The revised curriculum being introduced on a phased basis from September 2007 will improve children’s future prospects and raise standards in schools, local Education minister has said.

Caitríona Ruane gave this key message during a conference where 500 head teachers gathered at Armagh City Hotel to discuss the implementation of the revised curriculum.

Ms Ruane also announced an additional £3 million to enhance classroom resources for the Foundation Stage of the revised curriculum and an extra 20,000 laptop computers across primary and post-primary schools.

Caitríona Ruane said: “Our education system should be about creating confident and articulate young people who can go out in the global arena and avail of the best employment prospects.

“We need to ensure that what our children are taught is fit for purpose, not just for today, but for the world as it will be when they leave education.

“Teachers and school leaders have a profound impact on the lives of young people, and especially in their early and formative years in primary school.”

The conference was organised to update primary school heads on the curriculum implementation. Speaking about some of the changes planned, Ms Ruane said: “The revised curriculum is about handing back to teachers the flexibility to tailor what you teach in the way you see fit. It is about being less prescriptive so that it can be more adaptable to the needs of your pupils.”

The Minister concluded: “This is a period of great change in the education sector. Over the past two weeks I have already stated publicly how highly I value the work teachers do. I believe that by working together, we can have very positive impacts on the lives of our young people.”

(JM/KMcA)