Welcome to the 1st Year Entrance Exam – March 1st, 2025
Donabate Community College is excited to welcome our incoming 1st Year students for the Entrance Exam on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM. Below is important information to help prepare for the day:
- Arrival Time: Please ensure your child arrives by 8:40 AM. This will allow us to direct students to their assigned exam centres.
- What to Bring: Students should bring a packed lunch and a drink. All other materials will be provided. There is no need for students to wear their primary school uniform—they can come dressed in their own clothes.
- Exam Centres: Students will be placed in small exam groups of approximately 25. A support teacher will guide them through each stage of the exam, and there will be a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) present in the room to assist if necessary.
- Additional Needs: If your child has additional needs, which you included in your child’s admission form, we will ensure that these are communicated to the examiner prior to the exam. Scheduled breaks will be included during the exam.
- Exam Format: The exam will not require the use of assistive technology or extensive writing. Students will simply shade in the box corresponding to their chosen answer from a list of options given in a separate booklet.
- Duration: The exam is expected to conclude around 12:00 PM, though it may finish earlier, depending on how smoothly the day runs. Parents/guardians are welcome to arrive for pick-up slightly earlier.
- Purpose of the Exam: Please note that the results of this exam do not determine your child’s class placement. This exam provides just one piece of information among several factors considered, such as input from your child’s primary school, parental feedback, and any educational reports.
- No Preparation Required: Students are encouraged to simply arrive and do their best. Our student prefects will be on hand to help settle any nerves. No specific preparation is required for this exam.
Results: Test results will not be sent home directly, but you are welcome to request a copy in September 2025.
If you have any questions or concerns about the exam, please feel free to contact gemmapeat@donabatecc.ie, and I’ll be happy to assist.
For more information on the CAT4 test format, you can watch this video: https://youtu.be/U0DDUKuQtKc?si=wAQ9QfcLYKHRevC-
