So where's this years Trinity/Whitgift/Dulwich/Alleyns Thread PART 2!!

[Firefox1066]

The other thread reached the 1000 post limit so I've started this as a follow on

[stourton]

Thanks for the answers everyone.
The concern that I had was that the train from Victoria to South Croydon takes around 40 minutes, so significantly more time, because it takes a different route. I will be coming to London to do a quick run of the route to see how it works. I could then work out how fast or slow it would be to either take a train or bus to the school. It's good to hear that lots of students come from Clapham.

Thanks Leeds, I am also looking at the school bus route as I worry about a 10yr old taking the train, perhaps there are plenty of kids that age who do this, and it's not an issue? I don't know.

[MeetieVonWrinkleSqueak]

stourton, it’s not so much a different route, more that South Croydon trains tend to stop at every station between Victoria and E Croydon, especially when you are travelling against the rush hour traffic, which really adds to the journey time.

But your DS should be able to get a fast train to E Croydon and then pick up a connection to S Croydon, which might reduce the journey time a bit. Or hop on a bus.

I know that T tailor their school bus routes depending on who wants to use them, but I’m not sure if W does the same. T also run a chaperone service from Clapham Junction for the first half term or so, so you might find that W do something similar.

[Snowstorm18]

I’ve bookmarked a webpage on W secondhand uniform sale but it does not seem to have been updated - it still says the next sale is 3rd Feb! Does anybody know when the next sale may be? Thank you.

[orangetiger]

thanks space got the letter and confirmation of deposit weeks ago but been busy.. My DS is over the moon and so excited about going to W, i honestly can't believe a school can be so inspiring to a 10 y/o! i just hope it lives up to his dreams... it's really not a bad start, a week in lake Gardia..sounds lovely but glup, no mention of costs in the letter... any parents have an idea whether we'll have to take out a 2nd mortgage to pay for the compulsory Italian experience?! Also got the school uniform invite email today, very efficient. Does anyone know does this mean new Y6 parents are not allowed to buy 2nd hand uniform?

[AveEldon]

Usually the W uniform sale is mid May I believe
You can of course buy second hand uniform but don't expect to be able to get everything you need in the sale
Sports kit has changed recently and there isn't usually that much of it in the sale

[Firefox1066]

orangetiger Lake Garda is a wonderful experience DS1 still talks about it now, three years after the event!

There are no additional costs for Lake Garda except a notional amount for insurance (maybe £60) and spending money for nik naks and souvenirs etc.

Second hand sales are very good for things like Blazers (which are expensive new) especially if you have a DS who would forget his own head if it wasn't screwed on might lose things!

[orangetiger]

wow that's A-mazing •orangetiger• seriously all included? loving this school already. Yes would love to get a 2nd hand blazer, i know he will want all new sports kit/bags etc (5 of them - really?!). will you please let me know when you know date of 2nd hand sale.

[orangetiger]

i mean firefox - BRAIN FOG. ARGGGHH

[Firefox1066]

As soon as I know the date of the second had sale I'll put it on here. Wrt to uniform, like every newbie I bought the entire list first time around! I won't be making that mistake again! DS NEVER used his valuables bag so don't waste your money on that. Also, contrary to what you might hear, a LAMY pen is not compulsory (although a lot of the new boys have them).

DS2 is really looking forward to Lake Garda..DS is threatening to give him sleeping pills the night before and go again in his place!! Boys!

[Firefox1066]

*DS1 is threatening to give him sleeping pills

[orangetiger]

haha that's so funny. Great that's good to know about valuables bag ... all 5 seem to be on their "compulsory" uniform list. are there any other things that don't get used? We are so lucky to have a mum whose trodden the Y6 newbie path before!

[Jige]

Firefox1066 not sure when your DS went to Lake Garda, but my DS went last September. orangetiger you'll be advised of the cost of the trip but it cost £130 or £135 (can't renember exactly) last year. Spending money no more then €60 and some extra on the way and return joinery to buy food we gave our DS €20 extra. Need update passport and EHIC, double check they don't need renewing. My DS loved it, and really enjoyed the whole experience, good way to get to know the form tutors and the rest of the new boys.

One bit of advise is to get them to learn how to be organised, the normal everyday stuff, this is not just for the trip, but when they start school as well.

