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

My daughter did Habs last year and I remember they asked her what rhymes with cat. They also asked her to draw something and sadly she decided to draw "the wind" (i.e. just a random scribble on the page). Probably explains why she didn't get in. Although to her credit we were reading a story about the wind right before we went in but the assessors would have no way of knowing that!! Ugh! Best of luck everyone, it is a nerve-racking process!

Anyone has DD who went for SHHS and St Chris assessment? Any idea what they may be looking for?

We did Channing round 1 today and DD came out really happy. But it's like they washed their brains because the only thing she remember doing was colouring which before went to the classroom! She remembers singing just one song. No drawing, no writing. They did some decorating of a cookie and left with a treat. At least that really made her enjoy the experience and like the school.

End of Feb

Dictation and rhyming? Waiting for our rejection letter then! My DD will be one that doesn't know. Ah well, thank goodness our safety school came through quite early.

Interesting point... what's everyone's safety school?

Momof3toB, we got into NHEHS so not totally hopeless, apparently :)
But NHEHS is not super selective.
It was a nerve-wracking experience nevertheless, the very first result we got was a rejection from SHHS, then another, less important rejection, and two offers (NHEHS and v.good local prep) came in late December only. Before that I though we would end up nowhere at all.
We have NLCS this week, but DD is not NLCS material, that's for sure, and I'm not very keen, it's just DH insists she sits the assessment anyway.

Re. the dictation DD said something like this: "We had to write down sounds" and I asked her: "Sounds? What sounds?" to which she replied "cat, bat". So I assume it was a dictation as she said sounds, not just copying words from a worksheet.

My DD said they sat and watched Barbie! if that's true they've probably given up on her.

@4plus I got similar feedback. She was asked to write 5 words. Seems like she was asked to read the same 5 also (??)

Congratulations Mumof3tobe we are currently in gdst school but despair to move out.

Does anyone know if the examiner observe if the girls are left or right handed? My DD is left handed is there any hesitation/disliking for taking left handed girls Especially NLCS?

@sunlight do you mind me asking why despair to move from gdst school?

@Matupatlu December

Matupatlu DD is October born, but I think it depends on the child really, some are more mature for different reasons, not just DoB.

DD already reads whole texts in her 1st language (different alphabet to make 4+ worse for us ) but is definitely 'behind' in English.

I saw a birthdays board at NLCS and it struck me that there were just a couple of Summer born girls on it. It was so obvious it made me wonder why did they put it there for everyone to see :) Having said that, maybe it's just one year.

@Stareyed Yes, DD said they "played in a house" first :)

@Mamabear1719 they charge as high standard gdst but they are very poor in providing high standard education. Most of the teachers don't stay with them for too long. School last year took new young inexperience teacher which non of the parents appreciate. We came from state School to this gdst. But was very disappointed. DD in reception was doing excellent but then we decide to move to private coz both the parents work and will be highly dependent on after school care which a private school provides very well. Also her state school teacher said she is brilliant at work. She has started to blend words already. But as soon as we moved to private school her teachers said DD is below average. DD is blamed for not able to read or write. But the school provide no help or support for girls who need bit of encouragement. Moreover, the same was said by other parents and few have left for same reason. Little or no encouragement there approach is very layed back. Also I must say we live in area where starts school are extremely good and have more the 2 grammar school in the catchment.

Anyone else constantly refreshing emails, already this morning?

Ok thank you @sunlight

Good luck to all waiting today !

Yes nail bitingly nervous... good luck everyone :)

Bet it comes in near end of day so parents have the night to do deep breathing and they haven't got to deal with as many phone calls

Hahahahaha yes!
Although I'm expecting the rejections to be on the post.. so anxiously waiting by the door too!

I was gonna ask the same? No news on my side yet

My DD had her first assessment at Falkner yesterday where she is in nursery and has Glendower next week. We are not expecting much as she seems to be going at her own pace. Looking for other non-selective independent options for her now which is a bit of a challenge on short notice.

Overall, the 4+ process is way less stressful than the 7+ process we are going through now with our DS. That is where the real anxiety is. Still have a couple of weeks of waiting there.