The Minister recently met with 16 primary principals from the south Co Down area and discussed key issues such as the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority and reform of post-primary transfer arrangements.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: “It has always been my aim that I pursue maximum consensus for my proposals on transfer and that I hear from as many key education partners as possible. Principals are key players across the whole education system. This meeting is one of many that I have been having with principals across the North as I have undertaken to hear a wide range of viewpoints.
“I outlined my proposals on new transfer arrangements and was keen to hear their views on the issue. I reaffirmed that I was determined to continue with my commitment to end the academic selection of our children. For the majority of our children, academic selection means academic rejection. Any system that condemns and stigmatises as failures the majority of 11 year old children is wrong. Concern for the 11 year old children designated as failures features nowhere in support for academic apartheid.
“Primary school funding was an important topic for the Principals and I highlighted that I had put additional money into primary schools this year and was working to reduce the gap with post-primaries.
“The Review of Special Education Needs will impact on many children in our schools and I advised the Principals that this will soon be published for consultation, which they should all contribute to.
“We also discussed the unacceptable levels of underachievement in some areas and the need to ensure high standards are maintained in our schools. I explained the important role the new Education and Skills Authority will have in helping schools to raise standards.
“The establishment of the Education and Skills Authority in January 2010 will see the wholesale reform of the administration of education. ESA will deliver genuine benefits for schools and the pupils they serve while addressing equality issues in many areas. ESA will also be instrumental in supporting schools in their work to raise standards, and will challenge schools where necessary.”
“I would like to thank all those who attended last night for their thoughts and for engaging with me in the education debate.”
Notes to Editors:
1.The meeting was attended by the Education Minister, Department of Education officials and Principals from:
St Patrick’s Mayobridge
St Patrick’s Hilltown
St Patrick’s Castlewellan
St Malachy’s Castlewellan
St Malachy’s Kilcoo
St Mary’s Aughlisnafin Castlewellan
St Mary’s Newcastle
St Mary’s Rathfriland
St Mary’s Dechomet Ballyward
St Colman’s Annaclone
St Joseph’s Newcastle
St Paul’s Cabra
St Francis Castlewellan
Newcastle PS Newcastle
All Childrens’ IPS Newcastle
Bunscoil Bheanna BoircheCastlewellan
2.Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9755. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
