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Pupils sit the final 11-plus test Pupils sit the final 11-plus test
(9 minutes later)
More than 15,000 primary seven pupils across Northern Ireland are to sit the second part of the last 11-plus exam.More than 15,000 primary seven pupils across Northern Ireland are to sit the second part of the last 11-plus exam.
Some politicians, parents and teachers are concerned that there is still no concrete plan for what will replace the controversial exam next year.Some politicians, parents and teachers are concerned that there is still no concrete plan for what will replace the controversial exam next year.
The test may be ending on Friday after 60 years, but academic selection is still allowed for the time being.The test may be ending on Friday after 60 years, but academic selection is still allowed for the time being.
As a compromise measure, some grammar schools will be allowed to stage their own entrance exams next year. Some grammar schools have said they will stage their own entrance exams next year.
VIEW FROM THE PUPILS A P7's view of the final 11 plusVIEW FROM THE PUPILS A P7's view of the final 11 plus
Northern Ireland Education Minister Caitriona Ruane has permitted the schools to use English and Maths tests, set and marked by the examining board CCEA. However, as a compromise measure Northern Ireland Education Minister Caitriona Ruane has suggested a transition phase.
The schools would be able to use academic criteria for 50% of pupils in the first year, with this being completely phased out after three years.The schools would be able to use academic criteria for 50% of pupils in the first year, with this being completely phased out after three years.
However, this has not yet been agreed.
If academic selection is not used, parents are being told to make an informed choice on which sort of school is more suitable for their child, based on their Pupil Profile and consulting with primary school teachers.If academic selection is not used, parents are being told to make an informed choice on which sort of school is more suitable for their child, based on their Pupil Profile and consulting with primary school teachers.
However, there could be a struggle to convince some middle-class parents who themselves attended grammar schools to voluntarily choose a secondary school for their children.
Two weeks ago, pupils sat the first part of the hour-long transfer test which covers English, maths and science.Two weeks ago, pupils sat the first part of the hour-long transfer test which covers English, maths and science.
The children will receive their results in February.The children will receive their results in February.