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Minister sees Revised Curriculum in Action
Tá athruithe móra ag titim amach in earnáil an oideachais. Is athrú struchtúrach atá i gceist, idir moltaí an Athbhreithnithe ar Riarachán Poiblí a chur ar aghaidh agus roinnt príomhbheartas a ullmhú.
Tá fís agam do chóras oideachais ina bhfuil gach scoil ina scoil mhaith agus ina bhfuil comhdheis ag gach páiste iomlán a n-acmhainneachta a bhaint amach. Beidh an iomad athrú atá ag titim amach ina gcuidiú leis an fhís sin a fhíorú.
The education sector is going through a period of major change. This change is both structural, through the progressing of the Review of Public Administration proposals, and the development of a number of key policies.
I have a vision for an education system where every school is a good school and every child has an equal opportunity to reach their fullest potential. The many changes underway will work together to help deliver that vision.
I recognise and applaud the many successes we have in our schools, but my aim is to improve the educational experiences of all children and young people, while supporting the principals and teachers who can make this happen.
One of the most important and exciting changes I have experienced since becoming Minister for Education is the phasing in of the Revised Curriculum. Over the past nine months I have been able to visit many schools and speak to many principals and teachers, both in and out of class.
I have been very pleased to see first hand how the curriculum is actually being delivered in classrooms and to hear from children themselves how they enjoy their school days. The Foundation Stage ensures learning through play helps young children to begin their education in the best possible way.
Teachers have enthusiastically told me of the difference it has made to their day to day routines. They talk about having more control over how they deliver lessons to suit the individual needs of children to ensure the essential foundations are laid, so children get the best from their school days.
I have also seen examples of better team working amongst the entire teaching staff. It is not just the teachers actually delivering the curriculum who have benefited, but the whole school.
You all have a vital role in the successful implementation and delivery of the revised curriculum as the phasing in continues over coming years. I recognise and appreciate the work that has already been done by many principals and teachers through developing the curriculum and participating in professional development sessions. There is much more work still to be done, and I know this will be embraced with the professionalism and dedication I find in every school I visit.
An important aspect of implementing change is ensuring communication channels are effective. The Partnership Management Board is committed to ensuring all principals and teachers are kept apprised of the implementation of the curriculum. I will work to ensure you receive full information on the many other changes currently underway.
A long overdue debate has started on transfer arrangements since my statement to the Assembly in December. This debate will impact on every aspect of our education system and as you are an essential part of that system I welcome your views. I want to create a system with equality at its core, where every child has an equal opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. Over coming months, as my proposals are firmed up I will ensure you are kept fully informed.
Tá mé ag dréim le bualadh le cuid mhór eile agaibh agus muid ag oibriú le chéil leis an chóras oideachais is fearr is féidir a sholáthar dár bpáistí agus dár ndaoine óga uilig.
I look forward to meeting many more of you as we work together to deliver the best education system possible for all our children and young people.
Caitríona Ruane
Minister for Education