January 2025
Dear parents and guardians of 6th Class pupils,
Children starting Post Primary school in September ’25 will have their Assessment Tests on different Saturdays from the end of January through February. Your child’s school will contact you shortly 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.
Cailín and Wilma will be doing some work with the children. 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. GL Assessment have a range of 11+ CAT 4 Familiarisation Materials. Teachers will use these to explain to the children what to expect in the test. You can reinforce the type of questions which will be asked: https://11plus.gl-assessment.co.uk/free-materials/
This short video gives a good insight into the C.A.T. 4
I hope all pupils are excited about the prospect. For many it will be their first time in the school building. They will meet the school management, their year head, teachers and they might even see some familiar faces or make some new friends.
I wish our pupils the best of luck. We are extremely proud of you all.
Go get ’em,
Cailín, Wilma & Darragh
October 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Department of Education recognises that the Admissions Process for post-primary school is an important stage in a child’s education. In that context, we have produced a letter to parents/guardians with information and advice regarding this process.
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Áine Cusack
__
An Roinn Oideachais
Department of Education
September 2024
Dear Parents of 5th & 6th Class pupils,
Choosing a Post-Primary school is a big decision. We will guide you through the process. Children from Ard Rí CNS have been accepted at every school in Navan. Generally, a school’s Enrolment process will be launched in early October at the Open Evening. Please find links to school websites and Open Evening times below.
Remember: Parents are responsible for making applications to Post Primary Schools on behalf of their children. Acceptance is not guaranteed, so I advise you to apply to more than one school.
Admission can only be secured for pupils in 6th Class, however I encourage parents of pupils in 5th Class to attend Open Evenings to gather as much information as you can about the schools so you can make the best decision when the time comes.
If you require any support printing or filling out forms please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to help you.
Beaufort College: https://www.beaufortcollege.ie/
Open night for incoming 1st years for the school year 2025-2026 takes place on Tuesday 24th September from 6.00-8.00pm
Coláiste na Mí: https://www.colaistenami.ie/
Open night for incoming 1st years for the school year 2024-2025 takes place on Thursday 26th September, time to be confirmed.
St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School: https://www.mercynavan.ie/
Open night for incoming 1st years for the school year 2024-2025 takes place on Thursday 3rd October from 5.00-7.00pm.
Loreto St Michael’s Secondary School: https://loretonavan.ie/
Open night for incoming 1st years for the school year 2024-2025 takes place on Thursday 19th September, time to be confirmed.
St Patrick’s Classical School: https://stpatscs.com/
Open night for incoming 1st years for the school year 2024-2025 takes place on Monday 30th September, time to be confirmed. (Please note only parents attend St Pat’s Open Evening)
Coláiste Ríoga: https://colaisterioga.ie/
Although Coláiste Ríoga is not in Navan, it is a popular choice for families in our school. Open night for incoming 1st years for the school year 2024-2025 takes place on Thursday 8th October 4.30-7.30pm.
