Education must be valued

Results day is a big day for pupils and their families. I hope that young people have achieved the grades they need to move to the next stage in their life, whether that’s further study, work or something else, writes Barry Mulholland, Chief Executive of the Controlled Schools' Support Council.

Students receiving exam results

While studying A levels has been the focus of the last two years, in reality the journey began when these pupils entered primary school some 14 years ago, or earlier. It’s recognised that structured pre-school education can deliver better outcomes for children and families, potentially shaping children’s futures.

Educational qualifications are important.  They provide a gateway to jobs and higher education.  The Northern Ireland skills barometer clearly sets out that by continuing into further and higher education, earnings potential and employment prospects increase.

It’s recognised that wider employability skills, including self-confidence, leadership, interpersonal skills and time management are essential, and I know schools offer a range of activities to meet these needs.

At this time education is facing significant challenge.  Controlled schools, which account for 49% of Northern Ireland’s schools, are working in difficult financial circumstances to provide the essential curriculum to enable over 143,000 children and young people to achieve their potential.

CSSC’s research has shown that budget circumstances have led to larger class sizes and resource restrictions.  Many controlled schools report having to make cutbacks to educational resources, extracurricular activities and provision for pupils with specialist needs.

All this will ultimately impact on the quality of education offered in schools and potentially on the learning experiences of children and young people.  There is a knock-on impact on mental health and wellbeing of Principals and school staff, with the fear that redundancies may be required and the expectation that more must be delivered for less.

There is nothing more important than education. I would like to thank Principals, teachers, Governors, and the wider school workforce, for supporting pupils and offering a varied choice of curriculum despite increasing challenges in the system.

Our schools are educating Northern Ireland’s next generation. A well educated, rounded and trained workforce is essential to the success of our society.  Education must be valued.

This article was published in the News Letter on Friday 16 August 2019

 

16 August 2019