This Information for Parents will answer important questions you may have...

Dear Parent

As a school, and through various organisations, Carrickfergus Grammar School has actively supported efforts to avoid unregulation of transfer from Primary to Post Primary Education in September 2010. We are disappointed that these efforts have not proved successful.

In the absence of regulation, Carrickfergus Grammar School will continue to use academic ability as a criterion for admission and this ability will be determined by the use of the Common Entrance Assessment (CEA) developed by the Association for Quality Education (AQE). This will be reflected in our Admissions Criteria, which we hope to publish shortly.

We hope that you will find this Familiarisation Day helpful but, most importantly, that it will assist your child in preparation for the assessments which will follow and will ensure he/she is at ease with our arrangements.

We hope that the additional information provided today, and within this booklet, will be useful. However if you require any further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Yours sincerely

K Mulvenna
Principal

HOW DOES THE AQE CEA WORK?

- Three 1 hour papers on the dates specified overleaf
- The AQE CEA score will be awarded on the basis of the best two scores
- Children may sit two or three papers

DOES IT MATTER WHICH EXAM CENTRE WE USE?

- No. The CEA score is transferable across all schools which are using the AQE CEA to measure academic ability. These schools can be found on the AQE website www.aqe.org.uk

WHERE IN CARRICKFERGUS GRAMMAR SCHOOL WILL CHILDREN SIT THE PAPERS?

- Children will sit the papers in classrooms within Primary School groupings. Today they will have the chance to become familiar with their test room and to meet the teacher who will look after them during the first test.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO THE CEA?

Children should bring:
- their AQE examination card
- two pencils
- a rubber
- emergency medication (if necessary, such as inhalers)

Children should not bring:
- mobile phones
- any electronic devices
- pencil cases
- rulers
- watches
- food or drink (other than for medical reasons previously discussed with the Principal)

Water will be available as required.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?

Children should wear something which they are comfortable in but we would strongly advise that they wear their normal school wear.
Please note that, in any event, football shirts are not permitted.

WHAT TIME SHOULD MY CHILD ARRIVE?

Children should be in Carrickfergus Grammar School by 9.15am (school will be open from 9.00am)

If a child arrives late they may be placed in an alternative classroom than the one designated, in order to prevent disruption of other children.

WHAT ARE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RELEASE OF CHILDREN?

Children should be collected by Parent/Guardian from the Assembly Hall at 11.05am. The Assembly Hall will be open for parents from 10.45am

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD IS ILL ON THE MORNING OF A CEA?

In such an event please contact the School Office, either by calling personally or by telephoning
028 93363615.

If your child is unable to sit one or more of the tests due to such circumstances it is essential to speak to the Principal, Mr Mulvenna.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

In order to ease traffic congestion for all please note the following:

• Parents should car share when possible.
• Weather permitting it may be more convenient to come to the school on foot.
• You may drop your child off at the turning circle via the upper entrance to the school. They will be directed from there by teaching staff.
• If you would like to accompany your child into the school on the mornings of the tests you are very welcome to do so. However, please use the lower entrance to the school and do not leave the school grounds until after 10.00am when the test will have begun.

Tea and Coffee will be available for Parents in the School Canteen.

KEY DATES

Transfer 2011 Information Evening for P6 parents and pupils in Assembly Hall Thursday 20 May 2011 at 7.00 pm
 

Familiarisation morning for 2010 AQE Tests: Saturday 16 October 2010 at 10.00 am
o AQE Test 1 – Saturday 13 November 2010
o AQE Test 2 – Saturday 27 November 2010
o AQE Test 3 – Saturday 4 December 2010

Registration Forms available from Friday 14 May 2010

o From AQE website – www.aqe.org.uk
o From AQE Office
o From Carrickfergus Grammar School Reception
o Registration Forms will also be available at our Information Evening on Thursday 20 May 2010.