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Schools fail to agree joint transfer exam
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Northern Ireland’s grammar schools have failed to reach agreement on running a single entrance test exam for P7 pupils later this year, it can be revealed today.
Pupils currently in P6 will again face choosing between two exam systems this autumn - or sitting both - if they want to compete for entry to the grammar schools.
Talks between the 67 schools which ran their own selection exams this year -against the advice of Education Minister Caitriona Ruane - were scuppered by a disagreement over whether or not to charge a fee for any new test.
However, they have established a steering committee of 10 people to continue working on developing a joint testing system “as a matter of great importance”. And they appealed again for a “single robust testing system” to be provided and operated by a state agency.
Thirty-four schools — mainly Catholic grammars — came together under the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) to run multiple choice exams on one day last year.
One of these schools and 33 others — catering mainly for Protestant pupils — offered three different exam papers over three days to P7 pupils and all are members of the Association for Quality Education (AQE). These papers were more in the style of the old 11-plus exams.
There was a fee for the AQE tests while the PPTC tests were free.
A joint statement was issued by the 67 schools late last nght following a meeting in Royal Belfast Academical Institution yesterday.
It said: “Over many months the 67 schools which continue to use academic entry criteria have been engaged in constructive dialogue, culminating in a series of three meetings involving the principals of all these schools.
“The purpose has been to share experience of using the AQE and PPTC assessments for entry 2010 and to explore the possibilities of growing convergence and ultimate unity of approach.
“While some matters remain outstanding, expectations are high that, with time, these will be resolved.
“To that end, a steering committee, with a membership of 10, drawn equally from both organisations, will take the process forward as a matter of extreme importance. “
The statement went on to say that both AQE and PPTC will confirm “in the near future” their assessment arrangements for this year.
The steering committee will also investigate ways in which specific approaches might be merged in time for the incoming transfer procedure - for example, the approach to special circumstances and special provision.
The statement continued: “There is universal agreement that it remains the responsibility of school governors, acting within the law, to determine the entry criteria for their schools and to decide whether, as long as it remains lawful to do so, to require evidence of academic performance and potential.
“There was also agreement that the need to establish and maintain a system or systems of academic assessment without government involvement was highly regrettable, and that a single robust testing system provided and operated by a state agency, as advocated by a majority of Assembly members, remains the preferred option.”
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The tone, the dogmatic attitude and head in sand arrogance, I often wondered if 'exasperated' was indeed Catriona!!!! Thanks Em (21.04.10) for confirming my thoughts!!!!
Posted by MD | 01.05.10, 23:11 GMT
Exasperated - I may not be a Grammar school teacher but my career ensures I am very well acquainted with the definition of hearsay and unless you were present at the meetings you speak of, what you post about them is hearsay, believe me!
I'm aware you have said the minutes are available on the pprce site, where precisely?
Interestingly I did find some case studies on the site and you will be exasperated to see that these are case studies on education, not in Scandinavia but in England!
Only time will tell whether the clarification you speak of is forthcoming.
I was referring to the article in this section of BT "Ballots 'fairest' for school places" and the commentary thereon. Are you sure you're a "serving" GS teacher? because your memory isn't the best!
Posted by Anne | 27.04.10, 00:07 GMT
A few points Anne I am fully aware of all the meetings held regarding all project areas because, as I said, the minutes are available and in the public domain.
My postings are not hearsay.
It is obvious that some grammar Principals are "playing to the gallery" (i.e. their parents and staff) in trying to deny their involvement in framing the PPRCE options. I know for a certainty that these public 'deniers' have been given an ultimatum: retract the inaccurate representations you have disseminated to the public or face VERY public exposure as hypocrites.
Don’t take my word for this; watch for ‘clarification’ from these individuals.
Have no idea what you are on about re:Ballot????
Posted by Exasperated | 23.04.10, 17:00 GMT
So you weren't present at your school's meeting then Exasperated? I thought not - now why is your hearsay more valid than mine?
The rationale behind the 2013 deadline - apparent to anyone with even a modicum of intelligence and common sense - is to buy time so that in the meantime, just maybe, a political solution can be found that is not solely based on outdated idealogical principles. You don't have to be a grammar school teacher with all the additional weight you appear to believe that gives your arguments to work that out.
