Academic selection is out of date - Daithi McKay

Mr McKay said: “All the children who sat the unregulated Entrance Tests deserve to be congratulated no matter what result they have achieved, as do those children who did not sit tests. They all have a right to look forward to a bright educational future.

“We would also like to pay tribute to the silent majority, the pupils who did not sit a test, and who will transferring into a Post primary school which teaches the exact same curriculum as a grammar and offers access to the same level of qualifications as grammar schools. These pupils too deserve our attention and regard as they prepare for the next chapter in their academic and vocational lives.

“It is nonsense to suggest that those pupils who set the Test did so in opposition to the Minister, there are a variety of reasons as to why children are sitting the test, including children wishing to attend their local school, attend the same school as their siblings and family ties to schools. Grammar Schools have put up barriers to access many pupils sitting tests and their parents support the removal of those barriers

“The testing of children at 10 and 11 years of age to decide if they may or may not enter a school is wrong, it has no proven educational benefit and numerous educational social disadvantages.

“I welcome the fact that the Catholic sector has announced they will move away from the practice of Academic selection within 2 years, and hope others reconsider their position and open their schools to all as centres of educational excellence for all. Post primary schools on a daily basis prove why there is no justifiable requirement for the 11 plus, they provide a first class education and produce pupils who go out into society and become leaders whether it be in a Academic or vocational careers

“The myth that all ability schools will undermine academic excellence has been proven wrong by the very schools which insist on the sanctity of testing 10 and 11 year old children on the basis that they must preserve the ‘system’ - a system they themselves no longer adhere to. The 2009 Admission Grades accepted by grammar schools across the North show that the grade drift continued and that not a single grammar school restricted itself to grade ‘A’s’. The majority of grammar schools accepted grades from A through to D.

“Parents rightly ask, why did grammar schools put children through the charade of testing when in fact they will accept all grades and none to fill their classrooms? That question once again will rebound in many homes as it becomes clear that the schools which insisted on testing, will accept all and any to keep up their school numbers.

“We once again call on grammar schools to accept the reality of their own position and work with their educational partners in Primary and Post-Primary schools rather than continuing the charade of putting children through tests the results of which they have diluted to the point of being meaningless

“The education system is not in “a mess”, to simplify the education system down to unregulated transfer tests shows the inability of certain politicians to think about education beyond Academic selection. To describe our education system as a ‘mess’ is an insult to the pupils, and the professionalism of teachers and staff in all our educational facilities.

“Confusion is a term used in the media and by pro 11 plus campaigners, if parents are confused by the system presented by grammar schools then the duty rest with the grammar schools to explain their processes and provide clarity.

“Now for the first time in a lifetime collectively change can be delivered, now is the time to stand by your convictions and to help remove this socially unjust policy form our education system and our society.

“We would call on all those who are genuinely opposed to the socially unjust practice of Academic selection to recommit themselves to ending it, not by accommodating further testing on the false promise of ‘ give us more time and we will change’. The fact is that the grammar lobby has had 50 years to change and they have continually held onto their unjust system.

“Sinn Fin is building a 21st century education system based on equality, excellence, the needs of the economy and one which encourages all children to meet their potential. As we already know Protestant children from working class areas will be the section of young people who are disadvantaged most in North Antrim by the continuation of this antiquated process. We are working to ensure that this group and indeed all children are given fair and equal access to the education system; “Every school a good school” is something that we will continue to strive toward.”