St Finian’s Community College will be holding the first sitting of its entrance examinations on Saturday 31st January at 8.45am in the school. This year the school is launching a new entrance examination called CAT4.  This test (Cognitive Ability Test) is a suite of tests that have been developed to support schools in understanding pupils’ abilities. The tests highlight the learners strengths, weaknesses and learning preferences, by providing accurate, reliable and objective assessment data.

The rich data provided by CAT4 gives a comprehensive profile of pupils’ reasoning abilities, producing standardised scores for each of the three principal areas of reasoning: verbal, non-verbal and mathematical. This data can be used to build an understanding of an individual’s potential and learning style and to inform the development of effective teaching and learning programmes and interventions. The results from the test will help in intervention, monitoring progress and setting targets for future student attainment.

Pupils will benefit through more effective target-setting that ensures the right degree of challenge. The spatial ability component of the assessment will allow for each student to receive a personalised individual programme containing a list of recommended subject options based on the child’s strengths and aptitudes. This knowledge should prove invaluable on helping shape the child’s learning and likely academic potential.

The CAT4 test is not about knowledge recall and requires no preparation, offering all pupils the same opportunity to show their underlying ability.

St. Finian’s C.C is also very pleased to have received notification before Christmas that the proposed extension to the school will be going ahead in the next year. The school which already boasts a wide range of facilities is very excited that the brand new extension which will accommodate its burgeoning population will also further improve the facilities of St. Finian’s by providing a range of specialist rooms.