3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ support thread 2018

[mumteacher]

In previous years I have started these threads to help and support all those 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.

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👏🏼

(Roll on 2018!) 😉

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/2783435-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2017

I really like St Hilda’s but would say it focuses on making a child all rounded as opposed to purely focused on academics. Saying that the academics isn’t bad either.

Manor Lodge also has raving reviews.

I’m finding it difficult to decide between all the prep schools. I guess it’s on gut feel when you see the school (not a helpful comment sorry).

We got our Habs assessment date which is first week of Jan! Now waiting on NLCS

@Happydad2 I think most people are in that position! I think they are well trained to draw it out of them.

I think being a bit reserved is actually a sign of intelligence, it shows the child is assessing the situation and their place in that situation. Clearly your daughter has emotional intelligence

Thanks for advice. Been trying to keep her at ease and not over push. Worry is she won't say a single word, guess a few parents in same boat.

HappyDad our son is doing 4+ in January and I have the same fear. He is bright and curious, but nervous in new places and takes a long time to warm up to new people. He skips into preschool now, but it took over a term for him to really settle.

I think being left in a strange environment is going to be really tough on him (by which I mean there is a decent chance he will cry non stop and just refuse to engage, rather than demonstrating that actually he loves books, is intrigued by numbers and knows loads about space ect).

We are thinking about moving to the country, so in the end it may not matter, but I do wonder how introverts generally cope at these London assessments.

Has anyone had Assessment dates from NLCS yet?

No dates for NLCS only Habs

NLCS date for first round just came through...!

DD got through to the second round at Wimbledon, and St Albans offered the same day for their assessment, 8 January. Not sure what to do now, we really like both schools. Does anyone know if St Albans has other dates available? I’ll email them but just wanted to double check first. Or perhaps Wimbledon is more flexible? I’ve no idea really, would appreciate any advice.

Anyone know how essential it is for your toddler to know how to use scissors for a 3+ assessment and, if so, to what degree they should know how to use them? Thanks!

Any views on CLSG prep vs SHHS (7+) here from Parents or those in the know? There was something about Maths and homework at City last year or so re the new-ish senior school head on another post . Has this been resolved?

@NLondonMummy I think gross motor skills is tested in various ways and scissors from what I hear has been used a few times.
Cutting round shapes and in a straight line.

I think you've still got plenty of time to prep that. But more broadly than just prep it's a good skill for a child to have and will help with other motor skills if they can nail it.
My little one is confident using scissors but by no means is it perfect but she enjoys doing it so I wouldn't be surprised if you found random scissors in the back of my sofa or random cuts bit of paper!

Good luck! :)

@4plus I think this is common and don't think they will be surprised if you contact them and they explain.

The locations of the two schools seem to be far apart (i am stating the obvious, sure you already know that )

@gran1 adverts aren't really allowed here I'm afraid, have reported your post so it gets deleted. Most people doing the younger assessments do them to avoid the 7+!

hiyasminitsme, I was just offering some advice to anyone whose child doesn't pass the test for their preferred school and not everyone wishes to avoid the 7+ as not all children are ready to be tested then. Wasn't meant to be an ad and I apologise if I have offended anyone.

No problem - I think would be construed as an ad for a specific school but fair enough if not intended that way.

No problem - I think would be construed as an ad for a specific school but fair enough if not intended that way.

thank you hiyasminitsme.
I see you were right about my mentioning a specific school.

It's such an anxiety-filled time for parents and 3+ and 4+ are not the only way. There's such competition in our part of London and in my opinion there is another way. If I can offer such advice I would be happy to.

Thank you MumDad999 for your response! Much appreciated :)

Info on 7+ specimen papers.

Hi - anyone else attending round 2 at WHS in Jan?..
Mums with girls already in, what to expect! Any advice much appreciated, thanks

What's WHS?

I hear the South Hampstead second rounds was announced today! Good luck and congrats to those that got in.

We didn’t apply to SH but exciting times!

Got through not got in... sorry