BY NUALA MCALOON
THE first of the entrance tests to replace the traditional 11+ exam went off 'smoothly', according to the principal at the Collegiate Grammar School in Enniskillen.
It was the first of the schools in Fermanagh to host a replacement exam in a new format.
And, while more than a hundred primary seven girls travelled on Saturday to sit the first of three AQE papers at the Collegiate, hundreds more are expected this Saturday to sit the CEA entrance test at St Michael's College, Mount Lourdes Grammar School and Portora Royal School.
The remainder of the AQE papers will be sat at the Collegiate on Saturday November 28 and December 5. For those pupils opting to sit both the AQE and CEA exam, this in effect means that they will sit tests on four consecutive Saturdays.
Speaking following the completion of the first paper sat at the Collegiate, the principal Elizabeth Armstrong, said that from her perspective, it had gone smoothly.
More than 100 girls sat the test with a total of 70 places on offer.
"We had an orientation morning on October 17 to give pupils the opportunity to see the rooms where they would be sitting the test and to familiarise themselves with the environment," Miss Armstrong explained. "This seemed to have had a positive impact because when the girls arrived on Saturday they were already familiar with the school."
Miss Armstrong said that in conjunction with AQE, staff had planned as carefully as they could for the tests, something which had proved to be beneficial.
"AQE had provided precise guidance and had liaised with primary schools and parents and we followed that up by liaising with parents and primary schools.
"An important aspect was the orientation morning when we familiarised the girls and their parents with the procedures for the test morning. For example they saw the rooms they were going to be in and learned of the actual procedures that would take place on the day. We also gave parents information about the procedure and they had the opportunity to ask questions. This seemed to help on Saturday because the girls appeared very calm. Their parents were very supportive in creating a positive environment."
The girls were divided between rooms to sit the paper which lasted for an hour. They were supervised by external invigilators made up of public examiners and retired teachers.
Miss Armstrong said she was satisfied that the new set-up to date, was running smoothly.
"In the absence of a regulated test, we have had to put this in place along with the other schools in AQE. A great deal of planning has gone into this test and I think it has stood us in good stead. And, we have had the support of parents in this route."
She said that while the girls would have to sit three papers as part of the AQE set-up, the method had its benefits.
"It's the best two out of the three so it takes away the sudden death situation which can often be a criticism of this type of test."
Ms Armstrong said that while she still had to await the remainder of the two tests, she was happy that the planning put in place had made the process as smooth as possible for the girls involved.
"Based on Saturday's experience, it has been a positive start."
And while she said she couldn't comment for other schools preparing for their entrance exam this Saturday, Miss Armstrong wished them and pupils sitting the test well.
"It was certainly clear from the girls coming in on Saturday, that they were positive about the test and wanted to do it. I am sure there were nerves too but there was a sense that this was a challenge that the girls were ready to take on."
