Primary 6 Parents Information Evening Wednesday 6 th April pm

Tonight’s Meeting  Making the transition from primary to secondary school.  Transfer 2016/17  Preparation  Questions

Current situation  No 11+ exam being organised by D E N I  No political agreement  Grammar schools setting own entrance tests. Controlled / Maintained divide  Grammar schools determining their own admissions criteria.  Secondary schools using listed criteria as currently they do  Primary schools teaching the Northern Ireland Curriculum – focus on developing skills.

Common Entrance Assessments  Organised by Ltd co. set up by grammar schools ( Association for Quality Education)  Tests are called Common Entrance Assessments – they are NOT organised by CEA ( Council for Curriculum, Examinations & Assessments)  They ARE based on maths & english  3 1 hr tests. Pupils awarded an average score based on best 2 scores.  Tests taken in grammar school on Sat. mornings

C E A 2  Dates – 12 th, 26th November rd December 2016   Cost – found on Aqe website.  Applications – 3rd May – 9 th September  Forms available from grammar schools or website  P6 parent information evenings to be held in grammar schools.  AQE website –

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES  You decide if you want your child to take the tests  You must get the application form  You must complete it and return it with the fee to AQE  You decide where your child will take the tests.  Please tell us if your child is/is not taking the tests.

Special Circumstances  AQE currently have a policy with respect to special circumstances  Separate body to deal with issues.  3 areas of special circumstances  - access  - special consideration  - special provision  All requests lodged by September 2016  Major Change – YOU, the parent do this – not the primary school.

How parents can assist with preparation for transfer to secondary school  In a moment you will hear from P6 teachers on how you can prepare your child for the move to the next level in their education.

What will be happening in school  Focus will be on teaching  P6 teachers will detail the programme for you.  Remember – children should reach Level 4 and some reach Level 5 by the end of P7. These tests are pitched at level 5 by AQE.

Finally  Be positive – is a grammar school the only option.  Remember your child is a child!  Life doesn’t go on hold for the next 8 months.