There will be an entrance exam on November 21st next to select children for the vast majority of Catholic Grammars according to the Catholic Heads Association. Twenty eight leading grammars have said they will use the exam based on English and Maths papers and more are expected to follow in the coming days.
This bring to three the total number of different exams children could face to get a grammar place. A true sign that deregulation has failed and that the Minister for Education, Caitriona Ruane MLA, is now presiding over a slowly unfolding crisis of unprecedented proportions.
Showing posts with label selection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selection. Show all posts
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Friday, 27 March 2009
Bishops expected to make statement on Monday
The Catholic Bishops are expected to make a statement on the future of transfer next Monday. The Bishops have strongly favoured a non-selective system and are not believed to be about to change their mind. There is however major concern about the crisis which has been triggered by the Minister's unilateral decision to introduce a deregulated system. I would not be surprised if the working group calls for an interim state exam for a year or two whilst a long term resolution is found.
Many senior educationalists now believe it is time for the sector to reach agreement on the way forward. Politics has clearly failed and others are going to have to step in and make an effort to provide a road map out of this mess.
One thing for sure. The true extent of this crisis will not hit home to many of our MLA's until next year when parents realise the flaws of a deregulated system and demand action to fix it. Things may get an awful lot worse before they get better.
Many senior educationalists now believe it is time for the sector to reach agreement on the way forward. Politics has clearly failed and others are going to have to step in and make an effort to provide a road map out of this mess.
One thing for sure. The true extent of this crisis will not hit home to many of our MLA's until next year when parents realise the flaws of a deregulated system and demand action to fix it. Things may get an awful lot worse before they get better.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Education Minister rejects selection proposals
The BBC reports today that the education minister has rejected calls to allow a temporary replacement for the controversial 11-plus exam.
At a special session of the assembly's Education committee on Tuesday, Caitriona Ruane stood by her decision to cancel plans for an interim test.
She had been lobbied by parents' groups and politicians who want an official academic test to run for a few years.
They argued an official test would avoid the likelihood of unregulated tests by the grammar schools.
Mrs Ruane warnd: "Any test operating outside such legislative support is a legal minefield as those within some grammar schools who are proposing this approach are now finding out."
Chairman of the committee Mervyn Storey accused the minister of threatening schools and teachers.
He told the minister her tenure would be judged for "bringing about confusion, division and further segregation".
Ms Ruane said she was disappointed that the committee had failed to send her their own proposals and that its members could not reach consensus.
She denied threatening schools but said a small number were "blocking change".
The final 11-plus was held in Northern Ireland schools last November.
Many Catholic grammar schools have announced they will set independent tests, while more than 30 state schools say they will continue to use academic selection against Ms Ruane's wishes.
At a special session of the assembly's Education committee on Tuesday, Caitriona Ruane stood by her decision to cancel plans for an interim test.
She had been lobbied by parents' groups and politicians who want an official academic test to run for a few years.
They argued an official test would avoid the likelihood of unregulated tests by the grammar schools.
Mrs Ruane warnd: "Any test operating outside such legislative support is a legal minefield as those within some grammar schools who are proposing this approach are now finding out."
Chairman of the committee Mervyn Storey accused the minister of threatening schools and teachers.
He told the minister her tenure would be judged for "bringing about confusion, division and further segregation".
Ms Ruane said she was disappointed that the committee had failed to send her their own proposals and that its members could not reach consensus.
She denied threatening schools but said a small number were "blocking change".
The final 11-plus was held in Northern Ireland schools last November.
Many Catholic grammar schools have announced they will set independent tests, while more than 30 state schools say they will continue to use academic selection against Ms Ruane's wishes.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Children's Commissioner expresses concern
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children has expressed her fear that children will suffer increased anxiety as a result of the school transfer chaos.
The Commissioner said that both sides of the transfer debate have become embroiled in a argument that has left pupils and parents confused over what was the best way to transfer to post-primary education.
“Parents want the best possible schooling for the children, and pupils want the school were they will be happiest.”
Ms Lewsley said there was a small window of opportunity to resolve the confusion.
“I urge both sides to remember that this debate is about children’s education. They have enough anxiety transferring to the ‘big’ school without the current situation adding to it.
“I am not going to say which side is the best option for children, but I urge all concerned to ask children what they want.
“The best people to ask are the children who have recently experienced the transfer and who are about to transfer can help this process.
Ms Lewsley said she would be writing to the Minister urging her to consult with children over her current proposals.
The Commissioner said that both sides of the transfer debate have become embroiled in a argument that has left pupils and parents confused over what was the best way to transfer to post-primary education.
“Parents want the best possible schooling for the children, and pupils want the school were they will be happiest.”
Ms Lewsley said there was a small window of opportunity to resolve the confusion.
“I urge both sides to remember that this debate is about children’s education. They have enough anxiety transferring to the ‘big’ school without the current situation adding to it.
“I am not going to say which side is the best option for children, but I urge all concerned to ask children what they want.
“The best people to ask are the children who have recently experienced the transfer and who are about to transfer can help this process.
Ms Lewsley said she would be writing to the Minister urging her to consult with children over her current proposals.
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