St Dunstans Interview

[SWStressed]

Has anyone any experience of interviews at St Dunstans Wondered if anyone can shed any light on what the parents are asked and the kids. Anything I need to know? Any help gratefull received

Our interview with the headmistress was very relaxed, she just asked about DS and we gave a bit of a rambling description of his interests, the type of boy he is and why we thought the school was right for him. DS enjoyed meeting the Head of Lower School was lightly thrown to be asked mental arithmetic questions and to read an extract from a book. Felt they were interested in DS rather than what he could offer the school (like other similar independents). Good Luck!

Our parents' interview was about DD, not at all about us. They gave us feedback on her exam results, and asked questions about her interests (which they already knew about from her previous school's Head's letter). Very relaxed.

Thanks that helps, is it your first choice? Feeling a bit dithery about it.

Ours was similar - very relaxed, no peculiar questions. DD seemed to have enjoyed her interview too. It's our first choice - we all love it!

We are from a previous year's intake. But yes, it was our first choice. We are now in our second term and have absolutely not a doubt in our minds that it was the right place for ours (whilst simultaneously recognizing that not all schools suit all children).

Jan - Do you mind me asking, do you feel your child is stretched? I have heard fabulous things about the school and it gets great results but the only criticism I have heard is that it doesn't oush children academically so much. I have a son who needs some prodding and will relax if he can. thanks

SWS - you are right in the sense that it's not one of the traditionally academically pushy school, in the way that A or J or DC might be, even though standards are fairly high (and those latest leagues tables are looking good when you compare that A/As level column with some of those schools). I think perhaps they tend to look for fairly motivated children. They are all expected to have interests outside the strictly academic side of the school, and the sports and music departments are very active, which is part of the reason we chose it. I think ours might rebel against the kind of pushiness some of those schools work with - we felt that thinking she was below average in the class academically for seven years would be a death sentence for her - she reacts better to a carrot than a stick. Where she is, if marks drop below an A she is her own worst critic and will work hard to remedy that, so we are okay with it. But it may not suit a child who is not a motivated self starter academically. Not sure I have answered you query, but hope it helps!

My first choice is Sutton but I haven't done the St Dunstans exam yet

Anyone heard about the interview Ellen's girls school and St Dunstans school ask you