End of the 11 plus is good news for children
Published: 7 November, 2008
South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA, Alex Maskey, speaking in the month that sees schoolchildren take the 11 plus exam for the last time, has said that the ending of 11 plus tests is to be welcomed because it removes unnecessary pressure on children.
The South Belfast MLA said,
"Sinn Féin has repeatedly said that academic selection is both unnecessary and unjust. In many schools preparation for the transfer tests starts in P5 and this puts two years of unnecessary pressure on children as young as 9 and 10 years of age.
"The curriculum is set aside while test papers are taken, and in many cases the children who are not taking the transfer test can fall behind in their lessons. This system has been shown, time and time again to be unjust and to fail a large number of schoolchildren.
"It was Sinn Féin's pledge to bring about a reformed education system, where every child has the opportunity to achieve to their maximum ability. This agenda is being driven forward by the Education Minister Caitríona Ruane. I believe it is essential that schools can deliver excellence in academic and many other areas and provide their pupils with the widest range of educational choices.
"The Education Minister has set out proposals for the way ahead which include a compromise position around a three year transition period. These proposals have been developed following hundreds of hours of discussions with key partners in education and I support the Education Minister in her belief that they offer a solution that is in the best interests of all children."
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