What are The Catapult Papers?
The Catapult Papers: a new range of practice tests for the SEAG post-primary assessment tests in Northern Ireland.
The main series contains 20 tests in total. These papers have been designed to match the format, layout and expected difficulty-level of the tests that your child will face this November.
Each test comprises 28 English questions and 28 Maths questions. The first 22 English and Maths questions are multiple-choice, with the final six of each being free-response. Children record their answers on a separate student answer sheet.
In addition to this series, there is a set of ten Warm-Up papers - ideal for P6 children beginning the Transfer Test practice season.
The tests have been written and designed by Trevor Veale, full-time primary tutor and former Key Stage 2 teacher.
What makes these tests different from others that are on the market?
The Catapult Papers are attractive and colourful. Each test has its own colour theme and child-friendly appearance. Careful attention has been paid to the design and images used in these books so as to make them visually appealing, professional, and closely matched to the appearance of the official tests.
The main difference, however, between these papers and others on the market, is the level of effort that has gone into providing explanations for each answer within the series. For every test you will receive explanations for the answers to every question: a priceless tool for busy parents.
What purchase options are available?
The Catapult Papers can be purchased in full-colour print or in PDF format. They can be bought as a full set of 20, or in sets of 10 or 5 papers.
The Warm-Up series is available as a set of 10 papers, with the same PDF and print options.
The PDF versions of Test 1 and Warm-Up 1 can be downloaded for free.
What is the difficulty level of the tests?
The main series of tests has been set so as to cover every possible type of question your child may face in November. They are not ‘easy’!
The Warm-Up series goes a little easier, only approaching those Maths and English themes covered by the P6 curriculum.
Advice for parents is contained within each test booklet for how to approach each paper. The goal of The Catapult Papers is not to set strict time limits or to expect children to complete the test in one sitting. They can be done with peers, with parents, ten minutes at a time…whatever you think works best for your child.
Does my child’s school already use these papers?
No! The Catapult Papers were launched in July 2023, and the Warm-Up series in December 2023. As yet, no options for school licences have been made available. This means that there is no danger of your child repeating these tests in the classroom.