A-Levels Under Scrutiny at Committee Event

Synopsis: The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Education hosted an event this evening to hear views on potential changes to A-levels in Northern Ireland.

Session: 2012/2013

Date: 20 March 2013

Reference: EDUC 07/12/13

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Education hosted an event this evening to hear views on potential changes to A-levels in Northern Ireland.

Teachers and principals from post-primary schools throughout Northern Ireland offered their insights to the Committee on the Department of Education's proposals for change to the current A-Level system.

Committee Chairperson, Mervyn Storey MLA said: "I am delighted to have hosted this event and to have welcomed schools from every part of Northern Ireland. It is essential that we, in the Assembly, listen to those who know best how these changes to A-levels will affect our children – that is our teachers and principals in post-primary schools.

"The Committee is conscious of the critical importance of A-levels as a qualification and as a conduit to further and higher education. We must maintain the transferability of our children's qualifications. But we must also pay attention to the very real concerns expressed by our schools.

"We are following the consultation on these proposals to change A-levels very closely. There seems to be much uncertainty at this point on the best way forward. That is why the Committee has taken the time to listen before it makes up its mind on these important issues."

He concluded: "I very much look forward to seeing the results of tonight's event – the Committee will be responding to the consultation and will be scrutinising whatever changes follow."

ENDS

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