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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

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Original poster
mumteacher · 04/12/2016 22:15

Letters - an older child taking the 4+ assessments may well need to know their phonics and blend. Phonics not letter names. Small case and only capital to their first names.

Summer born may only need to know single phonic sounds, and not be reading Cvc (cat red) words.

OP posts:
Homely1 · 07/12/2016 14:35

Thank you

Original poster
mumteacher · 27/12/2016 01:19

Someone up thread asked about winter v summer born.
One particular school seems to favour girls that are older and deem only to take a handful of girls with birthdays later in the year. Habs although still not an equal spread do take on a few more summer born.

OP posts:
cellardoors · 27/12/2016 07:17

Thanks mumteacher- which is the school you're referring to (which takes on v few summer borns?) Is it NLCS? Or South Hampstead?

OnMountains · 28/12/2016 15:00

mumteacher How do you know what Highgate are going to be asking about ? Travel, animals etc?

Original poster
mumteacher · 03/01/2017 23:58

Nlcs seem to favour the older girls.

OP posts:
LilaGrace · 04/01/2017 04:25

Anyone else's DD sitting Habs 4+ this week? Mine has her assessment on Thursday- and NLCS next week. This thread has been quiet and I'm hoping it will pick up speed now the assessments are starting....anyone care to join me? Confused

Mummywow · 04/01/2017 08:53

HI we did Habs yesterday

OnMountains · 04/01/2017 08:58

mumteacher - please can you let us know how you know what is on the Highgate assessment topics for 3+? You posted specific topics.

Think you missed my post above. Thank you :-)

Original poster
mumteacher · 04/01/2017 10:25

Mummywow how did it go? Your daughter happy to go in?
(Understand if you may not want to share the activities that came up as habs round 1 isn't over yet)

OP posts:
Mummywow · 04/01/2017 11:22

I don't mind at all. She was v happy and there were biscuits they could share afterwards. They were so lovely there and couldn't have made it nicer. All she told me was there was cutting and sticking and they listened to a story and that she wrote her name. Was most interested in the biscuits and the playground we walked through!

QuietFreakOut · 04/01/2017 15:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Biw · 04/01/2017 21:54

Hi mumteacher and other mums in the know, can anyone please shed some light on the Westminster Under 7+ exam. Especially the English paper I have no idea what to expect. I know there's a comprehension and a composition paper but it would be helpful to know how long each one paper is. I heard 25 minutes for the composition which seems a very hurt time for a 6 year old to develop and write a story!

LilaGrace · 05/01/2017 11:38

Habs went well- DD said she did drawing, wrote her name, listened to a story and cut out some shapes. Hope everyone else's went well- one down, 2 to go!!

IzzyFM · 07/01/2017 18:42

Hi mumteacher,

I've just come across your support thread and wish I had found it earlier! Can I just say how kind it is of you to advise us parents at such a tense time.

My daughter sat Habs 4+ yesterday. I've tried asking her how it went and have managed to work out that she was asked to identify her name, play with building blocks, listen to a story and do some cutting (which is probably her weakest skill). She said she didn't do any puzzles (I was hoping this would be one of the tasks as it's something she loves). She is June born so I'm hoping that will work in her favour, especially if the cutting task didn't go too well.

On the plus side, she parted from my husband and I very easily and seemed very upbeat on return. She is generally a very friendly and confident child who loves conversing, even with unfamiliar adults. She is extremely outgoing but attentive at the same time.

We are now anxiously awaiting an email!

I also have a son, who is only a year older than my daughter. He will be sitting the Habs 5+ in February.

My children haven't had any tutoring, although I'm not against it. I would have preferred to have them tutored had I been able to fit it in to our busy schedule. The only extra-curricular activities they do are Kumon and swimming.

Any tips on the 5+ Assessment?

Thanks Smile

LilaGrace · 08/01/2017 10:16

Hi mumteacher

Do the schools tend to send emails letting us know about round 2, or letters? Habs and Channing both finish round 1 on Tuesday, so any ideas how soon after that we will hear about round 2?
Thanks!

IzzyFM · 08/01/2017 12:03

Hi LilaGrace

At the assessment we were told that emails will be sent by Wednesday to let us know.

Fingers crossed for us all!

LilaGrace · 08/01/2017 12:17

Thanks izzy! Good luck! Where else are you sitting for your daughter? X

IzzyFM · 08/01/2017 13:13

We are also trying for NLC but Habs is our first choice for both our children. I am hoping that they are either both offered a place at Habs or both unsuccessful, as it would be difficult logistically for us to have one child at Habs and one at their current school.

Wouldn't want to deprive either of the opportunity, so will have to make whatever happens work somehow?!

Are you sitting your daughter for assessments at any other schools?

LilaGrace · 08/01/2017 14:16

My daughter is also sitting for NLCS, Channing and South Hampstead. South Hampstead round 1 is in November so we already know she's through to round 2 for that school, but will be waiting for the results of the other 3 schools this week... Shock
Have you got a back up school for your kids if they are unsuccessful? X

IzzyFM · 08/01/2017 21:03

Good luck with all the schools you've applied for. Do you have a first choice or happy with any?

My children are already at a lovely pre-prep, which is a bit further out in Herts, so will remain there if they are unsuccessful x

MountainPeaks · 08/01/2017 21:19

mumteacher - please can you let us know how you know what is on the Highgate assessment topics for 3+?

Original poster
mumteacher · 08/01/2017 22:55

Wow to be doing 4+ and 5+ at the same time! Hope you're coping ok.
5+ there will be an element of maths testing so make sure your son is well rehearsed in his number knowledge. Some phonic knowledge will also stand him in good stead. Construction activities are also a favourite.

OP posts:
Original poster
mumteacher · 08/01/2017 22:58

Middle of this week for replies which should be by email.
(They gave in the past let those called back for round 2 know by email and others by letter but figures crossed it's all via email this year)

OP posts:
Mumstheword2020 · 09/01/2017 00:47

Dear All

I am totally stressed like most parents going through the perils of 4+.

My daughter had her assessment last Friday at Habs and it was a total disaster!

This was the first assessment that she has ever sat and just found the whole experience overwhelming. Normally she is quite chatty and confident but went into a shell and did not utter a word. She told me she was asked to spell the word cat and what rhymes with the word cat and she said she did not know when she actually does.

I feel really guilty as I feel I have let her down and maybe should have tutored her as many parents told me they had done.

We have NLCS this Wednesday and would kindly request if you can let us know what sort of things they will be asked to do; so that we can prepare her a little so that she is not totally taken by surprise and feels better about herself during the assessment.

At the end of the day all children are special and it is very good that everyone here is trying to help each other.

Thank you.