The “11+” , “ Eleven plus ” exam ( eng. Eleven plus exam ) is an exam that some students in England and Northern Ireland pass at the end of primary school , which allows them to choose an institution to continue their education. The name of the test is related to the age group of children who pass it: 11-12 years. Previously, this exam was used throughout England and Wales , but was replaced by a standardized test [1] and is now used only in some counties and the borough of England. Also known as Transfer Test, used in the Three-tier education system [2] from 1944 to 1976.
Exam involves solving problems using verbal reasoning and mathematics. He was supposed to be the main test of knowledge and intelligence. Since 1944, testing has helped determine which type of school a student should choose after graduating from primary education: a grammar school (for gifted children), a new high school (for most students) [3], or a secondary technical school [4] . The basis of the Tripartite education system was the idea that skills are more important than financial resources in the process of determining the way students learn: different skills require different development.
Content
Within the framework of the Three-Tier System
The “11+” exam was introduced by the Education Act 1944 ( eng. Education Act 1944 ) [5] . It was believed that the test system of education control is the most effective system for determining the type of school to continue studying. Thanks to the “11+” exam, the student could choose an educational institution that suits his abilities and satisfies the requirements of his future profession.
When the system was introduced, secondary technical schools turned out to be uncompetitive. The three-tier system led to fierce competition for prestigious places in grammar school. In these conditions, the exam "11+" has acquired a special meaning. He was no longer a reliable way to determine the level of ability. “11+” was considered as a high school transfer test, the failure of which meant the inability to get a decent education in the future. This led to an increase in discontent and doubts about the correctness of this system.
Structure
The structure of the “11+” exam changed over time and was largely dependent on the county in which it was used. Usually the exam consisted of three blocks:
- Arithmetic (score) - Verification of the oral account .
- Writing - writing an essay on a particular topic.
- Solving practical problems - testing general erudition, the ability to apply logical thinking and the knowledge gained to solve practical problems.
Some exams also included:
- Oral part
- Writing
Most of the children passed the transfer exam at the end of primary school: usually between the ages of 11 and 12. In the counties of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, it was possible to pass it a year earlier, so the test was called “10+”. Later, Buckinghamshire County renamed the exam a “12+”, and students began to take it a year later than usual.
You could take the test voluntarily. So in 2009, about 30% of students in Northern Ireland refused to be tested.
In Northern Ireland, students who took the “11+” exam received grades in the following percentages: A (25%), B1 (5%), B2 (5%), C1 (5%), C2 (5%), D (55%). At the same time, there was no official difference between successful and unsatisfactory grades. The test has been passed.
Current practice
In various parts of England, 164 grammar schools remained and 69 more in Northern Ireland.
Notes
- ↑ Teaching union calls for return of 11-plus .
- Part Tripartite System of Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (English) // Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. - 2016-06-27.
- ↑ Secondary modern school (Eng.) // Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. - 2016-07-03.
- ↑ Secondary Technical School (Eng.) // Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. - 2016-01-13.
- ↑ Education Act 1944 (Eng.) // Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. - 2016-06-25.