Oh and several attempts to respond to you on the ballot article have not been published. Clearly the moderators are not in favour of a balanced argument - I wanted you to know I didn't just bow out of that one.
Posted by Anne | 23.04.10, 13:42 GMT
Anne I suggest you ask the 'Catholic Principals' who are retaining tests this year why? The Catholic Grammar schools responded to NICCEs direction to remove academic selection by requesting more time for staff INSET & Preparation.
This was the rational being the 2013 deadline.
Ask your 'contacts' what preparation their schools are undertaking for this change....
I think you will find this was a core reason the AQE lot couldn't bully Catholic Principals into committing to indefinite testing!
Posted by Exasperated | 23.04.10, 09:15 GMT
Once again Exasperated misleads Belfast Telegraph readers. The GBA's role (even if it is run by old but manipulative people - incidentally who represents the State grammars in the GBA?) is to drag all grammar schools down the comprehensive route dictated by Ruane and the DENI. The GBA is dominated and controlled by the Catholic hierarchy - their future, determined by the owners not the employees, is clear - comprehensive, all-ability Catholic schools. Everything else, such as a single test, charging, format, spec. etc. is aimed at delay and obfuscation determined by the education agenda of the Catholic hierarchy and parroted by foolish self-interested non-denominational (what does this term mean?) grammar school representatives.
Parents are being manipulated.
Is there to be AQE and GL Assessment testing this year? If so why not say so now? There will never be any agreement between the two groups since one (the PPTC) is anti-academic selection, anti-grammar, anti-parental choice.
Posted by Parental Alliance for Choice in Education | 23.04.10, 07:53 GMT
I can only assume Exasperated that you have access to an enhanced website which the rest of us don't because I can find no minutes of any meetings on the PPRCE.org site.
As I said before, perhaps things were different for your school/area [you were present during the meetings for your school, were you?] as my contacts [who are more than mere acquaintances] did not have the same experience at meetings involving their schools. These were box ticking pretences at consultation.
The site does outline a process of consultation and collaboration with schools on the proposals but frankly they would say that, wouldn't they?
I see you have no comment to make on my points about the retention of selection by Catholic principals but then that is a matter of record.
Posted by Anne | 22.04.10, 20:45 GMT
Anne the PPRCE web site contains an outline of the process followed to produce the proposals.
You can get it online.
Also available are the minutes of the meetings held by the Principals of all schools in the project areas. Read these, rather than rely on hear say, and you will see all schools contributed to the current proposals!
These unanimously accepted proposals were then presented to the Chairs of Governors who discussed them at numerous meetings.
Some Grammar school Principals and Governors, now the proposals are public, have been trying to distance themselves from them, claiming (as your acquaintances have) that they had nothing to do with them!
Perusal of the PPRCE web site will quickly put paid to this misinformation.
Hope this helps you understand the open and transparent manner in which all schools wrote the Project Options.
Posted by Exasperated | 22.04.10, 09:16 GMT
Exasperated - you keep saying that schools have drafted the PPRCE proposals. I've said it before and repeat here that is utter nonsense. Schools did not draft the proposals. They were TOLD what was proposed and many are very unhappy.
The Catholic Heads have said they have no plans to remove selection; Gerry Lundy has agreed that only Boards of Governors have the power to make this decision and even senior figures in the catholic church have called for a regulated test for a period until consensus can be reached.
Where on earth in all of that do you get the impression that times are changing? From where many people sit it looks like "same old, same old" just with a lot more pressure on children, parents and schools.
Posted by Anne | 21.04.10, 23:02 GMT
Good to see "Exasperated" Catriona responding!!!!!!
Posted by em | 21.04.10, 20:25 GMT
Time is ticking by ladies and gentlemen, all Catholic schools have given a commitment as part of the PPRCE to remove academic criteria from their admissions.
The vain attempts of the 'ol, ascendancy (represented by GBA old boys and girls) to get Catholic grammars to toe the line has failed.
The ‘transition period’ requested by Catholic Grammars is counting down.
There is no need for any child to be subjected to this disgraceful testing regime.
Meantime unanimously accepted proposals have been drafted by all schools (predicated on no academic selection) and are out to consultation.
As I have said before the times they are a changin'
Posted by Exasperated | 21.04.10, 14:47 GMT