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

We got Wimbledon 7+ results today they only had 4 places and my DD didn't got one. Congratulations to does who got in.

Any DS sat SPJS 7+ today? What was d feedback on the level of difficulty for maths..

"Too easy," stated my DS (a bit over-confident that one!!) MM, he mentioned they repeated the Qs, but will find out soon!

Yes..waiting game till Monday!

Happydad2 your daughter is shy and that's her personality. You can empower her by letting her make a few decisions- what she wants to wear, have for breakfast extra. This may help build her confidence. You can't and shouldn't want to change a personality trait, and maybe consider this when you make your decision on schools for her.
I'm sure I'm telling you nothing you didn't already know. 😉

Sharads writing speed won't be the straw that broke the camels back. Content is key.
Comprehensions skills are best learnt from reading out and having the adult question the child's understanding along the way. Don't ask the obvious questions, dig deep- why do you think the author told us it's raining (maybe the character is feeling sad at that point in the story)

I wrote about using the story hill (possibly in last years post) which you may find useful.

Mumdad999

"We heard a lot about tutoring (not that anyone ever admits it) but opting not to go down that route, we felt our child’s sanity was more important"

Your child's sanity?! Really?! And then you go on to say how you have your 2/3 year old do worksheets?! 😆🙄

Nlondonmummy no scissor control required for 3+.

Sunlight sorry to hear your news. With such few places it's always so tricky. 💐

Hi alll. Anyone know what the 3 + assessment is like for St Helens and Edgegrove or what they are looking for. And a comparison of northwoid college versus st Helens. Thank you

@mumteacher yes sanity, that's right. Not suppressing a child's mind to pass an entrance exam. Not dictating how a child should draw a picture but rather encourage their creativity. Or putting down a child for not being able to do pencil grip but encouraging them when they do. Absolutely I've chosen to have a happy child rather than one forced to be a mould a tutor wants.

Worksheets done through fun and play - yes we do encourage it. My DD loves doing them because it's fun time where she's told she is doing well, even if her 'a' looks like a '9' because guess what she's gonna keep practicing and get that 'a' right. We are active and involved parents, don't need someone like you to do the parenting for me.

I will choose a happy child over an unhappy NLCS or HABS child any day of the week. I'm not judging other parent, it's a decision we've made each to there own.

Not sure who you think you are to judge what I do with my child.. maybe time to get off your high horse. #pathetic #ofstedneedtovisityournursery

Ps.. my post above was aimed at mum teacher and means no disrespect in anyway to any parents that have chosen to tutor (and I considered it at one point too). I appreciate how competitive and how hard the entrance is, especially for working parents who just want there child to do well.
It also depends on the child being receptive to it too.
Please don't take my post targeted at you. At the end of the day, whether tutoring or not I respect the fact that we are all just trying to do the best we can for our children.

hi @Matupatlu goodluck with the 4+, assuming January is going to be lots of fun :) We are in the same boat!

Our DD got into our back up option so we have a fall back plan but hoping we won't need to use it.

mumdad, I found your post to teacher very offensive. sadly it does not break the talk guidelines.

@Christmascardqueen I apologise to you.
My intention was not to cause offence to you.

Matupatlu your daughter is enthusiastic and confident which is great. At this age she won't be required to put her hand up to answer questions in the same way that an older child may.

Mumdad999 my quarrel with you is that you've generalised 'tutored' children to lack imagination, are suppressed, sad robots.

I've always maintained 'tutoring' is an adult in a child's life guiding and helping preparation for the assessments.

You have 'tutored' your child yourself.

Worksheets
Writing letters and numbers until your daughter 'gets them correct'
Scissor control
Pencil grip
Drawing
Puzzles

All the things you've mentioned are probably not highly prioritised by an average nursery so you've had to do a lot of the preparation yourself.

By self admission you know how tight lipped everyone is about what goes on in these assessments. I find it interesting that the things you choose to practice with your daughter are the things mentioned in my previous threads. Coincident- maybe. (Don't kid yourself that forming letters and numbers is in the 'normal' remit of a 3 year old and it's what all 'hands on' parents do)

Thank you for your comment about my nursery. Ofsted did indeed visit us very recently, grading us outstanding in 'teaching, learning and assessment' and 'outcomes' for children. 2 of the four areas they inspect.

My ride is indeed high but unlike some I chose not to look down upon those who have chosen a differing path.

It will depend on which school but on the whole drawing, cutting, story puzzles etc

Hey mumteacher any advice for 3 plus assessments and what is expected of girls for st helens and edgegrove thanks in advance for your help

St Helen - 3+ is about confidence, independence and interactions with others. Puzzles, stories, drawing, cut and stick and playing with toys

@mumteacher

"Mumdad999 my quarrel with you is that you've generalised 'tutored' children to lack imagination, are suppressed, sad robots."

No that's not what I said. I said it was what the tutor tries to do to a child. There is a difference. I also did not call anyone a sad robot.

I also said each to there own and it's not for all children but some are receptive to it. I have by my own admission said that I considered it for both of my kids.

"All the things you've mentioned are probably not highly prioritised by an average nursery so you've had to do a lot of the preparation yourself. "

My child does this at nursery and enjoys it. Hence we engage it at home in a fun way. She goes to an Ofsted Outstanding Nursery.

"(Don't kid yourself that forming letters and numbers is in the 'normal' remit of a 3 year old and it's what all 'hands on' parents do)"

My three year old asked to do it and all my child's friends which are three year olds doing the same. I thought you're in the profession?!

Your Nursery Ofsted report was "good" not "outstanding", so don't kid yourself or anyone on this page.

I took my son 2 years ago to see @mumteacher and she told me we were too late to tutor and after a 30 min observation she said he would never get into MT. Guess which school he got into?!!!! We work tirelessly as parents to do best by our children, active or not everyone has there own journey.

Hi @ma518 thank you for the help.

Mumdad999 three things

1. when I assess a child it's never for 30mins

2. I NEVER tell parents their child won't gain entry to a particular school- EVER!

3. my nursery DID achieve outstanding in two of the four areas inspected by ofsted: "teaching, learning and assessment" and "outcomes" for children.

Anyone who knows me knows that not only do I spend significant time assessing children for school entrance purposes but as a trained professional I'm also looking out for SEN and SAL issues and the feedback that follows assessment is highly informative.

I take back about you learning how to prepare your children from my threads - if you came to see me you would have had everything you need from that.

The 'we didn't tutor to keep our child's sanity' is because I wasn't able to tutor your child and it's obviously left a bitter taste.

I'm fine with you taking a dig at me but your posts, as mentioned by others is offensive and derogatory.