Spring 2022
Dear parents of 6th Class pupils,
Children starting Post Primary school in September will have their Assessment Tests on Saturday 2nd April. Your child’s school will have contacted you by now with specific details.
It is very important that the pupils understand that there is no work they need to do in preparation for this test. These are not Entrance Exams. The students have already been accepted into First Year. Remind them that they cannot fail, the assessment just informs the school of their individual strengths and the type of learning that supports them best.
Please check what time your child’s test is at and arrive 15 minutes early. Schools have different requirements on the day. Some require you bring stationery, some ask you bring wired headphones, some ask you bring a snack and a drink for a morning break. Prepare for this in advance, you do not want a panic in the morning when headphones don’t work etc. Children should be well slept and have a good breakfast before they go in. Choose an outfit which will make a positive first impression.
Schools are using Cognitive Ability Tests for this assessment. As far as I know, they use a test by GL Assessment (or similar). Some schools use a digital version which will be carried out on a computer, others use a paper test. This short video gives a good insight into the C.A.T.
I hope all pupils are excited about the prospect. For many it will be their first time in the building. They will meet the school management, their year head, teachers and they might even see some familiar faces or make some new friends.
Patrick and Niamh will be doing some work with the children next week. This will mainly focus on ‘visualisation’. They will discuss what to expect from the day, test environment, staying calm, what to do if you can’t answer a question etc.
I wish our pupils the best of luck. We are extremely proud of you all.
Go get ’em,
Niamh, Patrick & Darragh
September 2021
Dear Parents of 5th & 6th Class pupils,
Choosing a Post-Primary school is a big decision. Please find links to current Admissions Notices, Policies, Virtual Events and Application Forms below.
Remember: Parents are responsible for making applications on behalf of their children.
Beaufort College: https://beaufortcollege.ie/
Video Messages, Tours and Admissions Docs: https://www.beaufortcollege.ie/enrolment-2022-2023-available-soon
Coláiste na Mí: https://colaistenami.ie/
Virtual Open Day: https://www.thinglink.com/card/1499153782410313731
Admissions Docs: https://colaistenami.ie/index.php/latest-news/279-cnm-school-admissions-policy-2
St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School: https://www.mercynavan.ie/
Admissions Notice and Online Applications: https://www.mercynavan.ie/index.php/1st-year-2022-applications-open-october-4th/
Loreto St Michael’s Secondary School: https://loretonavan.ie/
Admissions Notice and Admissions Policy: https://loretonavan.ie/page/Admissions/53621/Index.html
St Patrick’s Classical School: https://www.stpatscs.com/
Admissions Notice, Principal’s Address and Virtual School Tour: https://www.stpatscs.com/admissions/
Coláiste Ríoga: https://colaisterioga.ie/
Open Evening- Wednesday 6th October 4-7.30pm
Visit from Coláiste na Mí Principal, Paddy Carr. Máistir Carr spoke to the children in 5th&6th Classes about their Post Primary School options.
