Wilson 2015 Intake

Eleven Plus (11+) in Surrey (Sutton, Kingston and Wandsworth)

Moderators: Section Moderators, Forum Moderators

newdud
Posts: 141
Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2014 9:30 pm

Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by newdud »

If any of the parents of 2014 intake are still lurking around this forum , perhaps you can offer some advice

1) What is the level of homework that get given from Wilson for Yr 7.
2) The transition from a relatively small Primary school to such a big secondary school , how is that handled by the school. Do they have good pastoral care to guide the boys from Primary to Secondary school


Any bits of of information that you would like to share both good or bad :?: .
For some of us parents and more importantly the Boys, journey is about to begin
zeinab
Posts: 353
Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2010 11:25 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by zeinab »

Firstly newdud, many congrats to u and 'newdud junior'. 2 of my 3 boys went to Wilson's, the other chose Wallington Grammar which suited his personalty. What Wilson's have to done to my boys since entering as naive, non-street wise and very laid back, has exceeded my wildest dreams and beyond in every way imaginable. They have a few trips for the boys in the first term in yr7 so boys can develop friendships. Since my 2 boys attended ( 1 is now at Durham Uni), I've never heard of any bullying as the boys are always occupied with a zillion different activities which run during play time, lunch time and after school - lots of different sports, activities are always there to release that energy into something positive.

My eldest was rugby team captain for 5 yrs and was honored to be a senior prefect and he with others his yr were always advised to look out for the younger boys and take them under their wings and act as strong and positive role models -the Pastoral Care there is well established and very, very strong. If you ever have a problem the school always loves to hear from parents feedback and will act upon it the best way they see possible - always tailored around your child's well being.

The teachers are a very close network who always monitor the ones who are lagging behind, but it is done in such a positive and constructive way that before long the child's confidence takes over and once that starts everything goes uphill from there! My son before he left for Uni said to me that the 7 yrs he spend at Wilson's were the best of his life and wouldn't mind being a part of it for another 7 - now that's saying something or two......


You will not be disappointed :)
agathachristie
Posts: 225
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 1:46 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by agathachristie »

Hi newdud congratulations to you and your DS. I have a DS at Wilsons year 7 who is enjoying his time at the school.

The school has a great way of settling the boys within weeks of starting in September whilst the ensuring that they become independent. DS had a couple of detentions first couple of weeks for forgetting sports kit / forgotten home work. Now packs his school bag in the evening to ensure that he is set in the morning.
Homework is manageable in that in any given evening he has at most two/three pieces to complete. He has managed to organise himself such that he completes the homework as and when its set. In addition year 7 and 8 boys have now moved into the recently completed new block which means that boys now stay in their form rooms for lessons. there are many lunch time and after school clubs running most days and school encourages the extracurricular to ensure a balance.
In all honestly, have not heard off or DS experienced any form of bullying except the usual boisterous teasing amongst peers and a very healthy camaraderie amongst classmates, that is not to say it does not exist we just have not come across it.
Testing: they are tested often to ensure boys have understood topics covered in class. I would not worry as most boys are also coming form small state primary school and would not have covered humanities and languages or the general increase in work load.
DS genuinely loves the school and is already taking about staying for 6th form... long way away :lol:
hope this helps
Nims
Posts: 28
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 4:44 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by Nims »

Hi newdud,

Zeinab and agathachristie have already shared their experiences. To add further, my DS is also in Yr 7 at Wilson's and till date we thank our stars and guidance offered by various parents last year to help us choose probably the best school for my DS.

To start with, my DS loves morning sleep and we used to take long to wake him up in the morning till his Yr 6. However, in Wilson's, he loves to get up on his own and always feel enthusiastic about going to school every day. Believe me, we never had to wake him up in the morning since the day he joined the school.

Bullying...what is that? He is rather looked after by his seniors so well that I feel shocked when people talk about bullying in some other schools. Wilson's has a good mix of people from different origins and that gives a much broader perspective as well to my DS and to appreciate different cultures.

As far as homework is concerned, he is busy normally for an hour or so daily however he never complained of overload. One interesting fact - we never knew that our DS had a hidden talent for sports as he used to be a more of studious person. After joining Wilson's, my DS got selected for a Surrey level Chess competition after defeating quite a few participants from Wilson's and nearby schools. This was really a shock for us as he played chess for the first time only in Wilson's. Then he was shortlisted for various other sports as well and we give full credit to Wilson's to recognise his hidden talent. Even though our DS was studying in Independent school before joining Wilson's, his sporting talent is actually being polished by Wilson's.

