I have been finally convinced from Victor Gordon's article (Belfast
Telegraph, May 1) that the solution to the academic selection issue lies in
the Dickson Plan which has been operational in the Craigavon area for some
40 years.
Although I am not familiar with the scheme, its success is largely evident
from the fact that the area has not been subsumed into the mainstream system
over the years.
It is largely a home-grown process that seeks to blend the pre-1948
principles of of an elementary education with the post- 1965 comprehensive
ethos while recognising the need to have some selection on an academic
basis.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane does appear to advocate transfer at the
age of 14, which is a more realistic age than 11.
This scheme should allow grammar schools to set their standards as they see
fit. Those that are confident of strong demand can ask for top grades in an
examination taken at the end of year 10 (perhaps not unlike the old Junior
certificate) while those whose catchment area may not be so reliable can (as
with the present system) be more discretionary.
The alternative schools (secondary, community or whatever) can, according to
demand, offer a range of academic and vocational subjects.
Students in these establishments who gain sufficient grades at GCSE can
still transfer to the grammar sector for A-level. Under such a modified
version of the Dickson Plan, this practice would gel better into the overall
ethos.
Such an approach would undoubtedly require more drastic changes to the
current infrastructure and would impact more heavily on the primary sector
than a situation that was focused solely upon creating an all-ability or
comprehensive ethos in the post-primary sector.
It would be effort and money well spent if it were to lead to a fairer and
acceptable system with selection finally laid to rest. Then we would be free
to address the real issues affecting education such as tackling literacy and
numeracy and making a real contribution to economic development through
promoting innovation and creating worthwhile employment for those who do
achieve.
Hi: 18°C / Lw: 13°C
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