Westminster Under School 8+ Interview

[OptimysticMom]

Hello,
Wondering those who have been through the process of 8+ interviews in recent years, if you could please shed some light on what we should expect of it? DS (summer born) has just been invited to WUS, and has been asked to bring along a recent book he enjoyed. (Comprehension did not go well at all, hence perhaps book request??) What do they ask the child as someone on another thread mentioned they are "very" thorough? Do they eventually take Summer borns, whose comprehension may not be a strength. He is, however, a 'gifted' mathematician (like many other candidates at the school). Any help, tips, advice please would go a long way. TIA

Op, congratulations on passing the first round. I have friends sitting 7+ and 8+, and both are asked to bring a book, so I think it was a request too all, not related to the comprehension results.

Thank you organiccoffee, that's a relief!

Yes my son L was also asked to bring a book.
Any other tips, advice would be much appreciated. TVM

Congratulations to your DSs. Often when schools ask for a book (or an object) it is to stimulate a conversation during the interview. The request is unlikely to be related to the comprehension test result. Make sure it is one that he has read and genuinely enjoyed (and will be able to discuss).

Thank you steamedbadger!
Workingmum from what I've been able to gather, it's just getting to know your son. Mental maths, hobbies are an assumption. How he interacts, responds to interviewer/confidence. Just being who he is rather than someone overcoached for the day. Some comprehension exercise is expected, I believe. Will he thrive at the school. Hope it helps. GL

Don't be tempted to send him in with a wildly aspirational book - much bette Ethan is one he really enjoyed and is able explain why. They have had their fill of children claiming to love Little Dorrit :-)

Thanks Michaelahpurple! He went w his instinct, and I let him take his preferred book. Interestingly, not much discussion on the book. Interview pretty cursory he said (so much for all the parental stress!😐). My feeling is they had chosen the boys already: from the test results... (English comprehension test certainly not determiner, as I had presumed earlier!)
DS confirmed majority of the boys struggled w the classroom activities (his particular group?) 😲Interview was pretty relaxed. Not sure how these 60 boys are even considered for interview, if I were to believe DS's impression.🤔