Posted on: November 24th 2017
This week has marked the start of the independent senior school selection process with the first round of exams and interviews commencing at Belmont and Haileybury. For many of our Form 6 pupils, this will be the first experience of a process for which they have spent a great deal of time and energy preparing. As in all years, there is an air of excited anticipation as children return and share their experiences with their friends, parents and teachers.
This is the third year that I have been involved in the 11+ process and every year I am impressed by the ambition and resilience of the children. To face the pressure of this daunting task in such a mature and confident way is a testament to their preparedness, both academically and personally. It is a real challenge, at the age of 10 or 11 years old, to cope with this level of pressure and to remain resilient, when there is no feedback on performance until the February half term and it requires real inner strength.
Our aim at Norfolk House is to find the right school for every child and we work closely with parents to support them in making this important decision. All teachers throughout the children’s education here at Norfolk House, are integral in the preparation for senior school entrance. At every age, teachers ensure that children are challenged in their learning so by the time they reach Form 5 and 6 they have the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to cope with the challenges of the curriculum and are ready to work on refining their exam technique. Throughout their time with us they are presented with challenge and the opportunity to fail and pick themselves back up and keep trying. Our Core Values are part of their everyday experience and support their personal development to help them succeed during their exams and when they start senior school.
Even though the Form 6 exam season is just starting, we are now beginning to support the parents of our new Form 5 cohort. This will start with the Form 5 senior school evening next Thursday where we will welcome some of the Heads from top performing senior schools in London to present to our parents and we will share how we support our parents through this process.
I would like to invite you to join me in wishing all our Form 6 children who are sitting their exams, from now until late January, all the best. I know they will shine and make us all incredibly proud.
