RSD principal, Paul Hewitt, speaking on behalf of the Association of Quality Education (AQE), criticised Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane's "continuing failure" to devise appropriate and agreed methods of transferring children after 2009.
"...the grammar schools and AQE have been obliged to give definite and clear information to our primary school colleagues and parents on how this vacuum will be filled in a temporary and provisional way until an acceptable solution may be found", explained Mr Hewitt.
"This is not what grammar schools want to do, but they cannot stand by and wait for the chaos to ensue for parents and their children, let alone the primary and grammar schools."
According to the Dungannon headmaster, there will be two one-hour tests in numeracy and literacy, compatible with the new Primary Revised Curriculum.
He continues: "The revised primary curriculum may continue to be taught as desired without any impairment. Exemplar material, specifications and guidance will be issued to all primary schools in mid-June.
"They (tests) will be sat in centres throughout the Province on a Saturday morning and only one set of tests is required for application to all grammar schools in the Province, except for any grammar schools which may choose to set their own individual tests: these will not be valid outside the school setting its own test.

Critical

The mark given will be a straightforward percentage, not the grading system currently used.
"Science will not be included. Parents may choose to sit a third test if there has been illness or other special circumstances and they will be able to choose the best TWO of three tests set. The tests will be spread over five to six weeks in late October and November."
The fee for sitting the tests is likely now to be £20 to £25, and not £65 as previously reported. This will be paid to the limited company operating the tests for their administrative costs and none will go to the grammar schools themselves. Those on free school meal and family income support places will be exempt from paying.
Mr Hewitt dismissed what he called the "scaremongering" and "bullying words" of Caitriona Ruane, stressing there will not be any problems of litigation for schools which operate the system.
"All the normal procedures about appeals and remarks will apply", he added.
"There will be no additional legal concerns for any schools operating the tests, since AQE has taken top legal advice throughout."



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