Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum announced

The Northern Irish education minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the Northern Ireland curriculum as part of his Department’s response to the findings of the Independent Review of Education.

Launching the review, the minister said: “Curriculum is at the centre of every classroom, every school and indeed of our entire education system. The Independent Review is very clear – we have not invested sufficiently in curriculum review, advice or resources. I am giving my assurance that this will change.

“I am pleased to announce that I have commissioned Lucy Crehan, an international expert in education policy, to carry out a focused, timebound review that will examine curriculum design and delivery. I want every child to be taught a broad, ambitious and knowledge rich curriculum.”

The review will make recommendations to inform the future of curriculum in Northern Ireland.

The minister continued: “Skills derive from the application of knowledge and understanding.

“By ensuring all children have access to high-quality content, we can bridge gaps in knowledge that often arise from socio-economic disparities.

“The message is clear. Without sufficient and relevant knowledge, children will not become the kind of contributors our society needs.”

In addition, the curriculum review will be accompanied by a new literacy and numeracy strategy.