Menu
11/03/2002
UUP education team criticise Burns promotional video
The Ulster Unionist Party’s Assembly Education Committee team has described the promotional video on the Burns proposals for post-primary education as “seriously flawed”.
In a joint statement, Danny Kennedy, Tom Hamilton and Ken Robinson said they believed the video did not give a balanced view on the real issues affecting education in Northern Ireland.
Instead they said, the video comes down heavily in favour of the abolition of academic selection.
The 300-page report by the Post Primary Review body, chaired by Gerry Burns, suggested the 11-plus test be scrapped within two years and replaced with a collegiate system.
Mr Kennedy said: “There is a clear imbalance in the video and little substantial criticism of Burns in respect of his proposal on a new collegiate system. In stead the video is a promotional tool for those who favour the establishment of ‘bog standard’ comprehensive education in Northern Ireland and as such it is clearly tarnished.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on education, Gerry McHugh however said he thought the video explained the essence of the Burn’s report very well.
The Burns review of Northern Ireland's education system, published last October, recommended an end to the controversial 11-plus transfer test.
The exam, used as a selection test for pupils in primary seven, determines the type of school to which children will transfer.
(AMcE)
In a joint statement, Danny Kennedy, Tom Hamilton and Ken Robinson said they believed the video did not give a balanced view on the real issues affecting education in Northern Ireland.
Instead they said, the video comes down heavily in favour of the abolition of academic selection.
The 300-page report by the Post Primary Review body, chaired by Gerry Burns, suggested the 11-plus test be scrapped within two years and replaced with a collegiate system.
Mr Kennedy said: “There is a clear imbalance in the video and little substantial criticism of Burns in respect of his proposal on a new collegiate system. In stead the video is a promotional tool for those who favour the establishment of ‘bog standard’ comprehensive education in Northern Ireland and as such it is clearly tarnished.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on education, Gerry McHugh however said he thought the video explained the essence of the Burn’s report very well.
The Burns review of Northern Ireland's education system, published last October, recommended an end to the controversial 11-plus transfer test.
The exam, used as a selection test for pupils in primary seven, determines the type of school to which children will transfer.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2016
Frontline Officers To Wear Cameras To Provide Video Evidence
Frontline officers from Derry City and Strabane Police are to wear new cameras on their uniforms as part of a new scheme in Northern Ireland. The 'Body Worn Video' technology will be used to provide video evidence.
Frontline Officers To Wear Cameras To Provide Video Evidence
Frontline officers from Derry City and Strabane Police are to wear new cameras on their uniforms as part of a new scheme in Northern Ireland. The 'Body Worn Video' technology will be used to provide video evidence.
20 November 2013
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
Higher Education Contributes £1bn Annually
Northern Ireland's higher education institutions contribute almost £1bn annually to the economy, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
23 August 2018
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
Call For Entire Education System In NI To Be Reviewed
The Alliance Party and SDLP are calling for the entire education system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed after it was revealed that the Education Authority (EA) considered taking away all school crossing patrols.
13 January 2010
Digital Bill Extended To Cover NI
An important piece of Westminster legislation covering video recordings and the digital world is to extend to Northern Ireland.
Digital Bill Extended To Cover NI
An important piece of Westminster legislation covering video recordings and the digital world is to extend to Northern Ireland.
29 October 2009
Video Network Connected Across NI
A major provincial video-based communications network has gone 'live' this week. Based in Belfast, eircom NI, has marked the successful roll-out of the £70m Network NI project for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).
Video Network Connected Across NI
A major provincial video-based communications network has gone 'live' this week. Based in Belfast, eircom NI, has marked the successful roll-out of the £70m Network NI project for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry day, rather cloudy, but some sunny spells, best of these in the afternoon. A few showers spread south from late morning, turning wintry in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 5 °C.Tonight:A cold evening and night with a frost. It will be largely dry, but a few wintry showers towards the north coast overnight. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
