Education Minister launches student speaking forum

The Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has formally launched the sixth form student speaking forum in St Louise’s College, Belfast.

The speaking forum will involve students in discussions with people from other cultures and local community groups to widen horizons, allow them to debate topical issues with students from other schools and invite public figures to the school to hear their views on current issues.

The Minister said: “It is so important to give our young people a voice and allow them to challenge the status quo, express their opinion and hear other points of view. This speaking forum is an excellent way to enable young people to build their self-esteem, their confidence and feel ownership of the issues affecting our society. Well done to all the teachers and pupils who worked hard to get the forum up and running.”

Speaking to over 100 pupils, the Minister discussed the subject of ‘the way ahead for secondary education’ and said: “St Louise’s epitomises my vision of an education system populated with schools that set high standards, value every student, encourage them to aim high and whose pupils achieve great things without an elitist selective system of admissions. Girls of all abilities are welcomed and accepted here. Pupils are nurtured and provided with a full range of opportunities to help them realise their full potential. This is something I would like to see in all schools.

“Unfortunately there are a small number of schools determined to try to maintain an outdated selective transfer system against the wishes of the majority of educationalists. But I will not allow these vested interests to hold back the reforms that are necessary to bring our education system into the 21st century.

“The reform of post-primary transfer cannot be seen in isolation. It is one of a number of measures I have introduced that together will reform our whole education system, raising standards, improving outcomes for all those that pass through the system and helping all young people here to realise their potential regardless of their background. Equality is at the core of all my priorities.”

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.