Research Papers 2012
Synopsis: Here you will find a list of Committee for Education research papers published during 2012.
Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)
- Date: 05/07/2012
CCEA is a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. This Briefing Paper provides an overview of CCEA’s functions, comparable organisations in other jurisdictions and an overview of recent examination errors.
Free school meals in other jurisdictions
- Date: 20/06/2012
This Briefing Paper explores the provision of free school meals (FSM) in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It considers FSM policy and a number of initiatives that are in place or have been in place in these jurisdictions.
Literacy and numeracy coordinators in other jurisdictions
- Date: 31/05/2012
This paper provides an overview of the role of literacy and numeracy coordinators in Northern Ireland, and discusses the qualifications required here and for comparable roles in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Research findings for the Committee’s Inquiry into School Councils
- Date: 10/05/2012
The Committee for Education is holding an Inquiry into School Councils aiming to examine the work of school councils in Northern Ireland, how they operate and their contribution to school life. This Research Paper presents the results of a recent survey of schools and focus groups with pupils undertaken as part of the inquiry.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Date: 27/03/2012
Research indicates that there is likely to be an increasing demand for graduates qualified in STEM within the growing sectors of the Northern Ireland economy in the coming years. This Briefing Paper provides an overview of developments relating to STEM here, including the uptake of STEM subjects, STEM strategy and initiatives and commitments within the previous and current Programmes for Government.
Programme for Government pre-school commitment
- Date: 21/02/2012
The Draft Programme for Government (PfG) 2011-15 included a commitment to ensure that at least one year of pre-school education is available to every family that wants it. This paper sets out the current arrangements for pre-school provision, and considers the commitment in comparison to the current approach; the implementation of the commitment; and potential issues.
Middletown Centre for Autism
- Date: 19/02/2012
The Middletown Centre for Autism aims to support the promotion of excellence in the development and coordination of education services to children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The Centre is a cross-border facility jointly funded by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland and the Department of Education and Skills (DES) in Ireland. Plans for the establishment of the Centre were announced in 2002; it was officially launched in 2004 following the purchase of the site and it was opened in 2007. Its key proposed benefits were the provision of a diagnostic facility to allow for early diagnosis and assessment; the provision of a residential support centre; and the provision of a training and advisory service.
Models of school ownership and management
- Date: 15/02/2012
This Briefing Paper highlights a range of models of ownership and management in schools. Areas for consideration in this regard could include the relevance of alternative models of ownership here, such as the involvement of sponsors in establishing schools and setting their ethos. Consideration could also be given to the recommendations of the group exploring transferring patronage from religious organisations in Ireland, particularly in terms of incorporating pupils of different beliefs and backgrounds within an individual school.
Planning school provision
- Date: 08/02/2012
This Research Paper considers approaches to school planning in other jurisdictions, including approaches to rationalising schools where appropriate. It also briefly examines cultural diversity in school planning, and considers the issue of parental choice in education.
Survey results for the Committee’s Inquiry into School Councils
- Date: 02/02/2012
The Committee for Education is holding an Inquiry into School Councils aiming to examine the work of school councils in Northern Ireland, how they operate and their contribution to school life. This Research Paper presents the results of a recent survey of schools undertaken as part of the inquiry.
