Trinity/Whitgift 2020 entry

[Breathe10]

I've read through lots of chat re 2019 but can't see a 2020 10/11+ 2020 thread. How are your DS's getting on?

@T1000- did you call W?

Just spoken to them. Rejection letters are out next week. They are just going through files to check that they have definitely slotted in all the boys they want to see as final interview are early next week.

@T1000
Thanks for the update! I’ll expect a letter next week then (boo boo). I’m going to ask to my sons results as I really need to know (and so will he).

I mean boo hoo

Me too. Ugh. It's been an absolutely exhausting few days!!! You never know there could be a last minute call....
If not, Dulwich were very happy to give feedback, so I'd hope W will be too. Be interesting to hear.

Thanks for the update @T1000

Hello, just wondering if anyone's ds has an interview at Trinity tomorrow and whether they should wear school uniform or not?

We're tomorrow and not wearing uniform.

Thanks! That seems sensible - last minute panic here! Good luck tomorrow

For T on a saturday we were told no uniform.

Hi all
Is the interview tomorrow 1-1 for the boys ? I heard that sometimes they take in 3 into the same room with one teacher ? Can someone please clarify ?

@jasmine372 - I've never heard of that - I'll be a one on one.

*i'll

Thank you .Great that would be better my son would be more shy in front of other boys . Good luck everyone !!

From earlier posts Saturday interview means no meeting with the Head but our letter says he will be there. Is it just the standard letter format where they just change the interview slot or something has changed and he's meeting the parents on Saturdays now?

You might be able to speak to him if you want to, it's just that interviews aren't automatically booked in. With the prior headmaster I had a "compulsory" interview with him for DS1 and he was there "if you want to speak to him" for DS2.

Update: the boys are taken into the waiting area in threes but then have one to one interviews.

How did the Trinity interviews go yesterday? Did you get to chat to the head?

Yes hope interviews all went well. We finally have ours next week!

I've just tortured myself by re-reading this and last years thread. Really must be going mental. We also have one more appointment at another school next week then we are in the hands of the gods! 3 weeks and counting until offers day. My DS is so laid back (and not at a prep) I don't think he even knows when offers day is so I may not remind him...!

The head came over to talk to me yesterday. Very nice man. He told me that 570 boys sat the 11+ exam, they were interviewing just over half of them, and then would make 150 offers for 70 places. So I suppose that means they will offer roughly one place for every 2 boys they interview. He also said that if their exam results were 'spiky' i.e. they had a low score in maths/english, they would be interviewed by a maths/english teacher, and tested a bit further, to see if the exam score was a true reflection of their ability.

@chalkyc2, I'm the same, I know I shouldn't do it really and yet I carry on...sigh....does me no good at all.

Thanks for the update @Jeezimacasalinga it's helpful to know what the format's like and very interesting about "spiky" results...

@Jeezimacasalinga That makes sense as my son said he got asked a couple of maths questions in his interview and it's definitely his weaker subject.
He said it was a science teacher he was interviewed by though. An older guy. Although to a 10 year old that might just mean he was about 30

When my son came back, the first thing I asked was what subject his interviewer taught. Of course, he looked at me blankly and said he had no idea ...

I have no idea how it went for my DS yest. He wouldn't give much away. My son was asked English and Maths! . Previous threads seem to suggest Sat interview is a good sign but how much should we read into this?! Good luck to those still awaiting their interview. I just can't stop thinking about how they might offer 80 out of 100 places? So tense that just 20 wont make the cut.

Here is a list of Q's I initially provide parents when preparing their child for an interview. An answer should ideally not exceed 20 sec time limit (w exceptions) . It’s a good idea to have someone external run a mock interview w your child. Obviously, there will be more Q's than these on the day (unless your child appears disinterested: the reason why he may not be accepted- unless he has performed brilliantly across the board bar interview).

*Tell me about yourself, your family.
*Tell me about your school? What do you like about it?
What's your favourite book? Which book are you currently reading?

• Hobbies *Which sports do you play? *If your friends can describe you in 3 words, what would they say? *If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? *Which schools are you applying to? Which one is your first choice? *If you can have a superpower, what would it be and why? *(Always ask the interviewer a Q about the school- show you are interested and keen.) They are looking for bright children, who have a spark in their eyes, have something special to offer, someone that can hold a conversation with an adult. Someone who has a viewpoint: this usually comes from having family conversations at dinner time, keeping up to date w the world around them, having discussions about what was learnt at school. They are looking for the child that will thrive at the school. Body language v important as well. Listening is key and being respectful of everyone around (especially in a group session). Your child should look enthusiastic (avoid monotone answers). Always go dressed in uniform ( unless stated otherwise). Hope this helps. Good luck!