The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools at its meeting on Thursday 6thDecember 2007 commented on the Ministers recent statement on references to the education system.
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools at its meeting on Thursday 6thDecember 2007 commented on the Ministers recent statement on references to the education system.
The Council acknowledges the statement as a step towards the development of an education system fir for the 21st Century. It is concerned, however, at the absence of details in critical areas.
The Council welcomes the firm decision to end the Transfer test after 2009. It believes that there is now an obligation on the part of the Minister to provide the structures and processes to bring forward new arrangements within the appropriate timescale.
The aspirations expressed by the Minister are in line with the position on post-primary education taken by CCMS over many years. The Council joins with the Northern Catholic Bishops and the Religious trustees in calling for an ending to the uncertainty on how children will transfer at 11 and, if appropriate, at 14. Council believes that an early statement on a Sustainable Schools Policy and on the operation of Area Based Planning is essential and urgent.