Catholic primary school teachers warned about entry exam lessons
Catholic primary teachers in the North must not help pupils prepare for an unregulated test during the normal school day, their employer warned today.
Any decision to teach something which varies from the revised curriculum must be recorded, the Catholic Council for Maintained Schools added.
Many Catholic grammar schools have promised to set their own entrance exams in defiance of the North's Education Minister Caitriona Ruane. The CCMS sent a warning letter to school principals this week.
“Governors and principals are therefore advised to... ensure that any formal activity which can be construed as preparation for an unregulated test does not take place during the normal school day,” it said.
The circular urged teachers to continue to teach the revised curriculum and take into account advice from the Department of Education in the North.
“Note that in the event that they have wilfully disregarded and acted outwith advise it may be difficult to support the indemnification (legal cover) of their actions,” the cautionary letter said.
It asked that principals ensure any differences in provision for the abilities of children can’t be construed as preparation for an unregulated exam.
It said any decision on the transfer of children to post-primary education made by a Board of Governors would be made available for legal scrutiny.
CCMS chief executive Donal Flanagan said it was regrettable political agreement had not been reached.
Unionists refused to discuss the minister’s proposals for a phased end to selection after she said last year would be the last 11-Plus.
Ms Ruane has already warned of the danger of legal action if grammars go ahead with plans to establish independent tests.
