UlsterNet.co.uk

Grammar principal reassures parents and pupils

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Andrew Davidson and Michael McCune of the Rotary Club of Carrickfergus pictured last week in the Carrick Grammar School with one of the shelter boxes which are to be sent to Haiti. GC0534

AS anxious parents and pupils await the arrival of transfer test results this Saturday, the principal of Carrickfergus Grammar School, Kieran Mulvenna, has issued guidance to clarify the school transfer procedure.
The transfer to post-primary schools this years has been surrounded in confusion and controversy following the abolition of the 11-plus by the Education minister Catriona Ruane.
Mr Mulvenna said staff at the school would be available over the coming weeks and months to guide parents through the "uncharted territory" of the new transfer process.
The school principal said: "Over 270 local P7 pupils chose to sit the tests in Carrickfergus Grammar School and the exit polls we conducted with parents showed overwhelming satisfaction with the way in which the school dealt with this difficult situation.
“Any criticism was reserved for the Department of Education or for the Minister, Ms Catriona Ruane, by whom many families clearly feel let down."
Mr Mulvenna went on to welcome contact with concerned parents. "We must never forget that the issue of transfer is not simply about how schools operate - much more importantly it is about how children access the next vital stage in their education," he said.
“I have spoken personally to numerous apprehensive parents in recent weeks and I wish to reassure all mums and dads that my senior team will be available on each and every day of the coming months to offer advice, support and guidance."
Mr Mulvenna also acknowledged the work of teachers in the four post-primary schools in Carrickfergus which he said were all "highly professional" and could cater for the full range of ability of children in the Carrick area.
“It is essential that each child is placed in the school which best serves their needs and which prepares them appropriately for adult life," he said.
He also expressed admiration for the work of local primary principals who, he said, found themselves in a difficult situation.
He said: "I know that primary principals do an excellent job each year in supporting parents through the important choices they must make at this stage in their child's life. I am confident that in 2010, as ever, they will be doing their utmost to offer calm counsel in a crisis which is not of their making."
Mr Mulvenna assured parents of his school's commitment to attaining the highest academic standards in a challenging, supportive environment.
He added: "It is one of the many delights of my job to see our young people attain examination success and move confidently towards the next stage in their education."

Subscribe to read full newspaper »

Send this page to a friend »