Primary 6 Parents Information Evening Wednesday 29th March 2017 7.00pm The move from primary to secondary

Tonight’s Meeting Making the transition from primary to secondary school Transfer 2017/18 Preparation Questions

Current situation No 11+ exam being organised by D E N I No political agreement Grammar schools determining their own admissions criteria including academic selection Secondary schools using listed criteria e.g. feeder school, address etc. Primary schools teaching the Northern Ireland Curriculum – focus on developing skills

3 Pathways Grammar school: need to sit an entrance test - either AQE or GL assessment Secondary School Statement of Special Educational Needs: - decision made on school in conjunction with Education Authority through Annual Review (may include Ed. Psych assessment)

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 hour tests. Pupils awarded an average score based on best 2 scores. Tests taken in grammar school on Saturday mornings

C E A 2 Dates – 11th, 25th November 2017 2nd December 2017 Cost – £46 (except for pupils on FSM) Applications – 2nd May – 8th September Forms available from grammar schools or website AQE website – www.aqe.org.uk: useful parent’s guide

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 (slip to return to class teacher)

Special Circumstances AQE currently have a policy with respect to special circumstances Separate body to deal with issues 3 areas of special circumstances - access (before the test) - special circumstances (after the results) - special provision (after the results) All requests for special access lodged by September 2017 Major Change – YOU, the parent do this – not the primary school. Tick the box on the registration form if you want to apply for special access.

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 – the expected level for children to achieve at the end of primary school is Level 4. Much of the content of these tests are pitched at level 5 by AQE.

Finally Be realistic – which school will suit my child best? Remember your child is a child! Try to manage your own anxiety! Life doesn’t go on hold for the next 8 months.