225 pupils sit selection test at Dalriada school
ON Saturday 225 primary school pupils sat the new grammar school selection tests at Dalriada.
And while this was against the wishes of Education Minister Caitriona Ruane it was a clear triumph for those schools who set their own entrance criteria.
In the absence of political agreement on the issue, Ms Ruane had issued guidance to schools that non-academic selection criteria should take the place of the now defunct 11-plus.
However this proposal has been rejected by almost 70 schools, including Dalriada, which has opted to set its own entrance papers.
Speaking to the Times, Dalriada Principal Mr Tom Skelton explained: "225 pupils sat last Saturday's test and it went very smoothly.
"The previous Saturday (November 7) we had held a Orientation/Familiarization Day for all the pupils and parents to come along and get to know the place. Each pupil was shown where they were going to sit, in which room and what was going to happen. We also talked each of the pupils through the test, outlining how to fill in their personal details and we even gave them a test paper to take home.
"We also used the day to reassure the parents as they were able to stand at the back of the hall and witness what was going to happen. They were given the chance to ask any questions about the test afterwards."
Set by the Association for Quality Education, last Saturday was the first of a series of private admission tests for 11 year old children.
Mr Skelton added: "The Familiarization Day really helped both the pupils and parents to feel more relaxed and so everything went very well on Saturday. During the test, parents were also encouraged to stay at the school where we provided tea and coffee.
"The AQE system has three papers which will take place on Saturdays during the coming weeks into early December. The next tests in Dalriada will be on November 28 and December 5.
"Staff have been asked to moderate the three tests on a voluntary basis and thankfully every member has been willing to help make this a success."
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Weather for Ballymoney
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
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