Education
Minister, John O’Dowd, discussed the 2014-15 GCSE and A-level results during today’s
Question Time. The Minister described the results as “a very strong
performance by pupils here”. At GCSE level, grades A-C increased to 78.7% and
at A-level 83% of entries achieved grades A* to C. Mr O’Dowd is particularly
pleased at the increased performance of young men at GCSE level and the upward
trend in the proportion of pupils studying STEM subjects (science, technology,
engineering and maths). The Minister also added that, while results are
encouraging, “we cannot become complacent. There remains unacceptable
achievement gaps at all levels in our system, and I intend to do all that I can
to tackle them.” When Sandra Overend MLA expressed concern about the differing
education systems in the different legislations in Britain and the portability
of Northern Irish qualifications, Mr O’Dowd remained positive in affirming “many
universities in Britain take students from across the globe, and they are
perfectly capable of comparing international exams with their local exams. So,
I have no concerns in relation to ensuring that our young people will have
portable, respected qualifications moving forward. ”
John Dallat
MLA then asked the Minister what action he is taking to address the worrying
levels of teacher absences through stress. Mr O’Dowd acknowledged that the
level of absences through stress is higher than he would like to see and an
issue that he takes extremely seriously, working with employing authorities and
the teaching unions to tackle the issue. Actions include a strategy for teacher
health and well-being; a policy statement on tackling violence and abuse
against teachers; a workload agreement; a teacher attendance procedure, which
includes a new provision for the recording of incidences of work-related
stress; a flexible working scheme; a job-share scheme; a career-break scheme; a
temporary variation of contract; and a policy statement on planning,
preparation and assessment time. The Minister has also endorsed the
reinvigoration of the teachers' health and well-being working group, where
work-related stress absence is the prime issue.
During
Question Time the Minister also answered questions on free school meals, school
capacity, minor works schemes and attendance costs. In the period for topical
questions Mr O’Dowd also answered queries on shared and integrated education,
professional development of teachers and technology investment in schools.
