The report examined the roll-out of the Revised Curriculum into primary, post-primary and special schools and evaluated the role of the Department; the Partnership Management Board - a strategic planning group representing educational stakeholders; and schools.
It noted that many schools are making good progress towards full implementation of the Revised Curriculum and highlighted a number of areas where further improvement might be made. It particularly emphasised the link between effective leadership at school level and good progress in implementing the revised curriculum in the classroom.
Commenting on the report, a Departmental spokesman said: “This is a timely and very helpful report which reinforces feedback we received last year from school principals. We want to ensure that the areas for improvement that it highlights are addressed quickly and comprehensively.
“In response to earlier feedback, we asked the Partnership Management Board to put in place several changes and we want that Board now to look carefully at the findings of the Inspectorate and to make further changes that will support governors, principals and teachers in the delivery of the 2008-09 implementation programme.”
Improvements already made as a result of feedback from schools during 2007 have included a refocusing on training for principals and the setting up of a principals’ forum designed to improve communication with headteachers. Schools also received a direct budget for revised curriculum training, providing heads with additional resources to lead implementation within their schools.
Additionally, a new communications strategy is being developed to make sure that communication across the education bodies and with schools is clear and effective.
Notes to Editors:
- The Partnership Management Board (PMB) is made up of representatives of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, the Education and Library Boards, the Regional training Unit, C2K, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, teacher unions, teacher training institutions, the Further Education sector, the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland, the Department of Education and the Education and Training Inspectorate. Access the PMB website
. - Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Outside office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
