9 days to go!!!!

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Wolves mum
Posts: 251
Joined: Tue May 14, 2013 11:07 am

9 days to go!!!!

Post by Wolves mum »

Wow, only 9 days left. Where has the time gone?
Happy dad
Posts: 482
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:10 am

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by Happy dad »

Yes, it feels like yesterday I was telling my DS that it was "only two months" to the QMGS exam, and here we are with just over a week left. How time flies when you are having fun!!!
um
Posts: 2378
Joined: Sat May 30, 2009 1:06 pm
Location: Birmingham

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by um »

And in exactly 11 weeks the Birmingham 11 Plus exam will be all over :D

My dd will be sitting at a comprehensive school in Solihull, which is interesting as my boys had taken the test at KES and CHB. Have they run out of space :shock: or are they just being nice and ensuring we have a shorter distance to travel??
sbarnes
Posts: 583
Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2013 7:30 pm

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by sbarnes »

Record numbers applying as austerity measures start to bite
Everest
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 1:09 am

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by Everest »

sbarnes wrote:Record numbers applying as austerity measures start to bite
I beg to disagree.

I think austerity bit hard 3 years ago, but independent schools are also now gaining numbers. I think it is rather the growth of the private tutor market who are aggresively marketing their wares, combined with higher aspirations from parents. Cornershops no longer sell groceries in my locality, but tutoring services.

Whatever the reason, I am dreading escorting DS next week to the QMGS exam given the numbers (maybe 1100 boys!) in a scrum against the fence. Given everyone will be there 1 hour early, not sure it will be easy for the DS to focus from 12.30 to 4pm- with the exam sandwiched somewhere in the meantime. :shock:
um
Posts: 2378
Joined: Sat May 30, 2009 1:06 pm
Location: Birmingham

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by um »

Hmmm. We don't even know if there are 'record numbers'. They'll be higher - as the birth rate did jump in 2003 - but I am not sure we should become hysterical.

The foundation may be using other schools for different reasons, such as managing the numbers better.

QMHS has specifically said that parents must not arrive before 12 midday. They have allocated 4 different entry gates for girls (based on first letter of the surname).

Still, there will be a pretty long wait before the exam starts. I wonder whether I should send a book or magazine for dd to read. The thought of wasting an hour! :lol: DH is being sent with dd because I can't stand crowds :D
sbarnes
Posts: 583
Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2013 7:30 pm

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by sbarnes »

Supply and demand, classic scenario. If the demand wasn't there, then these 'corner shops' come tutoring houses would not be flourishing. I assume you are in the Brum area with your corner shop reference.
DIY Mum
Posts: 744
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:08 pm
Location: Not in a hole in the ground but in a land where once they dwelt-the Beormingas

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by DIY Mum »

I was also surprised when Kechb mentioned in April that that their exam venue was going to be held in Light Hall School ... didn't fancy taking dc quintus to Solihull when chb is just 2 minutes away :( .

But thankfully, we've received confirmation that he will be sitting it at Kechb. Not sure why they're restricting numbers at kechb to just locals...building works, possibly?

I agree, I don't think there will be 'record nos' this year for B'ham.
Everest
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2013 1:09 am

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by Everest »

um wrote:Hmmm. We don't even know if there are 'record numbers'. They'll be higher - as the birth rate did jump in 2003 - but I am not sure we should become hysterical.

The foundation may be using other schools for different reasons, such as managing the numbers better.

QMHS has specifically said that parents must not arrive before 12 midday. They have allocated 4 different entry gates for girls (based on first letter of the surname).

Still, there will be a pretty long wait before the exam starts. I wonder whether I should send a book or magazine for dd to read. The thought of wasting an hour! :lol: DH is being sent with dd because I can't stand crowds :D

Perhaps I am reading too much into the email I received a few weeks ago from QMGS. This stated that letters detailing the arrangements would be delayed "due to an exceptionally large number of applications". I understand they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications.

Unlike QMHS, there is only one entrance and boys are asked to queue. Hence my delirium at the prospect of 1000+ boys in an unruly scrum against the fence :? I gather most parents will travel in and will no doubt come early, which will add to the chaos. (Deep breath and Ommmmmm).

I do like Um's suggestion regarding reading material. Aside from wasted time, there is boredom and nerves to contend with, so a magazine sounds good. I am wondering though whether this will be allowed. Letter is clear that no materials are required, so a magazine would be OK?
Liz77
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2012 2:09 pm

Re: 9 days to go!!!!

Post by Liz77 »

I believe that there are two exams for QMGS as we received notification that my son is sitting the exam in the morning. It looks like they have split the group over two sessions due to numbers.
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