As a school and as a team, we believe it is important that children develop broadly in social-emotional, cognitive, creative and motor areas. This is the basis with which our pupils continue in secondary school after elementary school. Our students attend bridge classes of different levels, at several schools in the Hague region. Below is a brief description of the process; from elementary school to bridge class.
Drafting the advice
The (preliminary) elementary school recommendation is always determined in consultation with several people. When determining the (preliminary) elementary school advice, teachers of group 7 and 8, the internal supervisor of the upper school and the management are involved. In this way, we as a school arrive at a broadly supported recommendation for our students.
Grade 7
In grade 7, we check the CITO tests to see if each child’s score is still within the range of the test to be taken. If the student’s performance level deviates from the test for more than a year, another test is chosen that better matches the student’s level. We call this level testing. At the end of grade 7, the Threshold Test is taken. This is followed by the CITO test at the end of group 7. After this moment the preliminary advice for secondary education is shared with parents and child. When determining the recommendation, we look at the continuation of the CITO-pupil follow-up system, the results of method tests, work attitude and social-emotional observations. These findings are discussed with parents and child. As a school we choose to give a preliminary elementary school recommendation at the end of group 7 to make the search for a suitable secondary school easier.
Grade 8
Group 8 is an exciting but also an important year in which our students together with their parents will choose a new secondary school. In November a joint information evening is organized with the secondary school where parents are included in the steps we take as a school and which steps parents and child should take. Also during this information evening the timetable of the BOVO is shared with parents and child. In group 8 an intelligence test (NIO/ ADIT) is taken for each child around the autumn vacations. In addition, there will be a final round of regular CITO tests. As in grade 7, testing is done at grade level during this period. In this way, we have current data when making the elementary school recommendation. During the preliminary recommendation meeting in January, we also share the educational report (OKR) and explain certain matters here. The educational report is always shared when enrolling in a secondary school. Parents receive a copy of the educational report and can add their own opinion or views in the educational report if desired. In January, February and March are several open days and information evenings at high schools. Parents can target the various high schools with their child by attending these information days/evenings. School makes several school visits with grade 8 students during the November, December period to provide preliminary orientation to high school. Final enrollment in a secondary school is not until the end of March. Because The Hague has numerous secondary schools it is sometimes difficult to find a school that fits the given recommendation. For this we refer you to the website of https://scholenwijzer.denhaag.nl/. By clicking on the button secondary school and then clicking on the correct advice you will find suitable schools for your child. On this site you can also find all open days of secondary schools.
Passage test
In early February, the Flow-through test is taken, this is a new test and it has replaced the Final Test. The Flow-through test is a mandatory test and it gives a score and outflow profile for each student. The results of this test are expected in mid-March. What are the consequences of a higher or lower score compared to the given elementary school recommendation? Results of the transition test lower than the basic school recommendation: Basic school recommendation remains the same. Results of the attainment test equal to the elementary school recommendation: Primary school recommendation remains the same. Results flow-through test higher than the basic school recommendation: Basic school recommendation is adjusted unless certain educational needs of the student are compromised by an adjustment. After the results of the Achievement Test and final elementary school recommendation are shared with parents and child, the high school enrollment period begins. The enrollment period is from: March 25, 2024 to March 31, 2024. Enrollment will be digital and a list of preferred schools will be sent to the school of first choice. Detailed information about enrollment is discussed in group 8 and also communicated with parents. You can read more about this on the website: bovohaaglanden.nl. After the May vacations, all students will be told at which school they have been accepted. In most cases this is the school of first choice but in some cases it is the school of second or third choice. After placement at the secondary school, a transfer takes place between the primary and secondary school by sharing data through
Education Transparency. In this way, the VO-school can access all documents provided by the elementary school. During the bridge class period, consultation with the bridge class coordinators takes place.
Excerpted
There remain popular schools in the BOVO region with more applications than there are spots. Because of this, there can always be a draw at a school. The more schools you place on the list, the greater the chance of getting a spot. However, even with eight schools on the preferred list, there is a possibility that a student may be drawn at all schools. Parents of children who are eliminated at all schools on their preferred list will be contacted by their elementary school to go over their options for the second round of applications. School will then work with parents and child to begin the process of the second round of applications.
Outflow data
Each school year, a group of children leave our elementary school to begin their new school careers in secondary school after the summer vacation. Our school population is a reflection of the district. From our data, it appears that we as a school are able to allow children of varying abilities to exit to all forms of secondary education that fit the abilities of the individual student. Our outflow data are monitored by De Haagse Scholen and the Education Inspectorate.
Timeline in brief for school year 2023-2024
What does the timeline look like for school year 2023-2024?
- Schools apply for a flow-through test between Oct. 1 and Nov. 15.
- Students will receive their preliminary school recommendation between Jan. 10 and Jan. 31.
- Students take the passage test in the first two weeks of February.
- By March 15, schools will receive the results of the passage test.
- Students and parents will receive the final school recommendation from their school no later than March 24.
- Between March 25 and March 31, all students report to high school at the same time, with their final recommendation.
- With a higher test score, the school recommendation is adjusted upward (now this is not mandatory). Only if the school can explain well why it is better for the child to enter secondary school at a lower level, an exception may be made. With a lower score, nothing happens.