Exam day

[Gemini]

Today my granddaughter has an exam and interview. As if being in a pandemic isnt enough!!
This is for a scholarship to the school her parents want her to go to in September.

I know I am biased, but she is just about the loveliest child I have ever met and always has been. As well as been extremely academically bright. Any school would be b****y lucky to have her!

She is a bit nervous about today and I wish she didn't have to go through this.
I understand her parents choice of school, as the state secondaries she is in the catchment area for are not good. A scholarship would help the finances of course, so it makes sense to apply.

I will be glad when today is over for her!

[Lizzie48]

I hope all goes well Gem. She will be nervous.

[Oma]

She will take it in her stride Gem , once the interview starts she will relax ,
Fingers crossed for her and I am sure they take into account nerves ,

Its the new thing at the minute , My Nephew just had his for entry into Durham College and was accepted , he was very nervous but he is 16 not 11 like T is .
Josh has his this week with the 6th form College he has applied for

[Gemini]

She has gone in and was fine apparently. Even being indoors with others outside your bubble is going to seem to strange in this current climate!
She will be done around 2.

She will be going to this school with or without the scholarship, so I suppose it is not the same amount of stress as the 11 plus. I remember being made to feel my whole life depended on passing that!!

[Daisy]

Gem - I know exactly how you feel - I was the same when my GD1 sat the 11+ for an out of catchment grammar school. My GD didn't have to have an interview, but all the staff she came into contact with during exam day were lovely, understanding that the candidates were in a strange place but needing to do their best. I'm sure your lovely, clever GD will do very well, and be offered a scholarship without any trouble. I wish her the very best of luck.

Oma - also good luck to Josh for his interview. At college we interviewed all applicants (it was a big part of my job) and it's mainly to make sure they are applying for a course that is right for them, that the subjects they want to do fit in with any uni or career ambitions they have, and just as important, for the students to feel that would be the right place for them. It's a two-way thing.

Interviewers know most candidates are nervous and try to make them feel comfortable.

[Daisy]

Gem - you posted while I was typing. I was lucky, no-one put me under any pressure for the 11+ and I couldn't understand why the friend I walked there with was so tearful and worried. Our GD1 was only under pressure from herself. She wanted to pass the exam, whether she got a place or not - passing didn't automatically mean she'd be offered a place! The school will do everything possible to make it a good experience for her. xx

[Gemini]

Thanks Daisy and everyone

Daisy my dad,as was his nature, didn't make me feel pressured, but mum made it clear that they couldn't afford me to continue in private education were I to fail the 11plus, and that the secondary modern school was a BAD PLACE! We had school every Saturday morning for a year to prime us for 11 plus, so you see how focused and stressful it all was. I was glad that none of my DDs had to go through this!

GD knows her going to the school isnt dependant on this and isnt being pushed, so it hopefully wont be so stressful.

[Plantaholic]

I hope it all goes well for young people attending these interviews and tests.

[Daisy]

Gem - I'm sure your parents just wanted the very best for you but it does put you under pressure. How did you feel about having the extra school hours on a Saturday?

I know a lot of children get tutored for the 11+ and there is a culture that says they won't pass without tutoring. I read a bit of advice that said parents don't need to get a private tutor until the beginning of Year 5 (with the exam being taken in September of Year 6). What horrified me was the thought of all the children whose parents thought it was necessary to start tutoring even earlier than Year 5. GD didn't decide to apply until the very last minute and she had one hour one-to-one with a tutor, and did practice papers which the tutor gave her feedback on. I just hate to think of how much pressure some girls must have been under - 700+ applying for 150 places.

I'm sure your GD won't feel pressurised by anyone, but she probably wants to pass for her own satisfaction like my GD. I bet she will come home buzzing about her exciting day. xx

[Gemini]

I HATED Saturday morning school!!!

GD hasn't had any tutoring and as you say Daisy will want to do well for herself, she is always hard on herself!

[Daisy]

Gem - have you heard how your GD got on today? I don't suppose she's got a 'result' yet, but how did she feel the day went? Did she like the school?

[Gemini]

Daisy, she did OK thank you.
She told her mum and dad the tests were easier than the practice ones which they in her words 'forced' her to do over half term!
She is feeling positive about potentiality going there which is good. At first she would have preferred to go to the school most of her friends are probably going to.

[Daisy]

Gem - that sounds as though she did well! I do hope so. It's also great she's feeling positive about the school. She probably got chatting to some other youngsters which always helps. When will she get the results?

[Plantaholic]

Gemini, pleased to hear GD felt positive about the tests, I am sure she will soon make friends.

[Gemini]

We are very happy today. GD did very well and had been awarded a scholarship!
She is feeling positive about the school.
The results of the state school placements will be out soon. It is highly unlikely that GD will get into the one they want as it is oversubscribed and she is out of the catchment area, so I am glad she is positive about the independent one.
The scholarship is 25%, so over the years it will save them a lot.
I was never in any doubt she would do well and probably get a scholarship, but it's nice to know
She was her usual self when told today, quietly pleased!