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

On the topic of parents attending assessments- unless it specifies that parents need to come and/or there will be 'discussions' with staff from the school it really does matter who they go with. The important thing is that they are able to detach from that person and are content.
It's important for the parent not to get stressed 'in the waiting' also. There will alway be that person who's kid found x school assessment easy, who has 'already' been called back ( you were told decisions were next week), the bragger, the show off etc etc. Take it with a pinch of salt and if you think it's going to stress you then send your kid with partner/ someone else!

Mumteacher1 - I have tried calling/emailing nlcs but they are closed till Monday, and we have the assessment scheduled in for Monday 9 am. What do I do now 😢

AAAGGetc. The Bursary at NLCS should be open. Phone them and they'll get a message through. Go through the main switchboard one tree to 'Bursary'. Please don't worry.

Horsemadmom- thank you so much. That worked, and they were happy to reschedule.

Yep had Habs yesterday! Now can breath for a few days before next week

DD had HABS today, no idea how it went but fingers and everything else crossed. They said they have had 250 applications, 40 spaces. Expect to call back approx. 80 children and parents for second rounds. Emails on Tuesday/Wednesday next week.

Yes we got told the same at Habs, room of 15 children max 4 will get called back!
What are the chances hey?!

DD has learnt to write her name backwards and thinks it's really funny. Is it me or does anyone else just want to scream some times?! The more I ask for her not to do it, she does it even more!

#parentalfail

Mumof3tobe don't pick on yourself I have been there done that and with experience I can say join in her fun and she will find it more interesting to right the correct way. Untill year 2 DD was not ready to count backwards from 100 but now I can see the change. Also writing at this age is exceptional. Some kids don't have fine motor skills untill year 1. So take it easy and encourage her for writing correctly.

We had our leh on Thursday DD like the school but is scared about results 48 seats for year 3. Next week we have SHHS we didn't like the look of school but it will be good for longer run. They also don't have swimming pool. Then the it's the big one that we all have our eyes on NLCS. DD loves the school and wants to get in but again only 8 to 10 places available.

Does anyone know how many girls will be appling i.e. an average? And is there a waiting list for 7+ ?

They do have a short reserve list at 7+. Roughly 130 or so sit

I guess they pick overall as they won’t send emails until Tuesday, when they’ve seen all applicants.
So far, Habs is the most difficult assessment we had, though I think NLCS will beat it :)

Agree !! We have nlcs and second round shhs this week 🙈

Sorry for delay, just to clarify no it's not 4 from every pack that was merely a stat (ie 30% of the group).

We spent the weekend having fun and exploring. Not sure if it's the right thing to do but could just see us going backwards.

I am now of the opinion what will be, will be!!

I have to say Habs seems to have been the toughest assessment for us too. Someone above mentioned the same, why do you think this is? I can't put my finger on it!

Yes SH second round this week, nlcs, Orley farm and channing!

Good luck everyone

Exactly the same! With holland house she came out telling me everything, SH the same.
Both we got through!

Then Habs stern silence. They did 'nothing'.
Colouring - no! Drawing - no! Jigsaw --no!
She was happy enough coming out but just said nothing.

I tried a few times but not pushing it now!

Good luck to everyone this week. I think it's set to be a busy week !
It's typically between 6-8 applicants per place, but don't read too much into this as there's always a high proportion who apply to all schools and those that apply 'speculatively' and wouldn't take the offer if made. If you think of it this way the odds are higher 😄.

its very hard to know exactly what they are looking for at 3/4/5 and to some extent 7+ as assessment is more subjective and the assessment methods for each establishment will differ based on what they are looking for in an 'ideal candidate'. It's a bit like a job interview, you can be the best qualified person on paper but if you don't 'click' with those assessing you may not get the place.

Key thing is to keep you and your kids happy and healthy this week. It's the worst time of year for assessment and the best you can do is keep them (and you) on top form !.

My daughter was asked to read at Habs and got upset her friend could and she couldn't

@shodo oh no! I'm sorry to hear she was upset, I hope she is ok!
I'm surprised they asked them to read, is she a winter born? We would certainly fail at that, we have been trying three letter words but I think we aren't there yet.

@momof3 I would agree HABS has been our hardest so far, but probably our highest preferences of the schools we have sat. For us, I think it's a lot of self pressure.

My DD said they had a proper dictation at Habs, had to write words like bat, cat, mat. She said she couldn’t and saw another girl who couldn’t do it either. Apparently some children can if the school probes for that, but we didn’t tutor and DD has English as SL so not much hope for us I think.
It’s a shame as when I try to do a dictation with her afterwards, it turned out she understood what she needs to do and could write that words (her cat is kat though as we have German among other languages :) ). She was just unprepared for the task as it never came to my mind it could be expected from a 4yo, it’s just a bit too much I think.

Children who were tutored have a huge advantage at super selectives at 4+ as well as monolingual English speaking children. We had 2nd round at Wimbledon and were the only non-English speaking family. I wonder how did we get through to the second round at all :)

They also counted penguins at Habs, plus one/minus one but that’s pretty standrad across selective schools I guess.

Some schools do put 'above level/requirement' tasks into their assessment to a) see if the kid has been tutored/ taught academics b) look at how they approach a 'difficult' task. The'answer' maybe can't do but have the right approach !