26/06/2018
Call For Academic Selection To Be Abandoned
Sinn Fein is calling for academic selection to be abandoned after reports emerged that the bodies that run NI's two transfer tests have agreed to create one exam.
The Association of Quality Education (AQE) and the Post-Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) agreed a draft proposal and a consultation is to take place, according to the BBC.
However, the agreement is unlikely to be in place for at least two or three years.
Sinn Fein's Education spokesperson Karen Mullen said transfer tests continue to have a "hugely negative impact" on children.
She said: "Proponents of transfers tests are ignoring the overwhelming international and domestic evidence that academic selection perpetuates inequality and damages the education system.
"The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Equality Commission, Human Rights Commission, Children's Commissioner, OECD, the trade union movement and the Catholic hierarchy have all called for an end to academic selection and these calls should be heeded.
"Rather than looking at ways of combining transfer tests, we should be encouraging those schools that have not yet moved away from academic selection to show leadership and end these damaging tests."
(CD/MH)
The Association of Quality Education (AQE) and the Post-Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) agreed a draft proposal and a consultation is to take place, according to the BBC.
However, the agreement is unlikely to be in place for at least two or three years.
Sinn Fein's Education spokesperson Karen Mullen said transfer tests continue to have a "hugely negative impact" on children.
She said: "Proponents of transfers tests are ignoring the overwhelming international and domestic evidence that academic selection perpetuates inequality and damages the education system.
"The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Equality Commission, Human Rights Commission, Children's Commissioner, OECD, the trade union movement and the Catholic hierarchy have all called for an end to academic selection and these calls should be heeded.
"Rather than looking at ways of combining transfer tests, we should be encouraging those schools that have not yet moved away from academic selection to show leadership and end these damaging tests."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 June 2019
SF Demand End To 'Damaging' Transfer Tests
Sinn Fein has issued a call for the end of transfer tests in Northern Ireland following a recent report on the detrimental impact the process has on children.
SF Demand End To 'Damaging' Transfer Tests
Sinn Fein has issued a call for the end of transfer tests in Northern Ireland following a recent report on the detrimental impact the process has on children.
28 February 2017
Proposals Announced For Single Transfer Test
Two groups which run separate school transfer tests in Northern Ireland would like to produce one common test. The Association of Quality Education (AQE) and the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) said the move would be in the best interest of pupils, parents and schools.
Proposals Announced For Single Transfer Test
Two groups which run separate school transfer tests in Northern Ireland would like to produce one common test. The Association of Quality Education (AQE) and the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) said the move would be in the best interest of pupils, parents and schools.
27 March 2007
Politicians set to debate transfer test
Local politicians are set to focus their attentions on finding a substitute for academic selection following yesterday’s devolution deal. The last 11-plus is scheduled for 2008, and the power-sharing agreement removes any suggestion that academic selection may be banned by the British Government.
Politicians set to debate transfer test
Local politicians are set to focus their attentions on finding a substitute for academic selection following yesterday’s devolution deal. The last 11-plus is scheduled for 2008, and the power-sharing agreement removes any suggestion that academic selection may be banned by the British Government.
08 February 2007
Transfer test alternatives put forward
A group representing grammar school lobby groups is today launching a document putting forward alternative ideas to replace the 11-plus exam. The Association for Quality Education, is suggesting six options to replace the exam, stating that the alternative should be suitable and fair for all children.
Transfer test alternatives put forward
A group representing grammar school lobby groups is today launching a document putting forward alternative ideas to replace the 11-plus exam. The Association for Quality Education, is suggesting six options to replace the exam, stating that the alternative should be suitable and fair for all children.
14 June 2006
Teachers unions hit out at government plans
Two of Northern Ireland's main teaching unions have today hit out against the government's plan to delay their decision on scrapping the academic selection process. It was announced on Monday that the government were to hold off on whether to abolish the 11-plus, until after the restoration of devolution deadline was reached on November 24.
Teachers unions hit out at government plans
Two of Northern Ireland's main teaching unions have today hit out against the government's plan to delay their decision on scrapping the academic selection process. It was announced on Monday that the government were to hold off on whether to abolish the 11-plus, until after the restoration of devolution deadline was reached on November 24.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.