JAPs and Alleyn's 4 + assessment

[weejie]

does anyone know what actually goes on? I can't imagine how you could assess a 4 year old so I'm really curious. will they be expected to read and count? if not, what are they looking for? how difficult is it? why is everyone biting their nails over this? are there loads of kids going for each place?

am just pondering if this is something I can bear to put myself and dd through -would be good to hear of others experiences.

thanks

sorry cant help much as my ds assessed at 3, but perhaps put in a search for something like private school assessments and it will bring up the (contentious!) debates

loads of kids for each place

face fits, finances fit then kid fits

you're in

so you see anything wrong in that kind of selection?

I went on tours of both as I was considering 7+ entry so got the spiel about 4+ as well

Certainly Alleyn's seemed pretty relaxed - they're basically playing for a morning, but being observed. And no, they're not expected to be reading and counting, just reasonably bright and engaged, able to follow sequences, not a complete tearaway. It's something of a lottery as there are loads of kids going for each place, but it's still easier than getting into Alleyn's at 11+ when the competition is really stiff.

I can't remember exactly what the JAPS 4+ procedure was as I was so horror-struck at the thought of my 6 year old being expected to do a series of formal sit-down exams . The impression I got again was lots of kids going for places so plenty of bright kids not necc getting in.

Decided against both in the end so didn't actually put dd through it.

Hi Activate

are you speaking from experience? how do you know? sounds like there may be a bit more to in than that...

I did both myself, but it was about 30 years ago so things have probably moved on .

Apparently I got covered in paint at the Alleyns one and talked incessantly about weather forecasting at the JAP one.