11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi, I've got a couple of very basic questions about the open evening at CRGS this week.

How is the evening usually structured? The time is 6.30-9pm. Does that mean that you have to be there for the whole of the period, 9pm finish seems rather late for a weekday and we will still have a 45minute drive home.

Is it okay to take younger children? My husband and I would both like to be there but cannot get a babysitter for the other 2 children. I think it might be a good idea for my year 4 son see around the school to get him a little more focused.

OK, I went with my son last year, here's how it ran then....

A reasonable amount of car parking was (is still?) available on site in the playground between the D&T/Arts block and the main buildings. Access is from the rear of the school - NOT Lexden road. On street car parking is available after 6pm, just check the street signs for restrictions.

You arrive and are shepherded into the hall to hear the head teacher's talk.

After the talk you are left to roam the school at will, visiting various classrooms/science labs, art rooms, gym (the usual suspects). The only areas not on show are the swimming pool (onsite) and the games fields (10 min. walk away).

Yes, many folk take the whole family (incl grannies and younger children), it's a fun evening (if a little crowded). This is a VERY popular school and it will be busy. I would strongly advise AGAINST taking a buggy, the school is old and on multi-levels. You will have difficulty.

In most of the teaching rooms, pupils (inc. the new year 7's) will be on hand to tell you about the subject (or in the case of chemistry and physics, help YOU do an experiment!). Pupils will be recognisable by the distinctive Purple blazer and Tie.

well it pretty much went the same as last year then! and my god was it busy!!!! i think there will be far more people applying this yr than last if last night was anything to go by.

Sorry I didn't see this in advance to help you out.
My DD & DS were both helping out - hope you found it useful & were impressed by the current students

It does get crowded with all the extra family members & some are only Year 5 & some will be choosing between Colchester & Chelmsford/Independents so might not be as bad as you think!

Ask if you would like any info re test day format (DD helping out there as well but they get paid for that one

Thanks,

We all went along and I was really impressed with the school. DS had decided that KEGS is his number one choice but I prefer CRGS. Unfortunately, after the open days at the weekend of the local comps. he has now said that he just wants to go to the catchment (over my dead body) school. I am remaining calm and we will talk through all the options, I think he is getting overwhelmed by the whole process and would prefer not to have to think about it.

The up side is that DS2 who is in year 4 loved CRGS and has now told his friends that he will take the 11 plus and go there.