read books with your children and talk about things, your children will thrive and flourish. It's very clever of these schools to market themselves as 'elite' institutions, thus ensuring a steady revenue stream of well-meaning and earnest parents anxious to avoid missing out on great opportunities, but your children only get one childhood - let them enjoy it. I don't want to offend anyone, but really, I am so sad for these poor children.

[4pluspsycho]

Hi everyone

How are you all? I feel a sense of duty to report back after starting the thread and then almost forgetting about it!

Just to say, after ALL that, my dd didn't sit for NLCS this week.

To be honest, the whole thing became just too consuming and I just couldn't face going through Christmas thinking about 4+ assessments!

It's been such an interesting journey and I've learnt loads about dd and me too! Just to say good luck to everyone and wishing you all the very best for your dd's in the future.

I'm bowing out now, but hope others can still share advice and tips. Happy New Year!

[sanam2010]

4pluspsycho, that's interesting, did she do assessments at other schools though? I totally understand you, I also felt over the holidays that the last thing I (and especially her) wanted was to prepare anything, so we just dropped everything and just enjoyed our holidays, she had lots of fun playing with family and doing playdates, swimming, dressing up and so on. I felt it was more important that she is happy and well rested. She is still doing the assessment at NLCS though, let's see how it goes without preparation! We will see if those mumsnetters who claim that you can't prepare are right or not ;-).

[Dhanya]

I was wondering did anyone get calls for 2nd round from Habs or NLCS for this week assessments ? (Monday, tue, etc ). When do they normally call ? next day or once all 1st round finished ?

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

sanam2010 - my DD told me that he felt "recharged" after his holiday. Maybe the time to relax and play will have done the children good. Fingers crossed!

[sanam2010]

Dhanya - NLCS say they will get back by Tuesday. I am not expecting to hear anything until Friday at the earliest (but mumteacher will have the details). shoutymcshoutmum - that's what I hoped and maybe it worked, at least she really enjoyed her assessment and wanted to stay longer and play there. If she got through is another matter, but I was happy that for the children it is normally a pleasant fun experience and they don't know what it is all about, unless the parents freak them out.

[PhdshehD]

I just heard from NLCS and it is a no. She went in happy and came out happy so atleast she wasn't stressed. I am expecting a NO from Habs because my daughter came out and looked glum and told me mum I dont like this school. Whatever, I am not too worried. Good luck folks!

[PhdshehD]

Oh probably this might help a few folks for other assesments down the line here is some of the stuff my daughter told me. They did cutting of shapes with scissors, dancing, drawing mummy and me, make a nest/person with play-doh, color in a picture of a bird, what all to do do when you go to (and after)the toilet. Thats all I can remember really.

[2015herewego]

did anyone sit 7+ boys?

[EdithWeston]

PhdsheD - glad to see it wasn't stressful for your DD. Do you have a back up plan you think you'll be happy to stick with, or will you be going through it all again at the next entry point?

How's anyone else getting on?

[sanam2010]

well, it seems that the "let DD enjoy her holiday and relax and have fun instead of preparing"-strategy didn't actually work, DD had fun at the assessment but didn't pass to the 2nd round. But maybe even if we had prepared her better she wouldn't have passed, who knows! It wasn't our first choice so no problem, but it certainly seems a very competitive process.

[PhdshehD]

EdithWeston, Yes I am glad too that my daughter actually felt no pressure. Also, children pick up stress from parents and I had none :) Honestly, private schools were my back up plan, I have an excellent state school next door but we completed on our house literally 3 weeks ago so I wasn't sure we would be able to get into that oversubscribed state one. However, I would be lying if a teeny-weeny bit in the back of my brain I didn't wish she would get into NLCS or Habs. We have applied to some other less prestigious private schools but knowing my daughter and her abilities at this age I would say it will be touch and go. I will try again at 11+ , probably not 7+ . Well Marie Curie didn't go to Habs or NLCS and she won 2 Nobel prizes so there is always hope :)

[Lastmindotcom]

Through to round 2 for NLCS 4+. Would appreciate any thoughts about what to expect next week? I'm assuming some physical activity as we've been asked to wear trainers. Thanx