Glad to hear that they are still doing the Lake Garda trip 😀

[AveEldon]

I agree that the valuables bag is pointless

My child has never worn the tracksuit so that was a waste of time too - may depend on how much sport they do

[orangetiger]

ok thanks jige and ave great advise.. my son LOVES sport so have a feeling he would like the track suit. So relieved that we are not going to be presented with a massive bill for the Lake Gardia jolly. Hope your boys have been happy at W? any other insights would be very helpful...

[Jige]

AveEldon agree regards the valuables bag, my DS is yet to use it, but just the other day he said he would like to use it just to have all his little bits and bobs in one bag found that quite 😂

You will get a comprehensive list of what you need to buy now before they start school together with another list of other items they/you may need together with prices against the items. If your child is sporty and is likely to play matches away then come winter he will need his over layers top and bottoms. Also school jumper and school coat not required right now but again will need come winter. I've yet to go to school shop sale but other parents have said it's handy to buy extra tie, shorts or anything else extra you need. But you only get a better sense of idea when they start school and what they use and what extra items you then need. Strongly advise that all main items get labelled with their name. School shop provide this service, I took them up on this as I'm to lazy.

[Firefox1066]

In addition, DS1 has stopped wearing white shorts for PE and it appears that boys wear the navy shorts for both PE and games.

orangetiger As your DS is very sporty, the tracksuit and midlayer will probably be invaluable

[AveEldon]

We didn't bother with the jumper but the coat has been very good
Depends how hot your boy gets

They can wear the games shorts for PE but they can't wear the PE shorts for rugby (they will rip)

[Jige]

Not sure what colour sports gear was before but my DS just started Y6 last September. There is a different kit for PE and another for games. They are strict in wearing the correct gear for each sports and the boys soon learn very quickly what and which ones to wear. You cannot wear your PE shorts for games i.e. for hockey, and most definitely not for rugby as you'll see by the shorts, they are designed not to be pulled off. Most co-curricula activities like gym, tennis etc again you can wear PE (they are called whites) but not games gear. All this will sound very confusing, and I was told by another existing parent that you never got a list of what you must buy, but W started to do this from last year and it's easy and clear. When you get your appt for your DS to get measured up it will make more sense, and the ladies in their really know their stuff.
Regarding jumpers, depends on your child and how cold they get, but even the ones who don't get cold, saw them all wearing one this year. But would buy only near the time. Sometimes boys tend to wear their base layers underneath their school uniform due to games and that keeps them warm enough and can't be seen.

[spacecadet48]

Jige there is always a list of compulsory items needed for W. It's no different to my eldest DS who started in 2007. Same set up, same list and same appointment at the shop. I agree that they are strict and you must use the school bags, proper games and PE kits and no mix and match. The shop appointment and fitting is a lovely start to the DC journey at W and looking forward to DS2 having his in June.

[Snowstorm18]

Thank you very much for sharing the information on WG uniforms. I’m budgeting a small fortune for the new uniforms...need to buy sports shoes too? hopefully I’ll find some spare PE gear in the secondhand uniform sale... I can just picture my DS losing a lot of things. I am actually scared of putting him on public transport (bus) to the school. He may fall asleep and never get to the school on time or may leave everything on a bus! I may have to pay for the school bus to start with...

[AveEldon]

There are always plenty of shirts and blazers in the secondhand sale
You don't have to buy the school shop trousers but they must be dark charcoal - I got ours at M&S when they have the 20% off uniform deal

[AveEldon]

Whitgift Second Hand Sale - Saturday 23 June 2018, 10.30am - 12.00pm,

[spacecadet48]

snowstorm i am feeling a little anxious about my DS travelling to school too. However won't be bothering with the school bus. We did with my DD and after a week or so stopped using but we had to pay for the whole year! Once your DS settles he will meet friends and likely travel with them. With my eldest DS we helped him with his journey to W by getting up early and dropping him off at the train station. That stopped quickly once he met friends.

[Snowstorm18]

Thank you AveEldon for the secondhand uniform sale date. I have noted it in my diary. spacecadet, I’m still undecided about the logistics to/from the school..perhaps a public transport will be okay but it’s a long bus ride...45mins! DS may fall asleep! I’m sure we’ll make it work somehow..

[spacecadet48]

I know what you mean. It's a long journey for our DS too. Initially we will drive him to train station which is only a 15min journey to south Croydon. A little round the houses for us adults though tbh. If we don't do that he will have to take two trains or a bus which is an hour. His friend is going too who lives down the road and I am checking with them about plans. It's tricky but I am sure my DS will be fine.