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The Transfer Procedure, otherwise known as the
11 plus test, will continue up to and including the 2008 tests.
The purpose of the tests is to enable grammar
schools to select pupils on the basis of ability or aptitude.
Only grammar schools can take these factors into account by
using the transfer procedure test grade in deciding which
pupils to admit.
The current tests are based on the statutory
curriculum in English, Mathematics and Science taught to the
children at the end of Key Stage 2. There are two tests held
in November each year and a supplementary test in December.
Each test, which is held at the pupils' own school, lasts
for one hour and has sections on English, Mathematics and
Science and Technology.
So why has the value of the 11 plus changed in more recent
times and why is there such opposition to the tested system?
The tests evolved after 1944 as a means of determining
in which of the three types of secondary school-grammar, technical,
or modern-a child should continue his education. However,
in some areas over the past number of years, the educational
and academical importance of the test has been overtaken by
some parents who aspire to have their children accepted into
the Grammar School system to satisfy their own craving of
improving their identity and place in society.
A lot has been said and written about the future
of the 11 plus, testing children at such a young age and the
pressure placed upon them to name but a few. But surely the
post primary education system in general is designed to test
each child's ability as they progress through their school
life as a means of gauging the child's grasp and level of
understanding on the subjects being taught. So what's so different
about testing their ability in their last year at Primary
School?
The most significant negative factor society
has continually emphasised is the sense of failure, if a child
does not achieve the A Grade. What nonsense, each child possesses
individual talents, achieves in his or her own way and matures
at different ages.
So, if your child participates in the Transfer
Test this year remember Grade A represents the top 25 percent,
Grade B1 - the next 5 percent, Grade B2 the next 5 percent,
Grade C1 the next 5 percent, Grade C2 the next 5 percent and
Grade D the remaining 55 percent.
Therefore, children are not failures; they are
achievers and deserve praise and recognition for participating
at all levels in school life.
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