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Thursday, 28 May 2009

Unions call on schools to abandon transfer tests

Teachers unions have called on Northern Ireland grammar schools to abandon their plans to introduce unregulated entrance tests.

Meeting in Belfast on Thursday, the five main unions also called on politicians to agree a method of transfer to replace the 11-plus.

David Canning, principal of Strabane Primary School, said principals were very concerned for the health and wellbeing of primary 6 pupils.

"Many of these pupils will find the experience highly stressful and we fear that they will not perform to their true ability."

Audrey Stewart, a former principal of a primary school in Larne, also said principals and unions had serious concerns about the validity and reliability of the tests.

Details of tests in English, Maths and Science have already been sent to parents.

The final 11-plus examination was held in schools here in November 2008.

How exactly pupils will transfer to secondary-level education in the future remains unclear.

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8 Comments

At 23:12 on 02 June 2009, lorna wrote:

what a mess has been made of these transfer tests and its all to do with power sharing, not in the child's best interest. When a child some not even 11 has to attend a school he has never been in before to sit tests paid in advance by the parents who rightly of wrongly think its a test of their commitment to the education of that child. should the child fail than that child is left with failure of himself and he has disappointed his parents. the whole thing is crazy. if this is the best of power sharing bring back direct rule.Catriona Rohan wants our fine grammar school system shut down WHY. because she has the power

At 12:00 on 29 May 2009, Anon wrote:

I am appalled at the way in which our so called learned politicians have dealt with the issue of transfer procedures for our children. I come from Banbridge and am very concerned that Banbridge Academy are alledgedly charging £35 fee to sit three exams over the course of three Saturdays, surely this is a questionable practice and parents should not be forced to pay for an exam that was historically free to all. Again bringing us back to the days when those who are in the position to pay will be at an advantage in getting their children a place at grammer school.More alarmingly Saint Mary's principal is alledgedly asking parents to pay £5 to cover the cost of tuition for any child interested in sitting the various transfer tests. Parents who wish to secure their children a place at grammer and whose children will sit more than one or two transfer tests will therefore be put under more financial pressure. Quite frankly I think it is appalling for schools to see this situation as a way to make money.

At 09:26 on 29 May 2009, L TAYLOR wrote:

I am also a parent of a P6 and find this situation we are in a shambles! This is more pressure on a child than the 11 plus ever could of been. Catriona Ruane should be forced to step down as Education Minister this has gone on far too long, MP's are being forced out over expenses and look what she is doing to the education system and not listening to the people who live here. Get her OUT!

At 00:43 on 29 May 2009, Diane wrote:

At least the schools that have set these tests are giving parents a chance to decide what they feel is best for their own children. Yet Caitriona Ruane is now threatening to have these schools disciplined, funding withdrawn etc, etc. What an example for our education minister to set in this day and age - Do as I say or else! So much for the school bully.

At 23:55 on 28 May 2009, Sharon Barnes wrote:

I completely agree with Janet Millar and Zoe Lafferty, there should have been other provisions in place before the 11+ was done away with, and that the 11+ should be brought back until they come up with a reasonable and child friendly solution. As Education Minister Catriona Rohan should be trying to understand children and parents, but it seems to me she's trying to fulfill her job description without thinking about the people its affecting. She has a goal or a purpose but she hasn't a clue how to get there.

At 19:05 on 28 May 2009, Janet Millar wrote:

Following your coverage this evening regarding the transfer test I felt, as I have done on many occasions to do with this issue, angry, frustated and completely out of control. As far as Christmas goes in our family for 2009 it might as well be cancelled including from June onwards. How dare someone who not only lives in another country, but whose children do not attend a school in Northern Ireland make decisions regarding my daughter's future. My daughter is currently in p6 and faces, along with so many others, months of uncertainty,the possibility of her school being disciplined if they are found to be guiding their pupils through practice test papers, taking tests in unfamiliar surroundings- the list goes on and on. I cannot believe that my daughter is having to deal with this at the age of 10. Nothing I have said is new. I would just like to know, how, with so many people complaining has this fiasco been allowed to happen? Bring back the 11plus and only then, when a positive and child friendly alternative has been found, then change to it!

At 19:04 on 28 May 2009, Zoe Lafferty-Reid wrote:

As a parent of a primary 6 student preparing for transition to secondary education next year, I am furious that my child and every childs education in N.Ireland has been left in limbo. The system that was in place may have been wrong, but canceling it without a new substitute was idiotic. I would be happy to meet her but, she would probly just release a statement, poor communication skills also. If Catriona Rohan cannot fulfill her duties as education minister she needs to go.