Hampton 10 plus

[Wimbles101]

Hi all,

My DS2 is down to do the Hampton exam this November.

Would appreciate thoughts on preparation please.

He is working well above expected levels for his age according to his summer report.

I know the Maths is tough at Hampton. He is stronger at Maths than English so hoping that will help.

Any advice appreciated! Anyone else doing it?

We didn't do 10 plus with DS1, only DS2, so not sure what level to work to.

He is a very sporty boy, especially footie and tennis, as well as playing a brass instrument. I'm down to see the school in the Autumn, but would appreciate any thoughts on the school, as we don't know it that well.

TIA.

Just view it as a practice, tell him everyone is sitting it as a practice and only a few will be invited back to interview. He needs to be strong in maths & English. Also the papers are tough and last year it was not possible to finish the maths - see the previous thread. The boys were told this before they started the maths exam.

Remember he still has to sit the exam in Jan of year 6 even if he is offered a place & once he gets to the school the 10plus entry ds aren't viewed any differently to the rest of the cohort who are equally bright.

It's really an exam for organised parents who want to reduce the number of secondary exams sat in year 6, ie you don't need to factor in a back up plan if you get a place.

They don't have to sit the 11 plus in y6, only if they want to be considered for a scholarship.
DS got an10+ place last year. Did it as a bit of practice. He is strong on Maths and English but not exceptionally so, although to be honest he is at a state school and I know he's reasonably bright but don't really have anything to compare him to other than his sisters.
Sounded as though he had a good interview and clicked with the interviewer which is always a good thing- it lasted about 20 minutes. He does a fair bit out of school but not super sporty or musical etc. He can however talk and talk (!) and shows interest in a lot of things.
We did a few practice papers but nothing excessive.
The exam day and interview process were very well handled given that almost all the boys were only 9. We then had an chance to spend an afternoon there after we'd got the offer which he loved.
He may not end up there but we have accepted the offer which really takes the pressure off y6.

My DS got an offer last year. Echo what everyone says - maths hard. Didn't think he stood a chance after what he said following the exam, but he did! Practice papers leading up to the exam. Again, just view it as practise. Great school. Head is fantastic. Said they are looking for boys who will thrive in a busy, academic school. Like boys who have outside interests, not necessarily super sporty. Good luck!

Hi christmas2020 and Allyoudoiscriticise, Can you please share which practice papers you guys did?

My DS will be sitting for 10+, strong in Maths but need a bit of practice in English.

richafid my son did GL verbal reasoning and previous 11+ maths papers from school websites (so he could cope with the 10+). He has a tutor for English. Good luck. When is the exam??

9th November

Good luck!

Ps Don't stress about it - it will stand your DS in good stead for the 11+ when the time comes. A no lose situation.

Thanks Allyoudoiscritiscise

Thanks Lovelies, Allyoudoiscriticise, christmas2020!!

My son made it into the interviews. Do you remember what your DS's were asked? Will be helpful :)

Hi and apologies for the extremely late response! Richafid we made it through too to the interview stage - feeling nervous for the interview but have decided to take the school's advice and not over prep - ;)

Yes

Yes, do not over prep. It will be very obvious answers have been rehearsed and make your DS anxious. Ask your DS to think around broad areas -
what lessons / activities he likes at school, why you want to come here, what are your hobbies etc but don't script them for him!

Traditional academic questions at interviews can be answer questions about a passage, talk about picture, answers a maths problem, but schools inc Hampton mix it up all the time, could be something else. And you can never predict what they are going to ask about. Unlike written exams, they are trying to find out about your DS snd how they think and interact, and whether they would fit in with school. You can't prep for it. If you do and it doesn't come up, your DS will feel stressed.

You won't believe me, but honestly the best thing you can do is make sure your DC is as relaxed as possible and get them to enjoy it.

Thanks for the kind advice Allyoudoiscritise.

Yes , we are not scripting the answers for him. Just getting him to talk a bit. As this will be his first interview ever :) and he is a quiet one..

Let's see. Thanks once again.

Congrats Wimbles101!!

@Wimbles101 @richafid
How did it go or are you tomorrow? We got an interview too and only found this thread when I asked for tips and was sent in this direction by another poster.
I tried to get out of admissions how many "groups of ten" and more on when we hear but didn't get anything other than soon and "a small number" .... so now we wait again! Hope all went well for your DS'

Sorry-rather late to this again- couldn't remember my password to name change back!
Not sure if its the same this year (There seems to be much quicker turnaround) but when DS had his interview last year the parents saw the head and admissions in groups and they told us exactly how many sat, were interviewed, numbers of offers they expected to make etc.
The boys then came back into the room to meet us. I remember DS being one of the first to come back so panicked he'd had a rubbish interview!
The interview was about 20 minutes and they talked about all sorts of things- didn't prepare at all.
Good luck!

Thanks Christmas / how many did they turn down at interview? Seems very hard at 9 but I suppose it's a hard process an is it a firm turn down rather than come back next year!!

To be honest I can't completely remember but I think they said they interviewed around 75 for 25 ish places but suspect they over offer a bit. But last year was the first time they interviewed so may well have 'refined' the process a bit since last year.

@centralheatingison you've made me more nervous ... what did you say .... oh and 25 for 75 still not great odds. At least it will all be over for a bit soon.

Last year they offered 35 out of 60-70 (i definitely remember 35). They said they didn't operate a waitlist as they would simply fill the places not accepted from the 11+.

Hello @TWmum28,

We are in tomorrow!! Fingers crossed.

@Allyoudoiscriticise,

I was under the impression that they do a waitlist. Sad if not :(

Sorry - meant to write 35 places not 25! I also definitely remember that bit!

They told me not when I asked last year.

They look at school report, test and interview. Everything in the round, which is the great thing compared to Tiffin etc.

Going to have to work on what you tell a 9 year old if it's a no from interview. You did well in their exam but not the school for you? He's bright enough to know that was a choice and somehow more personal once they have met you to say no. But too late now, we are in the process and have to see it through.