Minister hands over new mopeds to support road safety GCSE
Thursday, 18 June 2009A new moped was presented to a Belfast school today by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson to help pupils taking a road safety GCSE.
The Minister officially handed over the new vehicle to Lagan College to help students taking the GCSE Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies.
The moped is one of 29 new vehicles purchased with the backing of the Department of Finance to update the fleet across Northern Ireland schools.
Mr Wilson explained: “My Department’s Road Safety Education Officers actively promote the timetabling of GCSE Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies in all post-primary schools and provides all of the teaching resources including a moped for the practical skill training element.
“This GCSE was designed to prepare students in Northern Ireland to become better and more informed users. It has the added benefit of providing a qualification accepted by employers and universities.
“I welcome this opportunity to be at Lagan College today to hand over one of these new mopeds. I have no doubt that pupils will reap the benefits of completing their practical skills training riding on one of these new machines.”
The Minister noted young people aged between 17 and 24 were among the most vulnerable groups of road users.
He added: “That is why this GCSE subject is so important as it targets those about to embark on their driving career.
“I am very proud of my Department’s association with and support of this subject and I urge all post-primary schools to make room for Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies in their timetable.”
Around 85 schools currently offer GCSE Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies.
Michael Montgomery, the senior teacher in charge of the subject at Lagan College, said: “Motor Vehicle and Road Users GCSE was introduced into the curriculum in Lagan College three years ago and has proved a popular choice for students at Key Stage 4. We are very grateful for all of the support and guidance provided by the Department through the Road Safety Education Officer Service in helping to set up and resource a very worthwhile course.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The subject content of GCSE Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies covers:
● vehicle control and road user behaviour;
● legal requirements;
● road transport and its effects on society;
● motoring mathematics;
● accident procedures; and
● motor vehicle technology
The section on vehicle control and road user behaviour includes practical moped skills training. Full details about the subject can be obtained at the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment website
2. There is also information about the subject on the Department’s road safety website
3. Around 85 post-primary schools offer the subject to pupils.
4. The Department of the Environment provides teacher training, teaching resources and the moped to schools teaching the subject.
5. For further media information contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 71 5440 and your call will be returned.
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