02/10/2012
NI GCSE And A Level Review Announced
A "fundamental review" of GCSEs and A Levels is to be undertaken in Northern Ireland.
The news was announced by Education Minister John O’Dowd. It follows twelve months of statements by UK Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove MP, regarding changes to the three jurisdication qualifications system which, according to the NI Executive, occurred "without seeking the views of the devolved administrations."
The most recent announcement from Mr Gove was in relation to his decision to abolish GCSEs in England.
Speaking after he made the announcement, Minister O’Dowd said: "In the context of a wider programme of reform designed to improve the quality of our education system, I have been considering how best to ensure that the attainment of our young people is rewarded and recognised in a way that is robust, fair, equitable and credible in the eyes of parents, teachers, business and industry and other education providers including universities.
"I feel the time is right to commission the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to conduct a 'root and branch' review of GCSE and A Level qualifications here. Michael Gove’s recent announcement reinforces the need for us to act."
The Minister continued: "I do not believe we should be toying with changes to qualifications. If we want to improve our performance internationally we should focus on improving teaching and learning in the classroom and on ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to achieve to their full potential. The review that I am launching today will build on that foundation.
"I will want CCEA to consult with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure that their views are taken into consideration before reporting back to me with its advice."
(IT/GK)
The news was announced by Education Minister John O’Dowd. It follows twelve months of statements by UK Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove MP, regarding changes to the three jurisdication qualifications system which, according to the NI Executive, occurred "without seeking the views of the devolved administrations."
The most recent announcement from Mr Gove was in relation to his decision to abolish GCSEs in England.
Speaking after he made the announcement, Minister O’Dowd said: "In the context of a wider programme of reform designed to improve the quality of our education system, I have been considering how best to ensure that the attainment of our young people is rewarded and recognised in a way that is robust, fair, equitable and credible in the eyes of parents, teachers, business and industry and other education providers including universities.
"I feel the time is right to commission the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to conduct a 'root and branch' review of GCSE and A Level qualifications here. Michael Gove’s recent announcement reinforces the need for us to act."
The Minister continued: "I do not believe we should be toying with changes to qualifications. If we want to improve our performance internationally we should focus on improving teaching and learning in the classroom and on ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to achieve to their full potential. The review that I am launching today will build on that foundation.
"I will want CCEA to consult with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure that their views are taken into consideration before reporting back to me with its advice."
(IT/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2018
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
22 March 2024
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
02 August 2018
Education System In NI Is Under 'Considerable Strain'
Northern Ireland's education system is under "considerable strain", according to a senior civil servant. Department of Education Permanent Secretary Derek Baker was speaking after the Departmental accounts for 2017-18 were published which revealed that the Education Authority overspent its budget by around £19 million.
Education System In NI Is Under 'Considerable Strain'
Northern Ireland's education system is under "considerable strain", according to a senior civil servant. Department of Education Permanent Secretary Derek Baker was speaking after the Departmental accounts for 2017-18 were published which revealed that the Education Authority overspent its budget by around £19 million.
25 October 2001
McGuinness welcomes report on post-primary education
Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Report of the Review Body on Post-Primary Education and stressed the need for change. Gerry Burns, the Review Body’s Chairman, launched the Report at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Wednesday October 24.
McGuinness welcomes report on post-primary education
Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Report of the Review Body on Post-Primary Education and stressed the need for change. Gerry Burns, the Review Body’s Chairman, launched the Report at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Wednesday October 24.
17 September 2021
Taxi Fare Review Announced By Infrastructure Minister
A targeted consultation on a taxi fare review has been announced by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, as part of her ongoing plans to assist the taxi industry as they rebuild following the Covid restrictions.
Taxi Fare Review Announced By Infrastructure Minister
A targeted consultation on a taxi fare review has been announced by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, as part of her ongoing plans to assist the taxi industry as they rebuild following the Covid restrictions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.