Caroline.Perry

A primary school pupil working on the topic of rainforests as part of the World Around Us

Are composite classes bad for children?

by Caroline.Perry
29th June 201731st March 2024

In 2016 the former Minister for Education, Peter Weir MLA, spoke of wanting to address composite classes, whereby a single teacher is responsible for two or more years of students at the same time. The former Minister suggested that it is more difficult for teachers to deliver high quality education in composite classes and that pupils need to be able to interact with peer groups. He stated that by the end of the planning period, he expected actions to address ‘the issue of primary pupils being taught in a composite class of more than two year groups’. This article looks at the evidence base on composite classes in Northern Ireland and around the world, considering how common they are, their educational outcomes and benefits and challenges.

A primary school pupil working on the topic of rainforests as part of the World Around Us (reproduced with kind permission of the school and parents)
Read More »Are composite classes bad for children?

Nurture unit at Blackmountain Primary School, Belfast

An equal start? Overcoming early disadvantage

by Caroline.Perry
12th September 201631st March 2024

How can we ensure that children’s early years lay firm foundations for the future? During the first five years of life children develop at a rapid rate, and their experiences during this period profoundly influence their life chances.

Illustration of STEM education word typography: strengthening the STEM ‘artery’ will require a range of approaches

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

by Caroline.Perry
6th June 201631st March 2024

How well is the compulsory education system supporting demand for STEM skills in Northern Ireland?

Skills development is critical in driving economic growth, and evidence highlights the importance of STEM subjects in contributing to innovation and productivity within economies. However, demand for people with high quality STEM qualifications outstrips supply in Northern Ireland, and employers face challenges in recruiting appropriately skilled STEM workers at every level. This undersupply is particularly acute in the areas of maths, computer science, engineering and technology, in line with growth forecasts for the ICT, Professional Services and Advanced Manufacturing sectors. Women are particularly underrepresented among the STEM workforce.

An illustration of STEM education word typography: strengthening the STEM ‘artery’ will require a range of approaches — STEM education word typography: strengthening the STEM ‘artery’ will require a range of approaches

Suicide rate per 100,000 persons; Belfast North and Belfast West are the two constituencies with the highest average annual suicide rate

Changes ahead for special educational needs

by Caroline.Perry
23rd May 201631st March 2024

The growth of special educational needs and the implementation of new legislation point to challenges ahead.

There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of special educational needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland over the past ten years, rising from 16% of all school pupils in 2005/06 to 22% of pupils (73,435) in 2014/15.

Implementation of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Act, together with forthcoming subordinate legislation and a revised statutory Code of Practice, present a number of challenges for the new Assembly. Under the revised approach, the number of SEN assessment stages will reduce from five to three, and it is likely that fewer children will undergo statutory assessment and receive a statement of SEN, with greater emphasis placed instead on in-school support.

Caroline.Perry

Are composite classes bad for children?

An equal start? Overcoming early disadvantage

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

Changes ahead for special educational needs

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