3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ Support thread 2019

[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 2019!) 😉

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/3073499-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2018

Hi @mumteacher - is that advice for 4+ for a particular school? Or just generally? Thank you

What is the kind of writing & maths that schools assess for 4+? I am looking at GDST schools.

Surely the idea of 4+ is potential, not what’s been taught. I think it’s crazy that a school would assess such details about animals which could only ever be the result of a child being taught that detail by a parent or tutor or whatever.
I have 3 children who passed various 4+ (and beyond) but maybe it’s different for SW and W London schools...!

@coconutwheel I am in sw London too - can you recollect what was done for the 4+? Mine will be assessed this January and I've done no prep. However I'd like to talk to her so she's comfortable with whatever Is asked rather than reacting with shyness. I don't intend to tutor or teach anything other than confidence at this point. (No time either!)

My daughter did the South Kensington assessments for 4+ last year (successfully) and is now in Reception. The set up at both schools was a 'rotation' between different tables, 1-1 with a teacher. Tasks included: stringing beads, puzzles, a butterfly that had one wing made of geometric shapes and she had to build the missing wing in the same way, drawing a picture, doing a 'story walk' of a very simple book (she was given the Snowman, which is a book band 2 in the Biff, Chip & Kipper series). She had to tell the story based on the pictures but she was NOT asked to read it. She was asked to write her name but no other formal reading, writing or maths required. I hope this helps some of the readers who asked this question.

My nephew just sat for Dulwich. Asked to count buses to 20. Listen quietly to a story. Recognise his name. Draw a picture. For Reception entry next September.

My DC is sitting Highgate 7+ in a week's time. Any advice would be appreciated. How much time are they given for story writing in Highgate?

@RaspberryCake @CB2009 thank you for your detailed input, very useful!

Velvetta - my son sat 2 years ago, now Y5. Unless changed used to be around 50 mins for a combined paper which is comprehension & story. Time split relatively evenly. But they can gain some time if they get through comprension quickly to direct at a better/longer story. Maths not too tough so very important to encourage using spare time at end to check as accuracy very important. Story two years ago started with a picture & they had to carry it on. Said to stop people writing a more generic story that they have learnt at school/home. Good luck.

@CB2009 thank you! Much appreciated.

Good summary from Raspberry cake. We’ve also had colouring, some letter recognition, some gross motor (“stand on one leg” or jump) type stuff. Different children’s stories; often very well known ones. We’ve had shape recognition, counting.

Has anyone heard back from SPJ?

I'm also anxious to hear about what's going on with SPJ my DS sat for the 7+ exams on Saturday.

No I haven't, still expectant.

@mumteacher and anyone else with specific experience in the Highgate 3+

Please can you give me any insight as to what my daughter will be expected to do when she has her assessment in January? She is an April baby and I bleieve the other children at her assessment will be similar. Thank you

Highgate 3+ will see a lot of siblings. Confident children with the ability to make sense of the world around them and be able to hold a conversation, eg a puzzle about trains and the assessor may ask where is the train driver? Or where is the train going? (To America might not be a sensible answer but ‘taking mummy to work’ would suffice)

GF77 - almost all the children taken at 3+ live close to the school. Real problems with traffic/neighbourhood so they love to take some children who can walk. Siblings get clear preference too despite what the school says, although they cannot take them all. These factors leave very few places for other children. They will also be looking for an even gender balance but in the past more boys apply than girls. Many more places at 7+. Good luck. Not trying to be off putting, just realistic

Thank you @mumteacher.

@CB2009 Oh dear, we live the other side of the Heath so not in walking distance and no older sibling there. I don’t fancy our chances! Although I guess we have been given an assessment and they certainly don’t assess everyone so perhaps there is still a little bit of hope!

Any tips for St Paul’s Junior 7+ interview please?We have ours in a couple of days.

Anyone going through the 4+ assessment at Notting Hill and Ealing High this week? We are really keen on the school so any tips/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

velvetta well done for getting an interview, I saw quite a few little boys and their parents coming out of the interview today. Tell your boy to be friendly, kind and appear engaged. For 8+ they interviewed in groups of 4. My ds sat 8+ last year & when head asked him what he did at the weekend he said played football and played with my puppy! They like very bright, well mannered, friendly boys. Best of luck

Thanks @Roseredvelvet

Any advice on Bute House 7+ entry would be appreciated. My daughter will be sitting. We are preparing her at home only, doing CGP books, age 7-8 for maths and NVR, some Bond maths and NVR, age 7-8 and some story writing. Are we doing enough?

Hi all & @mumteacher my little one has been on the waiting list for DUCKS 4+ since a few months old and I have just been contacted by them to see if we would be interested in 3+ (although did find strange that such a highly sought after nursery has space?!). My question is what are the assessments based on at Ducks for 3+ as my LO isn’t due to turn 3 until the summer. Assessments take place in mid Jan. would also be interested to know about assessments for Herne Hill. Any info is appreciated.

Hi All, my DD cleared first round of SHHS and she’ll be doing group assessment in January. Any tips? We have no idea what she’ll be assessed on?