O'Dowd Welcomes Human Rights Education Report

Education Minister John O'Dowd has been expounding the importance of human rights, to coincide with the publication of a new report on education reform.

Education Reform – A Human Rights Review, has been produced by the Human Rights Commission.

Speaking at the launch event in Queen’s University, Belfast, Minister O’Dowd said: "It is vitally important that from a young age we teach children about the importance of human rights. I therefore welcome the Commission’s report.

"Our young people must be equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to play their part in society, whilst respecting and upholding the rights of others. In the classroom, our children learn about citizenship as a compulsory element of the revised curriculum. This equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to participate fully in society through teaching them to be independent and responsible citizens who can make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives."

Citizenship education teaches young people about the political, legal and economic aspects of adult society, as well as equipping students with the social and moral awareness to thrive in it.

One recommendation in the report called for a "fair system" for transfer to post-primary school.

Minister O'Dowd said: "I want to break the disparity that exists between pupils from the most affluent and most disadvantaged backgrounds; between pupils from different communities; and between boys and girls.

"The Commission’s recommendation is consistent with my own view that selection is a barrier to addressing underachievement in disadvantaged communities. Selection does not benefit the education of pupils, in fact selection is damaging to children’s confidence and their motivation to learn. I welcome the active engagement of the Catholic Bishops and Trustees in bringing forward a framework to move all Catholic schools away from academic selection and I will continue to work to persuade all schools to end their use of academic admissions criteria. This is central to improving our education system for all our children."

Concluding the Minister said: "We want our society to have informed and responsible citizens who will contribute to their communities. I believe it is through the education system that children will develop as successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens, making a positive contribution to society."

(IT)