Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

Many schools in the Derry ,Eglinton and Limavady areas are giving extra tutoring to pupils who wish to sit the aptitude test in spite of being advised not to by yourselves, the WELB and the Department of Education. These children will have a distinct advantage over my child whose school has decided to follow your guidance. I feel this is a case of gross inequality.

As a very concerned parent of a current P6 child I feel that the test being used for children wishing to enter a catholic Grammar School is alot more difficult than the test being used for a Protestant School. I am extremely worried at the content in the GL Assessment exam as it is not reflected in what the children are being taught. The content is Level 6 and 7 standard which is very unfair. I know alot of parents are extremely worried as this is the first year that there seems to be a clear divide in the two religions and the type of test used. I dont think that CCMS have looked at the actual content in these papers as some of the questions are definately GCSE standard.

The department of education has said that schools must not use their resources to prepare children for the transfer tests ....my child is at a school that follows this guildeline whilst other schools are preparing pupils during school time and in after school study clubs.. i therefore feel my child will be at a great disadvantage going into the tests.

As a parent of a child sitting the transfer test in newry whose primary school has refused to teach any extra other than the new curricullum to the detriment of the childrens chances of gaining a place at one of the local primary schools. This is wholly unfair and discriminates against the children. All the other local primary schools are outwardly agreeing to their legally obligated position but are secretly ( common knowledge around the area ) preparing their children for the transfer test which leaves the children at a distinct disadvantage. If we wish our children to go to a grammar school this year then the only way is to sit these exams. How do i tell my child that they would not be able to sit the exam because their school has not prepared them at all. Its a disgrace how some of your members are ignoring the views of the parents, we applaud your members that are doing what their vocations instils in them 'to put the education of the children they teach at the forefront and not let them become the political fodder that some have let them become.