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Original poster

Whitgift and Trinity 11+ exams and Interviews

999 replies

mummax · 11/01/2011 23:16

Hi all
I am new to this. I am loving this site.
Has anyone's DS taken an 11+ exam at Whitgift or Trinity this year. We have taken both and have an interview at Whitgift.
Any tips for a first timer.

OP posts:
cooney · 07/02/2011 16:00

Stressederica, my DS1 was one of 3 boys who was NEVER picked for any team at this prep. Has taken up rowing at W and loves it. 4 sessions a week, two on water and two in the gym his fitness levels have increased dramatically (thats all I care about). He has been chosen for team for several races. He is happy and I am happy. As they say there is a sport for everyone. (though I'm not sure about my DS3)

Caoimhe · 07/02/2011 17:51

stressederica, so you saw Canon B? A bit of a character, no?

That looong wait for the letters is horrible - fingers crossed for you and others waiting.

BTW, last year a big envelope (A4) was good news and a small envelope was bad news.

stressederica · 07/02/2011 17:54

Thanks for this Cooney :)
This is exactly what I'm hoping for for my DS. I'd really like him to find a sport that he enjoys and happy to put the effort in. It's funny but during the W interview he was asked which sports he'd like to try in the future and his answer was rowing! Like you said, there must be a sport out there for him. His swimming is quite good, so that might be something for him. Otherwise there's always Mah Jong I suppose!

stressederica · 07/02/2011 18:00

Yes Caoimhe, definitely a character! Very weirdly, during the interview, I couldn't get the image of Paul O'Grady out of mind! It made it very hard to concentrate on what he was actually saying!
Bless him, he did come across as very warm and friendly. He did not actually ask us any questions as such. He was very positive about our DS and said that he'd done very well in the exams. I can't help wondering whether it's the same chat that he gives to everybody. What's your take on this?

Really dreading the small envelope now!

morethanlikely · 07/02/2011 19:05

I was feeling quite calm- in whatever will be will be mode- that was before i saw the comment about small envelopes!!

Caoimhe · 07/02/2011 19:42

God, sorry I mentioned the envelopes now!!!! Sad

BTW waiting list places and rejections are both in small envelopes so a little envelope doesn't mean all is lost!!!

PMSL at the Paul O'Grady comparison - I know exactly what you mean. Smile He is quite a smiley, warm bloke, though. I'm not sure he says much to anybody!!!!

basildonbond · 07/02/2011 20:10

apparently Canon B is a fantastic teacher - he never shouts but always has control of the class, which when you're talking about a group of pre-teen boys doing a subject which compels them to argue is no mean feat Grin

SoupDragon · 08/02/2011 11:01

I'm not convinced Ws offer came in a big envelope last year. I can't remember.

Club wise, at T they have a Fair kind of thing in the second week or so where they can find. About clubs and sign up for some. DS forgot to go Hmm but is now doing swimming after school and paper geometry at one lunchtime. He has also trailed along to pottery when he had lost his swimming trunks so it seems you can just turn up for these things!

Personally, Im gutted he didn't go to Build A Dalek club :(

SoupDragon · 08/02/2011 11:03

The W offer came in a small envelope, T in a big one so I'm not sure you an tell that way :o

SoupDragon · 08/02/2011 11:05

(yes, i am sad enough to have kept both :o)

cooney · 08/02/2011 17:05

DS1 and DS2 letters from W came in the same size (small envelope) although DS1 was bulky with forms to fill in, DS2's sadly was thin with just one letter (to be put on the waiting list).

SoupDragon · 08/02/2011 17:13

LOL - I can't believe we're analysing the envelopes :) Just rip the damn things open :o

(But yes, I think it's the thickness that counts. [snurk])

stressederica · 11/02/2011 14:33

One week to go!Confused

cooney · 15/02/2011 12:14

Another thin envelope today. Although this time a waiting list for St Georges College. Finger nails are ever diminishing.

stressederica · 16/02/2011 19:43

Sorry to hear that. What are your other options?

4schoolmum · 17/02/2011 11:23

Hi Everyone....nail biting day today with the results being posted...has anyone been brave enough to phone the school and ask??? I just had a friend round for coffee and she had no qualms about phoning the school her daughter had applied to ahead of time...she thinks I should just phone but I'm terrified it will be a no....

4schoolmum · 17/02/2011 11:26

OK..the envelope thing has also freaked me out!!
Ha ha we are mad aren't we......the decision has been made now anyway so we are really seeking comfort/cushioning ourselves in case of rejection i suppose.

4schoolmum · 17/02/2011 11:27

Also wishing I had also applied to Whitgift having read the discussions about the entrance exams. We didn't even look at it.

morethanlikely · 17/02/2011 12:19

Brave friend ringing the school to find out, 4schoolmum.I'd be worried about completely embarrassing myself and bursting into tears if rejected. mind you the state I'm in i'd probably do the same if accepted. Ds totally oblivious to any importance attached to tomorrow.

Sammysilver · 18/02/2011 10:59

This is SO nervewracking...

stressederica · 18/02/2011 12:02

Great news!:) DS got offers at both W and T with scholarships! Cannot believe it! I wish everyone still waiting the best of luck. I won't mention the envelope.

SoupDragon · 18/02/2011 12:04

God... is it today? It was half term last time :)

Congrats to your DS, stressederica... are you a little less stressed now? Which to choose though... :o

Sammysilver · 18/02/2011 13:08

Woo Hoo! My boy's got into W. No scholasrhsip but we're just so thrilled!

cooney · 18/02/2011 16:14

Well done to your ds's. Which is your son going to go for stressederica or maybe it is "notsostressederica" now!

stressederica · 18/02/2011 18:19

Well done Sammysilver.
Cooney, SoupDragon, thanks very much. Definitely not so stressed now! Smile
Now, which one? Similar level of scholarships, both T and W offering the same facilities, both easy to get to, T possibly easier especially initially when DS still so young, so don't know what to do yet. We need to mull it over for a few days.
Any advice on pros and cons of both schools most welcome from all of you, especially from anybody with experience of T or W.
What a great day! So proud of DS! Smile