1. Primary 6 Parents Information Evening Wednesday 6 th April 2016 7.00pm

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. C E A 2  Dates – 12 th, 26th November 2016 3 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 – www.aqe.org.uk

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.