3+4+5+7+ support thread mumteacher 2021

[Mumteacher1]

I know it’s a little later than usual but here it is! #letsdothis

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

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/3780207-3-4-5-7-Support-thread-2020-Mumteacher

Thanks for starting the thread mumteacher. I've read through lots of old threads, which were really helpful, but it's useful to have up to date information.

We have a DD sitting for NLCS, SHHS, Channing, Alleyns, plus a handful of less selective/non-selective preps. I'm curious to know about numbers applying too. We had the first round for SHHS a couple of weeks ago, and are waiting to hear back.

How did your DD find the SHHS assessment @Jumped78? DD seemed happy enough coming out of the assessment, but she has a May birthday and probably isn't as mature/developed as the autumn-born girls.

Hello,

Is there anyone here for MTP 3+?

Is anyone waiting on Highgate? Any idea when we might hear?

Highgate results are out

Jumped78 the numbers will vary each year. You can ring up the school and ask the admissions personnel they will let you know.

Also I'll quickly add please think about the questions you ask the heads / senior staff at the schools who may be floating around whilst you wait for your child during their assessments.
If it's a question that can be answered by admin staff it's probably not the right one for senior teacher.

What questions would you suggest asking apart from the usual? I realise every school is different but would be good to have some up sleeves

Hi @Mumteacher1,

Thank you for starting this thread, it's reassuring to have a hand hold along this precarious journey!

I'm wondering, would a mock exam, 24 hours ahead of the actual exam be helpful?

My child won't be at school the day of the exam, nor fortuitously the day before.

The actual exam is at 9.30am. I'm contemplating DC sitting a mock exam at 9.30am the day before.

I'd be interested to hear opinions on why this may or may not be a beneficial exercise.

Many thanks in advance for the sharing of any pearls of wisdom!

20217plus
Please don't do that to yourself or your child. It can be a stressful journey and an assessment the day before an actual assessment won't be purposeful.

The reasons to do a mock is to

Highlight any gaps in learning
Trial run for timing practice
Give the child experience of exam conditions

Maybe a month or so before but I would definitely not recommend it the day before.

What will be gained by taking the mock the previous day?

TokTok
There's no format.
Look over the schools website. See what drama productions they have put on. Have they open another sister school (!) Anything that can led to a valued discuss with senior staff.

Anyone heard from SW London preps?

I made mine do a mock the day before and the very same comprehension came up in the real thing!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences @Mumteacher1 and @Moominmammacat, much appreciated!

@Mumteacher1 it would be very helpful to understand what you think might be more appropriate preparation in the 24 hours leading up to the exam, all thoughts appreciated.

Thanks!

It really depends on the child ... my first was compliant and happy to do the papers "as a puzzle" ... top brainwashing here. I did a full run through of the real thing ... so if tomorrow had VR + maths with a half hour break in the middle, that's what I would do. But if I'd tried this with any of my others, it would have been a disaster. I should add that after the state school exams were over, I completely forgot about the privates and we only realised the night before the exam existed ... and it was just fine. Should add child was no genius, just well prepared and working within abilities.

Mumteacher, we are preparing for 7+ for a girls school with an academic reputation. Would you expect the standard of attainment of applicants to vary this year given that the cohort will have experienced their first two school years with disruption? I feel there is no benchmark on what to expect this time around given what my DD and those I know have experienced. However, I dont know if other schools had more effective home learning provision and whether our experience is in the minority! Do you have any views or knowledge of this?

Also, I am dreading the possibility of a zoom interview assessment replacing a group ‘in person’ assessment if restrictions increase. Any tips on tackling a zoom assessment?

Hello everyone..
Any ideas on how to "prepare" DD for round 2 of 4+ assessment?
We did nothing for Round 1... Her nursery teacher is a bit unhappy that we are trying at 4+... Will her reference matter?

Just to add.. we do drawing at home at weekends.. Does she needs to know her addition / subtraction and phonics/3 letter spellings for round 2?
We have just started the process and overwhelmed with views on play based vs academic assessment.

Midget
I can not see a massive change in attainment level for entry requirement. There were plenty of schools where remote learning fell short, however the academic schools you are looking at for your daughter will be expecting potential candidates to have copied well with change.

I can not see zoom assessments being an option at this stage.

Passingby have you sat round 1 already?
All the answers to your questions are dependent on which school.
If you don't wish to share that information here send me a pm and I'll be happy to help if I can

Anyone have experience of the Habs second round at 4+?

@Jumped78

Thank you mumteacher. your previous threads have been very helpful. I have a DD sitting the 4+. We live in Edgeware and will be applying to the usual schools.. Habs, nlcs, channing and shhs. does anybody know when we find out the dates for the assessments or how many applications they received? i heard there were record numbers applying this year

Are you through to round 2 for any? Did you get an answer on numbers?

Congratulations to all those through to round 2

I have also bought the 3+/4+ prep book. It looks good.
We have a few weeks ahead of round 2 so will give it a go.