We are more than just traditional grinds.
If your child attends a primary school in Ireland, you may have heard about the end-of-year standardised tests — the Drumcondra Tests, the Micra-T (English), and the Sigma-T (Maths). Taken from 1st to 6th class, these tests help schools measure students’ literacy and numeracy skills against national standards, ensuring consistency and fairness across the country.
What Are These Tests?
- Drumcondra and Micra-T: These tests evaluate essential reading skills such as comprehension, fluency, phonics, and word recognition.
- Sigma-T: This is the standard maths test that assesses problem-solving skills, understanding of numbers, patterns, and spatial reasoning.
These tests are not designed for cramming. Instead, they aim to give a clear picture of each child’s natural ability and progress without preparation. Teachers are instructed not to teach directly to these tests, and parents are encouraged simply to reassure and support their child.
Understanding Your Child’s Results
You will often receive the results with your child’s summer school report. If not, you have the right to request them from the school, as set out under the Education Act 1998.
A key feature of the report is the Sten score — a number between 1 and 10 showing how your child performed compared to others nationally:
- 1–3: Below average
- 4: Low average
- 5–6: Mid average
- 7: High average
- 8–10: Above average
A Sten score does not reflect the number of correct answers but rather how your child ranks in comparison to others. For example, a Sten of 4 suggests that the child is performing slightly below the national average, while a Sten of 7 indicates strong performance within the average range.
These results help schools identify children who may need additional support or greater academic challenge in the following year.
Can Children Be Exempted?
Some children may be exempted from these tests based on specific educational or developmental needs. If you believe your child may qualify, it’s important to discuss this with their school. You can find the exemption guidelines here.
How Kip McGrath Rathfarnham Can Help
If your child’s results show a Sten score of 1–4, it may be a sign they need some extra help to keep up with the curriculum. At Kip McGrath Rathfarnham, we are proud to be the leading tutoring centre for primary students who require targeted, professional support in English and Maths.
If your child has scored Sten scores of 5 or above, while this may be average for that year, it may not reflect your child’s full potential. Kip McGrath Rathfarnham offers completely individualised programmes, giving us the opportunity to extend your child’s learning to do this in a caring & structured environment.
We offer:
- Tailored learning programs to address specific gaps
- Certified teachers providing one-to-one attention
- A focus on rebuilding confidence and academic skills
Whether your child needs to catch up or simply build stronger foundations, Kip McGrath Rathfarnham is here to support their journey towards success.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help your child thrive!
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