Jill Cochrane guides a discussion surrounding the Eleven Plus exam, while taking questions from a live audience.

Various opinions are put to an invited panel by the studio audience. Topics that the panel are asked to consider include; abolishing the Eleven Plus, the quality of comprehensive education, the appropriateness of educational selection at age 11 and whether, or not, there should there be a referendum seeking the views of parents. 

The panel comprises, Dr. Brian Mawhinney (Minister of Education, N.I.), Peter O'Hagan (Principle, St. Aloysius Primary School), Michael Murphy (Chief Officer, W.E.L.B.) and Roy McKinney (Principle, Avoniel Primary School). 

Other issues discussed include; Should there be a teacher assessment? The relationship between the quality of teaching and socioeconomic and geographical factors. If we should use the terminology of 'pass' or 'fail'? The impact that failure in the Eleven can have on the self-esteen of children and and does the whole educational system need fixing?

A UTV production

Presented by Jill Cochrane  

Senior Education Officer: George Fleeter

Academic Advisor: Dorothy Whittington

Assistant Advisor: Rosmary Donnelly

Director: Robert Lamrock

Producer: John Scobbie

• NI Direct - PRONI