Minister visits pupils and principals in Derry

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has presented certificates to young people who have participated in a drug and alcohol education programme.

The Minister presented 60 young people at Belmont House Special School, Derry with certificates for completing the programme run by HURT (Have your Tomorrows). The programme aims to raise education and awareness of the impact drugs and alcohol can have on the lives of young people.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister said: “Raising awareness of this issue is vitally important and gives young people an outlet to explore issues and make healthy choices. I commend both those who run the programme and the young people who have had the courage to take part and make positive changes to their lives.”

During her visit to the North West, the Minister hosted the Primary Principals' conference in the Everglades Hotel, Derry. The conference is the last of five held throughout the north of Ireland to address issues and concerns in relation to Transfer 2010.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister said: “We need a child-centred education system which meets the needs of the modern world and which delivers for all our children, allowing them to develop their individual strengths and talents.

“I intend to ensure the needs, aspirations, well-being and rights of children are at the heart of our education system. Many primary schools have made clear their deep dissatisfaction with the previous selective system and I have made steps towards building a new and fairer education system. No child should be branded a failure or have fewer chances in life, it is for that reason alone there will no longer be a state sponsored test at age 11.

“I am aware that some post-primary schools are planning to use entrance tests in Transfer 2010 and they have been communicating with primary schools with a view to generating assistance with preparation for these tests. My position on this is clear – you should not feel pressured. You have no obligation in respect of any selective admissions process, your obligation is to your pupils and teaching the Revised Curriculum. No child should be tested at 10 or 11 to give them the education to which they are entitled.”

The Minister continued: “My Department published Transfer 2010 Guidance for consultation on 2 February 2009. By the end of the consultation period, I received 3,196 responses which indicate the level of interest and opinion about this issue. On completion of analysis of the responses to this consultation and also the consultation on an Equality Impact Assessment of the guidance, final Transfer 2010 Guidance will be prepared for publication.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Drug and alcohol education in school is delivered through the Personal Development strand of the revised curriculum.

2. Around 60 Principals attend the Primary Principals conference from the North Eastern Education and Library Board and Western Education Library Board areas.

3. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.