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?

[Brightideas]

NLCS will be sending out letters on Monday (2/2/15). They'll be following up the next day (3/2/15) with emails so that those with slower postal delivery arent unfairly left dangling. This is what the admissions secretary told me on day of second round.

[hello23]

Great thanks. My understanding was that 'final' letters are out on the 2nd. During the previous week initial offers are sent and then final ones on the 2nd for those places which people did not accept.

[SquirmOfEels]

Random lurker here (older children) sending you warm and positive thoughts at a horribly uncertain time.

[Brightideas]

Aaaaah thank you, Squirm. How old are yours now?

[SquirmofEels]

The youngest is 11 and it's all behind me.

Also, I never went through a 7+. It's possible to 'disguise' a nursery/reception assessment as 'have a play, and tell me what you think, as it'll help me decide where's best for you'.

But by 7+ I think it's impossible to hide that it's a selection process, and the DC are very young to deal with rejections (either from preferred place, or from all places). Sorry if that's gloomy - and I really hope no-one has to deal with it - but a little think now about how to break the news and support child through reaction might buttress you a bit (it's taking your umbrella, because if you don't it's bound to rain).

[Brightideas]

I agree, Squirm. Rejection at 11 is even worse as you can't candy floss it so easily and the stress leading up to exams cam feel like forever. I do feel for them. At least at 7, you can make it an interesting option vs an inevitable and all-important turning point.

[Brightideas]

Oops. I said NLCS were sending letters out this Monday. I meant next Monday (2/2/15).

[AnotherNewt]

It looks as if a lot of girls schools are posting all their offers for all age groups on 2 Feb then (11+ offers that day too). The other popular date is 12 Feb (possibly becuase that's just before half term, so everyone gets a week's thinking time before hitting the phones).

[julieh1]

Lots of boys schools 7+ results due to hit doormats on 4th Feb. We should hear from our first one this Thursday. Finding it hard to think about anything else.

[Brightideas]

Yes. This is my ' week off're. decision making, upset and angst. Lol
Interesting being the 'other side' this year.

[examnewbie]

Hi heard for a friend that some of the boys school results are already out - or have I been misinformed?

[EdithWeston]

All schools have different dates, and sometimes the same school can have sometimes different dates for different year groups, or for standard entry points v ad hoc places. So yes, it's possible some are hearing already.

It should say somewhere in your bumf when the schools to which you applied will be posting offers.

(Basically, if you get a nice thick A4 envelope, it's good news. An ordinary envelope with single folded sheet is wait list or no thanks).

[examnewbie]

Hi claretay is this a comment on the girls or the boys school?

[Brightideas]

Claretay, are you unhappy because you have been asked to consider alternatives or because your child is flying there academically but is, in your opinion, not being cared for by the school in some other way?

Most of the more academic private schools (the higher the academic results in general, more hot housey the approach) would have a chat with parents where they'd encourage the parents to 'consider alternatives' (changing school either in the short or long term).
This doesn't mean that the school doesn't care. On the contrary, a caring school would notice a child who isn't coping well with the academic pace and pressure of lessons - especially if the child is comparing themselves to their peers and experiencing horribly low self-esteem as a result. You'd be surprised at how careful the more academic schools are about avoiding such comparisons amongst the children through not publicly sharing / announcing test results such as spellings, tables, exams. However, bright children are inherently competitive - and a child who's strugging to keep up with the pace and pitch of the lessons is not a happy one. Children do begin to notice the difference between their own abilities and those of their classmates.
In these cases, it is about putting the child's interests first. Happiness and self-esteem are essential prerequisite to motivation and learning. Another learning environment, where they would have a more realistic account of their abilities and differentiation better suited to their ability, would be a positive move.
This is why it is so important not to desire a particularly academic school unless you've a child who can naturally cope with the level and pressure of what will come with such an environment.
Most of the more academic preps. assess astutely because they DON'T want to make mistakes. It's the very last thing that they want to happen - in the interests of the children.

[AmIIndecisive]

Claretay, maybe Habs just isn't the right school for your kid. I do remember last year you were on the 2014 support forum actively looking for a tutor for your child, perhaps this is why your child is not coping at the school.

[Des1234]

Hi everyone
Good to read that everyone is on the same boat here. We just got CC results yesterday for 7+ entry and my son is on the waitlist. I am not sure if there is still any chance left for him. Does anyone have any experience on this? Thanks in advance for the support.

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

Good chance Des1234 - I know a number of parents at our school with kids who have been offered all three - Kings, CC and WUS. It seems that different parents have different preferences - for some it's all about where older siblings are, for others the location, for others they have to consider the sibling policy for the younger ones!
This week there will be significant movement and we just have to cross our fingers and wait. Not easy...

[Des1234]

Thank you. It is all very crazy. I don't even know whether we are at the top or bottom of the wait list. All a mystery, driving me out of my mind. I understand from the previous years' chat that I should expect a call this week. Would it help if I write to the school saying that they would be out first choice if we are offered a place? Any comments would be highly appreciated.

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

Can't see why it would hurt! The unanswered question that bugs me is do these schools over-offer in the first place?!? Terrifying thought...

[Des1234]

No idea, I just hope they don't!!

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

Me too! I also wonder if they will call people on Tuesday once a few rejections arrive or whether they will wait till Thursday when they have a full picture?! I suppose that depends on the answer to my previous question :(

[EdithWeston]

How much waiting lists move is so variable you just cannot predict it (sorry, you probably wanted more certainty now, even if it was bad news).

If parents are putting down more schools, then the arithmetic of how many offers and waiting list offers to make changes, and some years some schools muck it up (even over-offering occasionally).

There is no harm in trying to have a cancer satin with the registrar to see what they can tell you about the state of the waiting list for they year group, and to sound as friendly and keen as possible (so you are remembered positively when looking at who to promote next).

[EdithWeston]

DYAC!

I'm so sorry 'cancer satin' was intended to be "conversation"

(no idea what I mistyped to get such a change).

[Ladyleia]

Hi Shouty, I know from bitter personal experience (DS2 was waitlisted at 7+ even with DS1 at the school) that they definitely over offer. DS2 did eventually get a place but we had to wait a while for the offer. I aged about 10 years....