Alleyn Junior School 4+ Assessment Procedure

[tyor]

Hi All,

First time posting but been a fan for years. I get good information and update via the forum. We are seriously considering Alleyn for our son for the 2012 admission and hopefully our daughter for 2014. However, the assessment procedure is what's got us a bit nervous. The little one has been in full time nursery school now for about 2 years. I'll appreciate any insight into the assessment procedure for 4+ kids? I'm hoping I can get more info from the forum than what has been provided on the website.

Would also appreciate comments on experiences about the very good primary schools (Independent/state & co-ed) in East Dulwich/Dulwich and Lewisham/Bromley borders. This is our first experience of choosing a school for the kids so would love to hear from the more experienced parents.

Thanks

[Threadhead]

My understanding of Alleyn's 4+ procedure is it is very, very oversubscribed with 400 applications for 18-20 places each year. Not written tests at 4+, more observed group activities to see how the children play/learn together.

In terms of primaries I can vouch for DUCKS being excellent but it only goes to year 2 then you need to find another school.

Hope that helps...

[tyor]

Thanks. DUCKS is another of our options. He's currently on the waiting list for the 2013 admission. If I'm correct, there is progression from DUCKS to Dulwich College junior school for the boys. Although I'm not sure what happens to the girls. Do they have natural progression to JAPS?

[Monkey]

My daughter starts at DUCKS in September. From what I understand, DUCKS prepares the children for the entrance exams of the schools they are targeting but there is no "natural progression".

[new mother]

Tyor, good grief no! JAGS would have a fit at the idea that any other school naturally progressed to it. The hope of course would be that DUCKS prep was good enough for any subsequent school. however, a lot of children went to Rosemead last year and the year before as opposed to Japs or their pre prep japps. I agree Alleyns is tempting, especially if you have a b and g.

[Monkey]

Hi new mother,

Where did you get the DUCKS stats? I did have a look but could not find them anywhere. I am not from this country so this is all a bit alien to me. Any help appreciated.

Tks.

[trinity]

A couple of mine have gone through the Alleyn's assessment. From what I remember it is well organised ie sensitive to the needs of little children - I don't remember any unhappy children when handing over or picking up however it is one long assessment rather than 2 shorter ones. When we last did it we waited in a room with lots of child friendly musical instruments to distract the children whilst waiting to be called. Unlike other schools eg JAPS they test for gross motor development. I think that means things like can they walk along a low beam without falling off. Plus all the usual stuff - can they sit and listen to a story, can they answer questions about what they just heard.

The best bit was at the end when the children are given a 'party bag' with Alleyn's notebook, pencil and sweets. That's a nice touch.

[new mother]

Trinity, how interesting re GMD. I wonder how that links up with learning. There must be a study on it.

Monkey, I justcalled and asked for it to be sent.

[tyor]

Many thanks for all the responses. The combined responses from everyone has provided the insight I need. It's nice to know the community has so many helpful "friends".

Thanks again.

Tyor