How likely is the switch to the new Bucks test?

[Sanna]

As this is my first post I would like to just start by saying how incredibly valuable this forum is and to thank all the moderators and other contributors who share so much useful knowledge!

I've been following all the news about the proposed changes to the new style Bucks test as my DS is currently in Year 5 and will be taking it this autumn.

I wanted to ask for any views (based on knowledge of the admissions laws and other counties) on how likely it is that the new test will indeed come in this autumn. I am very well aware that no one can say for certain.

From what I can have seen, the Grammar Schools are perfectly entitled to make a change in this timescale, they have picked a sensible choice and one that's successfully used in other regions, they are also far down the line of actually implementation having gone through the tender process and commissioned the new test, so presumably they expect it to happen. They do have to "consult" but I am struggling to imagine any circumstances that would force them to stop or postpone it.

Is it fair to work on the assumption that it will go ahead, or is there enough risk/doubt still that means we have to be ready for either old or new style test?

Any views would be welcome!! Thank you

[Sally-Anne]

The academies are, as you say, consulting on it. Unless there is a hailstorm of protest, which I doubt very much will materialise, it will definitely happen.

You should be preparing for the new test, and not bother with GL Assessment preparation.

[Sanna]

Thank you Sally Anne, clear and concise as always!!

[wifeofquirky]

Buckinghamshire Advertiser is the first paper to confirm they were at the press meeting and all Bucks Primary Heads are meeting tomorrow to be briefed on the changes to tests and selection.

Major changes to 11 plus exams
Jan 8 2013 By Suzy Talbot

TODAY grammar school's announced changes to the 11 plus exam system.
The changes were announced at a press conference held at 2pm today at Missenden Abbey in Great Missenden.
Under an embargo placed on the press by the grammar schools details of the changes are not to be revealed until tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 6pm.
However, several grammar schools have already put the draft admissions policy
document on their websites, as part of the ongoing consultation.
The document says the new proposed exam will have two 45 minute tests.
It currently consists of two 50 minutes verbal reasoning tests with pupils' top score put forward to grammar schools.
The document says: "The tests are comprised of elements of verbal, numerical and non-verbal ability.
“Each child’s raw scores in the two tests are added together and the resulting score is converted into an
age standardised score thus setting all children on an equal footing regardless of when their birthday falls in the year.”
The document, which is on the Chesham Grammar School and John Hampden Grammar School website, states that Bucks County Council will continue to administer the test - but this is still subject to final agreement.
Parents will be given a chance to give their opinions on the changes until March 1, 2013.
See this Thursday's paper for the full details of the changes planned.


http://www.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co ... -32567079/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Sally-Anne]

I am assuming that tomorrow will bring the news that:

:: Bucks is switching to Durham CEM and why (less tutorable)

:: Tests will be in September, and OoC tests will be very shortly thereafter

:: The test will still be opt-out, not opt-in for Bucks-resident children.

:: Results will be given to parents before 31 October, before the CAF deadline.

We will see! I would like to think that we will be given some idea of the timeline.

[Marylou]

Well done wifeofquirky for spotting the press article. Nothing gets past the eagle-eyed EPE members, it would seem.

I did notice the draft policy contains the following gem:

"The tests are comprised of...."

...and wondered if I'm being pedantic, or should I just "get with it"?

[anotherdad]

You're not the only one who feels that way. The leading sentence in the article refers to "grammar school's".

[Marylou]

You're not the only one who feels that way. The leading sentence in the article refers to "grammar school's".

Oops - can't believe I missed that one!

Still, at least the aberrant apostrophe is down to the newspaper editor, and not the people who are going to be testing our children on correct use of English.

Anyway, another press report here...information available from 6 this evening.

http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/10 ... until_6pm/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[patricia]

The embargo will be lifted after all the primary heads have attended their meeting today.

Patricia