Minister announces £3.6m funding for curriculum initiative

The Minister with responsibility for Education, Jane Kennedy MP, today announced funding of £3.6 million for the Key Stage 4 Flexibility Initiative over the next three years.

The funding will be allocated to participating schools to help cover the additional costs associated with Further Education and training organisation fees, transport costs and the provision of necessary equipment.

The Minister’s announcement coincides with the publication of an Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) report into the initiative, which allows schools to discontinue certain aspects of the statutory curriculum for pupils at Key Stage 4 (in the 14 – 16 age range) in favour of innovative work-related programmes.

Ms Kennedy said: “The Inspectorate’s report found that pupils involved in the initiative had increased levels of motivation, improved attendance and had obtained valuable experience that will help inform their future career choices. So I am delighted my Department has been able to secure extra resources to fund the Initiative over the next three years.

“Schools have worked hard to provide innovative programmes for these pupils from within their existing budgets and it is hope that this additional £3.6 million will help to enhance and expand this type of provision.”

The ETI report was launched today at the first of two conferences on the Key Stage 4 Flexibility Initiative at the Stormont Hotel, which was opened by Chief Inspector of the ETI, Marion Matchett.

Speaking at the conference, Ms Matchett said: “The Key Stage 4 Flexibility Initiative highlights the value of vocational learning, and helps young people, parents and local employers to gain a better understanding of career opportunities and progression, and thus improve pupils’ transition to adult and working life.”

The initiative is open to all post-primary schools and participating pupils are in Years 11 and 12 (14 -16 year age range).

Interest in the scheme, which is now in its third year, has steadily increased with some 75 schools and 3,500 pupils currently involved. Over 160 post-primary schools from across Northern Ireland are attending the two conferences and the 300 delegates also include representatives from CCEA, CCMS, ELBs, FE colleges and training organisations.

(MB)