Statement from Education Minister following SELB vote on post-primary provision

The Southern Education and Library Board have today taken a vote on the future of post-primary provision in the controlled sector within the Craigavon area.

The SELB have voted in favour of Option A which was supported by five of the seven schools within the Dickson plan system. This option envisages the reorganisation of post-primary education in the Portadown, Lurgan and Tandragee areas resulting in new bi-lateral schools with both selective and non-selective intakes. A Development Proposal to give effect to the changes proposed under Option A will now be published in the autumn and, following a statutory period of consultation, the final decision on whether to grant approval will rest with the Minister of Education.

Minister O’Dowd said:  “I have been informed that at its monthly meeting today, the SELB have supported the recommendation of the advisory sub-committee for controlled schools by backing Option A. 

“However, it is important to note that today’s decision by the Board is only part of the process.  Any significant change to the existing provision requires the publication of a statutory Development Proposal (DP) to support that intent.  Following publication of a DP a two month consultation period begins to allow all interested and affected parties an opportunity to submit their comments/views on the proposal.  At the end of the 2-month period, I will make a decision taking account of all the relevant and pertinent information and the comments received in regards the proposal.

“I will be happy to meet with schools, elected representatives, parents, pupils and other interested parties throughout the consultation process and will listen to their views and concerns before I make a final decision.”

Schools counselling has huge impact on young people’s mental health – O’Dowd

Counselling in school can have a significant positive impact on young people’s mental wellbeing.

That was the message from Education Minister, John O’Dowd, as he launched a report by Children’s Law Centre advisory group youth@clc into young people’s views on counselling in schools.

Speaking during a launch event in Parliament Buildings, the Minister said: “Professional counselling can be a massive support to a young person in distress. I have received many comments to this effect from pupils and staff during school visits and I know there is research available to back up this view too. This new report from youth@clc provides further evidence from those who are directly affected by school counselling – the young people themselves – and I welcome the opportunity to launch it.

“We as educationalists all face the challenge of encouraging young people to firstly recognise when they have a problem and, secondly, to seek help. There can be a stigma attached to seeking such help but I hope that the work of youth@clc, including this report, is helping to reduce any such concerns among young people. The key message to young people is that there is no shame in asking for help and that no one has to face their problems alone.

“I was struck, too, by the live performance of ‘Opening Doors’ that I attended recently at the MAC. This profound and affecting play staged by youth@clc is, I hope, helping change the attitudes of young people towards mental health.

“Over 900 counselling sessions are already provided every week by the Independent Counselling Service for Schools (ICSS). Although from one point of view this is indicative of a worrying level of distress among pupils here, I am encouraged at the uptake of the help that is available, which serves to further underline the importance of what the ICSS does.”

The Minister continued: “The youth@clc report makes six key recommendations and I plan to give them all consideration when shaping the future delivery of counselling in schools here. I commend everyone at youth@clc for the hard work and expertise they have put into compiling the report and thank them for this opportunity to launch the report’s findings.”

More information...

1. The Children’s Law Centre (CLC) works to promote the rights of children. It is the only local children’s legal charity. CLC provides free legal information, advice and representation including a free phone legal advice line for children, CHALKY. CLC also offers training and research on children’s rights, and makes submissions on law, policy and practice affecting children and young people. youth@clc is CLC’s youth advisory group.

2. Between June and November 2012, youth@clc carried out a survey of the views of Year 11 pupils on the counselling service offered by their school. The survey was conducted in 13 schools (955 pupils), across the Belfast Education and Library Board and South Eastern Education and Library Board areas. The survey was funded by the Big Lottery – Awards for All project.

3. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign encourages families to play, talk, read and count with their child and to ‘Get Involved Because Education Works’.The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visithttp://www.nidirect.gov.uk/education-worksfor more information.

Watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel:http://www.youtube.com/thedeptofeducation

4. See photos from the Department of Education in our collection athttp://www.flickr.com/niexecutive

5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel:028 9127 9207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number07699715440 and your call will be returned.

O’Dowd outlines current position on Dickson plan

20 June 2013

O’Dowd outlines current position on Dickson plan

Education Minister, John O’Dowd has clarified the current position on the Dickson plan in light of media reports today.

