Friends of Grammar Schools

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Publication date: 31 March 2009

Source: Belfast Telegraph

Comment | Catholic grammar schools have been given the go-ahead by Church leaders to introduce academic entrance tests in place of the 11-plus. Education Correspondent Kathryn Torney outlines what this means for children and parents

The policy statement released by the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education (NICCE) contained news Caitriona Ruane had been hoping not to hear.

The announcement that the group representing Catholic school trustees had reluctantly agreed that grammar schools could continue with academic selection on a temporary basis meant another ally had bitten the dust.

Last week the SDLP … Continue Reading

Publication date: 31 March 2009

Source: Belfast News Letter

(c) 2009 Johnston Publishing Limited
Sir Ken Bloomfield, from the Association for Quality Education (AQE), said grammar schools did not want to be in a position where they had to set separate entrance exams, but had been forced to act when no consensus was reached in the Assembly.Around 40 schools have indicated they will set an AQE entrance exam for pupils wishing to join their grammar school, and Sir Ken said this at least provided some consistency for P6 children and their parents.He said he understood “people are irritated” by the current … Continue Reading

Publication date: 31 March 2009

Source: Belfast News Letter

The chairman of RBAI and head of the AQE said the system should work to suit all abilities by sending those with academical attributes to grammar schools and those with vocational skills to secondary schools.”Although we are called the Association for Quality Education we don’t only think a quality education is a grammar education,” he said.”Secondary schools cater for different kinds of students which society needs as much as academic ones.”We want schools to draw out of people the best that’s in them – some have academic capabilities and some have more practical … Continue Reading

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Publication date: 31 March 2009

Source: The Irish News

As the education sector faces an unprecedented level of uncertainty over post-primary transfer, the Catholic Church has put forward proposals that it hopes will offer a clear pathway for schools and parents.

The Church set up a working group in February in response to the increasing concern and confusion that surrounds the arrangements for moving children from P7 to secondary level from next year.

With the 11-plus officially abolished and proposed interim tests abandoned by the minister, the grammar sector has moved to fill the vacuum, with a number of schools offering … Continue Reading

Simon Doyle, Education Correspondent

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Publication date: 31 March 2009

Source: The Irish News

A new English and maths transfer test is to be designed for Catholic grammar schools after Church leaders gave them the go-ahead to operate academic selection in the short term.

Schools will be allowed to run entrance exams next year but should all be operating an alternative system of transfer by no later than 2012.

The policy on post-primary transfer was unveiled yesterday by the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education.

It said selection at age 11 was no longer appropriate and urged politicians to find a … Continue Reading