7+ 2024/25

[Caps0218]

I haven't seen another thread similar to previous years, so thought it would be beneficial to start one as exams are now 1 month away.
I think SHHS, UCS, KCJS and WUS are all in October.

Also - Curious to see if number of applicants are down this year, with Labour's VAT raid.

Thank you so much for responding. Does anyone know if the total mark at SPJ matters or whether there are areas like maths and english that are more important? I also find it strange that a school that is so focused on maths has such a short maths section - any thoughts? And why is VR so important at SPJ when the answers are often learnt by the kids? I do think they need to evolve their evaluation process to avoid it being gamed by the tutors/ over prepped fams…

VR is a big section indeed but how can you learn answers to VR questions? I remember there were certain types of questions but the questions themselves were never the same while my kids were prepping…

With regards VR, it is possible to practice the different types of questions, but vocabulary will vary and hence all you can practice is method.

Interesting that NVR and Comprehension are in the same section!

There will be more maths and English in the 2nd round.

Where is it mentioned that SPJS 2nd round will have more maths test? It only states lessons in english and maths, along with group activities.

@San2023 I meant Maths lesson and English lesson, but I would not be surprised if there was a test in there!

To be honest, I’m not thinking past first stage!

Second round you have group activities eg you sit in a circle and last year they threw a teddy bear and however caught it had to answer the question. The classroom based activities include both group work and independent work in maths and English. English they have a creative writing component usually for 20 minutes.

Seems very different to Kings 2nd stage, where it's just activities.
@SWlondonmum123 Was this for 8+ or 7+ last year?

I think independent work means some tests.

For 7+ last year. Its very different from kings

Seems they want to look at classroom learning / how they behave etc...as opposed to how they do activities. So totally different, certainly much more academic. I think very much like what WUS 2nd stage was like.

Holding thumbs for you @SWlondonmum123 .
How has it been for you, DS and the family to go through this process twice in a row?

Very stressful! To be honest I've done most of the preps with him myself and I think perhaps what would have made a difference is to have tutored consistently. Having spoken to most boys from our previous school who got into kings (we were at a feeder for kings) they've all been tutored heavily. It seems to be the way forward!

Do these schools have reserve days, one DS's friends is not feeling great. I can't imagine SPJS having a reserve day when results are out on Monday and interviews start Tuesday! He will have to have some Calpol and do his best.

Oh no that's terrible! I hope he manages to perk up before tomorrow. 8+ is 7 weeks away. All the best for tomorrow

Anyone gave the Habs boys assessment today? DS says it was all quite tricky - not sure what that means! Would be good to hear other boys’ feedback :)

@SWlondonmum123 well I hope you’ll be adding to the diy success stories 🙏 it does sometimes seem that a lot comes down to resources..

@ThePractical sorry to divert attention away from Habs fingers crossed you get a good result

This process is really stressful isn’t it, I’m not the only one?!

Outrageously so. Solidarity.
We have a few in quick succession over the next two weeks: St Paul’s, City, Highgate.
Think we’re entering a “roll with the punches” mode…

Good luck for tomorrow all!

@Fullmoon99 Indeed, we have the same 3.

Just did SPJS drop off, in our letter we had 20 kids.

There were 9 groups, so 180 kids? No way?

Yeh thats what we were discussing. Its impossible. But groups are till alphabet I. Do you think there will be another batch later?

Last year everyone was morning. Unless someone on here has an afternoon slot?

G,H,I were 60 in total.

Written exams would always be at the same time, they only split up the second stage activity sessions

Plus the head's message said look forward to seeing you in the morning!

Unless the A-D were larger? But GHI were 20 each.