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Original poster

3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2017

304 replies

mumteacher · 17/11/2016 23:14

In previous years I have started these threads to help and support all those parents involved in the independent school admissions process.

I wasn't going to start one this year as I know I would not be able to check back on it as regularly as I would like, which then defeats the purpose of the thread.

However, after numerous positive PM's about the threads I think it would be a shame not to start one where at least the hand holding can continue. Flowers

There are many many people who have been through the process and 'live to tell the tale' . There are also other tutors I know who read this thread and it would be great if you all could help and support and share your ideas.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/2533579-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2016?dod=1

OP posts:
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wickerlampshade · 13/02/2017 05:15

about half the girls in the class at nlcs are getting tutored even though they are in the school

what are they being tutored for? just to keep up?

Preschooler55 · 13/02/2017 14:53

Hi mumofthree I am a little alarmed by that. is this the case at habs also? At primary school level?!

wickerlampshade · 13/02/2017 17:03

Not at habs.

horsemadmom · 13/02/2017 18:51

Mumofthree, You might want to share that with Mrs. Newman so she can knock some sense into your fellow parents. It was not the case when DD1 was in First/Junior school so, either the girls are getting dumber or the parents are. I know where I'd place my bet.

wickerlampshade · 13/02/2017 19:19

I don't think it'll be news to her. Whilst I still don't understand what they are tutoring for, I've heard the same from NLCS parents for at least five years - your kids are a lot older aren't they horsemadmom?

LilaGrace · 13/02/2017 19:26

I've heard it too- a few months ago from the mum of a junior school girl at NLCS. I specifically asked her if tutoring took place and she said absolutely- and that it's common. I imagine a lot of it is parents instigating the tutoring (rather than the school suggesting it) because they don't want to be told by the school that their DD's are struggling and possibly not doing with the pace of the school.

Original poster
mumteacher · 13/02/2017 21:04

There are many parents who will tutor just to keep their children 'abreast' of school work.
In many cases the schools are unaware that the child is having extra support out of school, HOWEVER in some cases it might actually be on the suggestion of the school.
It most definitely wouldn't be the first time.

OP posts:
Tacobell101 · 21/02/2017 21:56

Hi Mumteacher,

Do you have any specific advice for Habs Boys 5+ round 2? Letters were received today and it's next week! I heard it's smaller groups of 2-3. Thanks!

ProudDadOfTwo · 23/02/2017 15:27

I'm a bit late to the NLCS tutoring topic but we were away last week.

We also have been told by more than one current junior school parent that "many" girls are being tutored and that, in some cases, parents had been given a list of tutors by the school, this list sometimes including former NLCS teachers.

We were told by Mrs Newman that, if a girl starts falling behind, first the teachers will give extra attention in class, then parents would be contacted to work with their DDs after school and finally, in "extreme" cases, outside help would be called in.

These statements are not at all inconsistent. It is not clear how many "extreme" cases there are when the school formally sanctions a tutor. It is entirely possible that some parents will call in tutors immediately upon learning that their DDs need extra help rather than do it themselves. It is also possible that some parents will have their DDs tutored on a preemptive basis.

clubnirvana · 24/03/2017 23:44

Only send your daughter to NLCS if you feel the need to constantly keep up with the Jones, Smith's, shahs and Patels. Only the Paranoid Survive. That's why as mumteacher says, tutoring happens to help keep the kids abreast with the class work and not get left behind as the pace of learning is rapid. They have to cover the syllabus at a quicker pace due to fewer school days and time spent on plays , exhibition Saturday, etc. If parents want an easy stress free life for themselves and daughters pick another school. Remember, only the paranoid survive.....

efrieze78 · 28/03/2017 13:02

clubnirvana - are you an NLCS parent?

Workingmom4 · 16/04/2017 22:20

Hello Everyone! My dd is giving 7plus exam this year. We have started our prep but i feel we are all over the place and have no structure/ path/ sylabus. Would really like to know from mums whos kids have just got through City of london girls school, highgate, NLCS How they helped their kids get thru. Is tution really needed. Please help!

Hertfordshiremum123 · 27/04/2017 13:17

Hello all,

Has anyone had any insight on the assessment for Lochinver House please? My son will be having his assessment in September/October this year.

Also Salcomb and Manor Lodge.

The issue we have is that he is very bright but clams up in a new environment. He is very very shy. And if I leave him with strangers, as I assume I will have to on assessment day, he will most likely have a melt down. Not sure what to do about this.

Any advice will be very appreciated.

CB2009 · 05/05/2017 13:59

Hi
Know your post was a while back. Son in Y3 at Highgate. Got in via 7+ from a state school. No way he would have got in without a tutor and work with me at home. He is very good at Maths - top of "old" class. But that is simply not enough. He is thriving so I don't buy the "over tutored". It is all about getting through the dam exam when there is so much competition. At age 6 he needed to be taught more than his "old" school, shown how to manage time and also what they were asking for. Tough process and the competition is fierce especially from the pre preps. 8 of his class sat for NL, SH, UCS, Habs, StPauls. No other offers at all.
You need to do proper prep in my mind.
Good luck. Tough process but worth it:-)
Carolyn

shopgal9 · 08/05/2017 11:58

Hello ladies :) my DD just got offered a place in NLCS, she was on the waitlist, Mrs Newman just called to offer a place....really excited, just wanted to share the news with you all, thanks a ton for your support, and everyone on the waitlist I know it's difficult but hang in there xxxx

efrieze78 · 08/05/2017 12:11

reception or year 3?

LilaGrace · 08/05/2017 12:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Happydad2 · 12/09/2017 08:53

Hi Mumteacher- when is the new 2017/18 thread coming out. Your posts are really helpful!
Keen to here anyone's assessment tips for Chigwell or Forest school

Ma518 · 09/10/2017 23:24

Hi All - is there a 4+ thread for 17/18 as I can't find it ?
I'm also interested to hear from mums who's daughters have recently started Habs & NLCS - what are you experiences ? Is it as expected ?

Popfan · 14/10/2017 21:50

My goodness this is a whole different world!! Can't believe there is actually such a thing as a 3+ or a 4+!! Why does it all matter so much? Shocked!

peppermint79 · 15/10/2017 00:13

Does anyone have insight into the Orley Farm 4+?

kidsworld · 23/10/2017 09:38

Hi mumteacher - do you have a thread for 2017/18?? I can not seem to find one but really looking for some insight into 3+ for boys. Currently in the middle of the assessments (with my first choice coming up) and freaking out after reading this! Are the 2 year olds really expected to write their name etc??

Nickynoname · 23/10/2017 17:17

Good writing comes from good reading and good speaking. At 7+ Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, Jeremy Strong, Dick King-Smith, etc. Children must first learn to write an interesting simple sentence, then a compound sentence. Once they can consistently write interesting sentences, they can move to paragraphs and then whole stories.

Nickynoname · 23/10/2017 17:21

Good writing comes from good reading and good speaking. At 7+ Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, Jeremy Strong, Dick King-Smith, etc. Children must first learn to write an interesting simple sentence, then a compound sentence. Once they can consistently write interesting sentences, they can move to paragraphs and then whole stories.

Nickynoname · 23/10/2017 17:24

With regard to interviews, schools are looking for children who are fairly calm and curious, interested in learning, independent (ie not clingy), kind and friendly, even opinionated but not in an aggressive way, able to chat with an adult, follow instructions, focus and listen.