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

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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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 – useful parent’s guide

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.