Menu
28/01/2014
CPA Calls For Grammar Schools To End Unregulated Entrance Exams
Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has welcomed the Catholic Principal Association's (CPA's) call for Grammar schools to immediately cease the unjustifiable use of unregulated entrance exams and that the Catholic Bishops should now take robust action rather than merely reiterating their opposition to testing.
Mr Hazzard said: "I think that the argument of testing children at ten and eleven has long been proven to be detrimental to the educational development of our young people and should cease immediately.
"Academic excellence will only be further enhanced by introducing equality into our schools; we only need to glance at the long list of high achieving systems worldwide to see the fruits of giving all our children fair opportunity.
"Currently the vast majority of grammar schools across the North operate on an all-ability level with grades from A to D being accepted so there really is no reason for such high-pressure entrance exams.
"I welcome the call today from the Catholic Principal Association for Grammar school to stop the unregulated tests and reiterate their call on Catholic Bishops to take more affirmative action in making this happen."
(CD/MH)
Mr Hazzard said: "I think that the argument of testing children at ten and eleven has long been proven to be detrimental to the educational development of our young people and should cease immediately.
"Academic excellence will only be further enhanced by introducing equality into our schools; we only need to glance at the long list of high achieving systems worldwide to see the fruits of giving all our children fair opportunity.
"Currently the vast majority of grammar schools across the North operate on an all-ability level with grades from A to D being accepted so there really is no reason for such high-pressure entrance exams.
"I welcome the call today from the Catholic Principal Association for Grammar school to stop the unregulated tests and reiterate their call on Catholic Bishops to take more affirmative action in making this happen."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2002
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
30 January 2003
Blair attacked over plans to scrap NI grammar schools
Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy has said the Prime Minister is "deluded" in his interpretation of the way forward for education in Northern Ireland. The former chairman of the assembly’s Education Committee was responding to Mr Blair’s refusal to reject plans to scrap grammar schools and concentrate instead on secondary schools.
Blair attacked over plans to scrap NI grammar schools
Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy has said the Prime Minister is "deluded" in his interpretation of the way forward for education in Northern Ireland. The former chairman of the assembly’s Education Committee was responding to Mr Blair’s refusal to reject plans to scrap grammar schools and concentrate instead on secondary schools.
03 March 2014
Three Catholic Schools To Amalgamate
Three Catholic schools in County Armagh are to amalgamate, Education Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed. The move will see St Michael's Grammar come together with two secondary schools – St Paul's and St Mary's High Schools in Lurgan.
Three Catholic Schools To Amalgamate
Three Catholic schools in County Armagh are to amalgamate, Education Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed. The move will see St Michael's Grammar come together with two secondary schools – St Paul's and St Mary's High Schools in Lurgan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
