Independent school interviews / scholarship interview

[TooBusyByHalf]

We were planning on sending DD to state school (unless she doesn't get offered a good enough school). As a back-up plan we put her in for one local private school entrance exam which she sat on Monday. She now has a scholarship interview on Saturday! Help - what to expect? She hasn't been tutored and is at a state primary so we have no experience of this. Have found some online advice on questions but wondered if anyone has any personal stories to share? what kinds of questions? the interviewer is a maths teacher - does that mean maths questions? or irrelevant? what are they looking for? The school is St Dunstan's, Catford. thanks in advance for your help.

Don't know the school, but when ds had his interviews, it was more to find out what he was interested in, could he have a good conversation with an adult, was he confident without being overly so, what extra-curricular things did he like doing etc.

I realise schools are different, so hopefully someone will come along with experience of the one you are interested in.

My DD was interviewed for a 6th form scholarship. This is somewhat different of course but I think enthusiasm for learning, being able to speak confidently and showing an interest in the school and what it has to offer will help. I think a maths teacher is just who they choose to do the interviews but I am surprised it is not the Head or Deputy. I do not think the interview will be maths based but I am sure, as diabolo says, there will be people with greater experience. Also, do not worry about coaching. Children who are coached usually sound coached and I have been told they are spotted a mile off and the schools are not so keen. They want genuinely bright and enthusiastic children who will be a credit to the school. Good luck.

Our experience is the interviewer wants to gauge the students potential. Many kids can be tutored to pass exams but for scholarship candidates they are looking for individuals who know their own minds, take an interest in various subjects (not just superficially) and can talk in-depth about various topics.

My DD got asked to describe 2 members of her family using the most obscure words she knew which rather threw her. Other than that it just seemed to be general chat about hobbies etc. And she was asked what was her least favourite school subject.

Thanks everyone. Just got the letter confirming the phone call - it says 1:1 with maths teacher and group exercise for English. So looks like it is academic rather than hobbies. Any idea what the English group thing could be?

maybe they will be given a scenario and then asked to ad lib some sort of role play?

My DD had to do some group work too - they had to design a poster for new years resolutions. Not much you can do to prepare or coach for it I wouldn't think - they're just seeing how they interact with others.

There is a long thread going on education dealing with the south london indie school mayhem. Pretty sure someone on there has mentioned St Dunstans. You might want to ask on that.

Re the group work. I think (or would like to think!) schools that have something more than just a classic "interview" normally publicise it. City does a "group session" for example where a class of potential pupils are taught a lesson and observed (all as part of selection).