The phased introduction of the Revised Primary Curriculum for Northern Ireland began in September 2007.

Grammar School Entrance Exams
Following the abolition of the 11+ examination a number of grammar schools have proceeded with academic selection tests from November 2009.

The alternative that has been implemented in a number of local, leading grammar schools demands that children complete 3 separate tests, conducted in nominated and participating grammar schools. The examination papers will be designed and managed by Association for Quality Education (AQE). The dates for the alternative assessment process 2010 have been confirmed:

• Test 1: November 13th 2010

• Test 2: November 28th 2010

• Test 3: December 5th 2010

These tests will be based on components of the current primary school curriculum and will focus on English and Mathematics.

With the change to the testing procedure and the unfamiliarity of the process and the venue that the child will attend to complete the test, many parents have enquired about the opportunity to provide a ‘Helping Hand’, to prepare their child and build confidence and esteem.

Helping Hand Tutoring offers a broad range of courses and has a tradition of expertise in intensive, exam-orientated tuition. It is this expertise which forms the basis of our Entrance Exam courses.

Following the success of our initial Entrance Exam programme, held at Queen's University and Stranmillis College in 2009, we have designed a 5 week course of intensive revision and testing to support pupils and parents in preparation for Transfer 2010.

• Opportunity to gain valuable experience of testing in an unfamiliar, external environment.
• Programme designed with the specifications provided by the Testing body in mind.
• Focussed and intensive revision, delivered by practising P6/P7 teachers.
• Group based learning and testing with peers who are focussed on the same goal.
• Group size restricted to maximum of 12 pupils.

Find out more information about our Entrance Exam Programme.

About Helping Hand Tutoring
Helping Hand Tutoring is an established tutoring agency that has over 600 qualified tutors operating throughout Northern Ireland. All primary school tutors are primary school trained and have experience in teaching the current curriculum. Further to this all tutors have undergone full qualification checks and vetting as part of our registration process. Tutoring services are typically provided on a one-to-one basis and tutors travel to the child’s home or nominated place of study. Tutoring is delivered at a pace that suits the individual child and following initial assessment, the programme delivered will be bespoke to your child’s ability in the key elements of the curriculum.

If you are a parent and you want to ensure that your child is prepared to participate in the newly devised assessment tests then ring 02891 464459 (office) or 07786314726 (mobile) to discuss how our service is designed to support your child and you.