Welcome to the unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum - for discussing everything CH/Old Blue related. All pupils, parents, families, staff, Old Blues and anyone else related to CH are welcome to browse the boards, register and contribute.
You'll find lots of support here.....from those in the same boat and those of us who have gone through it recently (is he really going in to LE already?!)
Don't worry KittyKat - I hadn't even noticed! I still think in terms of year 7, 8, 9 etc.
Regarding your questions:
I have found this forum really helpful for me as a CH parent because I live a long way away and so don't get a chance to meet up with other parents very often and so it helps me feel part of it. I struggled with the first term (make that the first year perhaps?!) - more than he did I think. The forum helped.
My DS really enjoys CH. There are things he hasn't enjoyed so much but overall he is very happy and enjoying it.
It was definitely the right decision for us and hopefully will be the same for you and your family as well.
Here's another hand to add to your collection - feel quite freaked out by the whole thing but my DD is just excited by the prospect of going to CH. Just hope we don't all get horribly disappointed !!
jodz5052 - just hang on in there, I know exactly how you are feeling. When my DD fell head over heels in love with CH at an open day (just went to be nosey - never thought she'd actually want to go) I never quite believed I'd get to where I am today .... packing for her first day on Wednesday. Yes, I'll be honest - I found the process very stressful - but mainly because the control freak in me had no power over the outcome! I couldn't sit the exams for her, do the interview, etc it was down to her to simply be herself and shine! What I could do though was provide support at home ... usual parent stuff like making sure she had early nights, helped her with areas she struggled with at school, good diet, etc. I simply had to take the approach "what will be will be". I do honestly think though that if she had not been given a place at CH she still benefited from the process. She had a quiet determination to get in - so not only did she knuckle down at school (oh the joy of her finally getting why times tables are important!!) but she also "practiced" independence ... getting herself up in the morning because, as she put it "I'll have to do it when I'm at CH". I did notice she always used "when" and not "if" and so I did the same ... positive thinking. Yes, in the back of my mind I had to be realistic but, quite frankly, I wanted her to see I had every faith in her and felt, if she didn't get it .. well, we'd cross that bridge when it was necessary to do so.
If my experience is anything to go by - you will find this forum an invaluable font of information, support and communication.
Well have got through the initial assessment and I am very proud of her even if we go no further. We are applying for an Art Scolarship so are busy getting references etc. It's all starting to become a bit more real. Thanks for the advice !
Hi Jodz,
well, we got through too, and we too are applying for an art scholarship - I think! It was a bit scary reading the info they sent. What primary school child has a dedicated art teacher, never mind a Head of Art? I feel particularly inadequate as I home ed my DS so all his work is down to me teaching him to do it! What sort of references are you getting? Do you know what we actually need to send off?
I have very mixed feelings about CH and prospective pupils applying with arts ability..............
With all the (alleged) 'money-problems' at Horsham of late and HMG pushing for Science and Math ability with the scholars of today, preferably who have parents with loads of money.......................
Maybe me just being a cynic again !
Maybe someone should define the word ETHOS correctly..............
Hi, don't think being artistic stops you being good at maths and science. My particular DS is good at all three, plus languages. So having an art scholarship wouldn't necessarily mean you only got in because of it, just that it would help with fees etc.