Wilson's also identified weak areas in study for my DS and gave him extra classes to catch up. He likes his teachers and has very high regard for his Head Teacher who is always full of energy and cares a lot for all pupils.

Boys get appreciation in the planner for good work and detention for any wrong doing. My DS has so far collected 13 praises and waiting for 17 more to get a chance to meet and get a personal praise from Head Teacher. HT many times personally greets students in the morning with a smile. There are many other such aspects of Wilson's that would make any parent (not only DSs) fall in love with the school.

Forgot to mention the weekly update mailer that we get from school every Friday. It has all the details of the activities done in the school during the week. I believe this is available on Wilson's website also and you can have a look as well.

I have nothing negative but only positive to say about the school.

best regards,
Nims.
pencil369
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:19 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by pencil369 »

Many thanks for taking the time to post these - they are great, and so helpful. My son has been offered a place at Wilson's and whilst we know anecdotally that it's an excellent school, it's naturally better to have 'on the ground' input!
newdud
Posts: 141
Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2014 9:30 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by newdud »

Yes, thank you to all the posters with all the info.

Now that DS has a place at the school, we are quite apprehensive about the level competition in the school .

Without wanting to sound big headed, all the boys going there will be 'top of their game' and some will 'hit the ground running'.
The level of Pastoral care will be very important for some, while they settle down.

Please, keep any posts positive or negative coming from any parents that have experience of this.
MaeMobley
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 1:27 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by MaeMobley »

comments so far are very helpful. I am concerned because it is such a big school. My other issue is DS will be traveling for the best part of an hour each way.

I have heard that some use outside tutors when they are in the school. Anybody know anything about this?
agathachristie
Posts: 225
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 1:46 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by agathachristie »

MaeMobley wrote:comments so far are very helpful. I am concerned because it is such a big school. My other issue is DS will be traveling for the best part of an hour each way.

I have heard that some use outside tutors when they are in the school. Anybody know anything about this?
hi MaeMobley, I have no experience of this perhaps forum members with older DS's will throw more light on this. There are drop in sessions for maths at lunch times and in addition English booster sessions after school for some kids. that's all I am aware off.

@ Newdud
What you have to realise is that most boys are coming from small state primary schools where they have been at the top of their game and suddenly thrust into an environment with increased work load can be unsettling but teachers are on hand to provide support where necessary. Mind you, there are a few (independent) school boys who have been exposed to specialist teaching of all subjects in primary school and often cope better.

There is also a parents consultation first term where you can meet the form tutor and share any concerns you might have..

please don't worry too much they will be fine..
Dboo65
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Oct 10, 2014 11:11 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by Dboo65 »

MaeMobley wrote:comments so far are very helpful. I am concerned because it is such a big school. My other issue is DS will be traveling for the best part of an hour each way.

I have heard that some use outside tutors when they are in the school. Anybody know anything about this?
1hr travel is fine. There are plenty of boys travelling some distance to get to the school. It takes my DS between 45mins and 1hr to get to school. We wish to move closer but he does not want us to do so as he likes travelling with his group of friends who all travel around the same distance. Your son will be fine.
CoolParent123
Posts: 98
Joined: Wed Apr 02, 2014 12:12 pm

Re: Wilson 2015 Intake

Post by CoolParent123 »

Newdud,

Just to add to the above, 2015 Year 7 students will be very lucky as the school will be celebrating 4th Centenary 1615-2015.

School is Wonderful in all aspects. From Year 8 onwards there will be 1-2 School trips every year. One of them could be an Overseas /European tour.

Its absolutely true that there a Zero Tolorence for Bullying. Boys will be very keen to go to school as it creates sustained interest.

Most Important -> Year 7 students will be tought a Free Music lesson throughout the year. On the sad note, the Head of Music seems to be leaving to an Indenpendent School.

The Students with Uniform demand High respect in the local community :D

Many Positives, In Summary it is one of the Best Grammar Schools.

Good Luck for your Son.
Last edited by CoolParent123 on Wed Mar 04, 2015 7:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Post Reply
11 Plus Mocks - Practise the real exam experience - Book Now