Henrietta Barnett, Latymer or Dame Alice Owens

[choosingtherightschool]

We are currently struggling to decide which one is the best for DD.

DD is in a very fortunate position to have passed round 1 of HBS (and we live within 3 miles), and very good chance of getting through to both DAO and Latymer. Music is a massive part of her life, she plays mutli instruments and has already achievement very good grades in them. She also loves sports, enjoys various types, such as running, football, basketball, tennis, table tennis. She’s very competitive and loves challenges.
She is in a mixed primary school, where she gets on with boys and girls equally well. She is not fussy at all and doesn’t mind go to either girl or mix school.
None of these schools are very close to us, all approx. 40-50mins by bus, but DD feels more independent to travel by bus.
We also have a DS who is in year 4 and I always wondered if its better to send them to same school for the closer relationship and easier life, DAO’s sibling rule is obviously very attractive, but we have to choose what’s best for DD for now.
We want to choose an academic school that also provides all round education, and outstanding in music/performing art/sport, most importantly where she will be happy for the next 7 years.
It’s very difficult at the moment that we can’t visit all of these schools properly apart from DAO offers open days. Anyone has recent experience of these schools please kindly provide us with some insight!
Thank you in advance!

Hi
2nd round is standard comprehension, creative writing and Maths, I’m sure you already know, don’t think last year’s paper would be much help for this time round.
Best of luck to your DD!

@choosingtherightschool I understand that they have now put negative marking for maths does that mean it is a multiple choice type exams?

Is it like maths primary challenge type of questions? or normal paper?

Is it 30 min comprehension and 30min writing for english or is the writing part of the comprehension for example add a paragraph to the text etc

It wasn’t multiple choice when my DD took it, unless they changed it this year? I’m not aware of the negative marking, so really don’t want to misguide you.

not sure about timing with English either, but it will be just like all other mocks she would have done, my DD said there weren’t many questions for comprehension, but again they could have changed it this year, no one can predict anything.

Sorry couldn’t be anymore helpful.

I’m not aware of the negative marking, so really don’t want to misguide you.

@choosingtherightschool this is what was posted recently on the elevenplusexams site re the 2022 entry HBS maths exam:

They were given the standard format Maths paper first then, after the first time period, that was taken away and they were given a multiple choice paper and were told to think very carefully before marking an answer as if it was wrong a mark would be deducted from their total score.

Why not ask the girls in current Y7? They can tell you all about it.

The poster (a tutor, apparently) also reports that the governors have denied that this happened

May I kindly request you do not use this thread for discussing exam questions!?

I honestly don’t understand why people need to try their hardest to find out what exactly happened in previous exams, it that really fair? The children should have been prepared with all types of questions anyways. The paper will change each year, there really is pointless to hope the exact same will happen and give children the false hope or mis guidance.

This thread is for helping parents deciding on the best suited school for their child. Thanks for your understanding.

Hi @choosingtherightschool would you mind updating on your experience at HBS. Are you happy with your decision?