The Minister said: “There has been much debate over the past few months on the future of the Dickson plan within the Craigavon area. This debate has intensified in recent days following an Assembly debate and in particular, media reports today.

“Firstly, I want to point out that any proposals in relation to the Dickson Plan are not my proposals. It is a matter for the relevant managing authorities in the first instance to determine the appropriate structure of future provision for children living in the Dickson Plan area.

“Following the public consultation on the draft Post-primary Area Plan, the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) issued an options paper to the Boards of Governors of all of the controlled post-primary schools in the Dickson Plan.

“The paper summarised the main options arising from the area plan consultation and asked for Boards’ of Governors views. This consultation with the Boards of Governors is not a ballot with results deciding the outcome of the process. Rather, the returns will be taken into account, by the SELB, alongside all other evidence and data, including departmental policy, when deciding the way forward.

“Any significant change to the existing provision requires the publication of a statutory Development Proposal (DP) to support that intent. Following publication of a DP a two month objection period begins to allow all interested and affected parties an opportunity to submit their comments/views on the proposal. At the end of the 2-month period, I will make a decision taking account of all the relevant and pertinent information and the comments received both for and against the proposal.”

The Minister continued: “There seems to be a misconception that the Dickson plan is an example of excellence and I have even heard the term ‘world class’ used to describe it. The reality is that while some schools and pupils are performing well there is room for improvement and the system is certainly not world class. That does not mean that we don’t have world class teachers and staff working within that system. Indeed, I have visited schools and met many staff within the Dickson plan area and I have always been impressed by their dedication and professionalism. However, I do believe that they are being failed by the system they are working in.

“With regard to educational attainment, the school leavers data for 2011/12 shows that the Dickson Plan schools underperformed compared with the overall and the SELB averages for pupils achieving 5+ GCSEs at A* to C including GCSE English and GCSE Maths and for 3+A Levels at A*-C.

“I’ve been told more than once this week, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ but the fact is that much of the Dickson plan is broken and I believe the system does need to be fixed.”

The Minister concluded by saying: “Area Planning is about providing strong, vibrant schools delivering high quality education by using the limited resources available efficiently and effectively. In that context, it is my firm view that the Dickson plan is no longer fit for purpose.

“The Catholic education sector in Craigavon propose moving away from the Dickson Plan and academic selection. I believe that the best course of action for the controlled sector is to do likewise for the educational benefit of all children and young people in that sector.”
Notes to editors:
Media enquiries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.

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Sports Minister congratulates Belfast's boxing heroes

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

8 June 2013

Sports Minister  Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Belfast boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan on winning silver medals at the European Boxing Championships.

Paddy Barnes had to pull out of his final fight because of injury but secured a silver medal in the light fly- weight class and Michael Conlan won silver in the fly-weight class at 2013 European Championships at the Palace of Sports in Minsk, Belarus.

Congratulating both boxers the Minister said: "Throughout these Championships Michael and Paddy have demonstrated why they are outstanding athletes. Yet again they have taken local boxing to an international stage proving that they are ambassadors for their sport and their communities.

“The entire Irish team have had a great Championship with John Joe Nevin  and Jason Quigley winning gold medals.

“Congratulations to all of the squad even those who have not reached the finals, it has been a tremendous week of boxing and I am pleased that  the tradition of boxing success on this island continues to grow from strength to strength."

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries please contact DCAL Communications Office 028 9051 5047. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Sports Minister congratulates Michael Dunlop following TT success

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

8 June 2013


Sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, has congratulated Michael Dunlop on four wins at this year’s Isle of Man TT.

The Minister said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Michael. I am sure many in his hometown of Ballymoney have been cheering on his every success. To win four races and set new record lap times is an outstanding performance. I want to congratulate him on this incredible personal achievement.

“I understand, however, that, following an incident at racing yesterday, a number of spectators were injured and taken to hospital. It is for this reason that I have been encouraging the governing body of the sport in the north of Ireland to take whatever steps necessary to address public concerns about safety within the sport. This includes the development and publication of a safety code of practice which sets out clear safety standards for competitors, spectators and officials.”


Notes to Editors:

1. For media enquiries please contact DCAL Communications Office 028 9051 5047. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.