Education Minister meets with business leaders

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has met with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce in the north.

The Minister met with NICC President, Bro McFerran, Vice President Alastair Hamilton and Chief Executive Ann McGregor to discuss the current economic climate and how education has a vital role in ensuring young people are well equipped to play their part in the workforce.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister said; “I recognise the importance our education system plays in the economy.  Our children are the future entrepreneurs, chief executives and business people of tomorrow and we must nurture and grow this talent.  Through reforms including the Transfer 2010, Revised Curriculum, the Entitlement Framework, the Extended and Specialist Schools Initiative and our focus on literacy and numeracy, we can ensure children get every opportunity to fulfil their potential.

“However, there is much work still to be done in the areas of literacy and numeracy.  Over 12,000 young people leave school without English and Maths GCSEs - that’s 47% which is unacceptable.  While we should recognise the high standard of teaching across the north, we must raise standards across the sector to ensure all children leave school with necessary qualifications.”

During the meeting the Minister discussed the contribution of businesses to supporting work in education, careers guidance, the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics review as well as the School Improvement Policy and the Review of Literacy and Numeracy.

Notes to Editors:

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