Press Release
Date: Wednesday 27 May 2009 (NR/08/09)
A taste of the NI Curriculum at Deanes Restaurant
Last year, FEST was such a success that CCEA has decided to make it bigger and better this year. Schools across Northern Ireland have been engaging with local communities, employers and public agencies to create innovative and exciting ways of implementing Learning for Life and Work and Personal Development and Mutual Understanding as part of the NI Curriculum.
Speaking at the launch event in Deanes Restaurant, Richard Hanna, Director of Education Strategy at CCEA, commented:
The NI Curriculum is designed to develop young people as individuals, and as contributors to society, the economy and the environment. Literacy and numeracy remain at the core of learning in schools; however we must not forget the skills, attitudes and dispositions that will enable our young people to adapt to the demands of modern life and working environments.
We need to help them understand the importance of respect for themselves, for others and for the world we live in. We should also help them understand what it means to be a responsible citizen, how to look after themselves and to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves. The NI Curriculum provides flexibility for teachers to make this relevant for their own pupils.
FEST 09 provides an excellent platform for creating real and relevant contexts in which to apply the development of these skills. St Mary’s High School, Downpatrick is just one example of what can be achieved through the creation of their student council.
Michael Deane, Owner of Michelin Star Deanes Restaurant said;
FEST 09 strikes a chord with me in many ways. Firstly, I am a businessman and entrepreneur. To sustain the economy of Northern Ireland, the future generation must develop this entrepreneurial spirit and learn to take risks.
Secondly, I believe that we must all play our part in making the best of, and protecting the world we live in. I support various charities and am closely involved in initiatives that make a difference for those in our society that need a little help.
I am delighted to support FEST in its third year and am proud to make any contribution I can to the education of the future generation..
FEST 09 runs from 18-29 May. Full details of school activities are available.
Additional Information
FEST ‘09
From 18 – 29 May schools across Northern Ireland will take part in FEST 09. This initiative enables schools to engage with their local communities, employers, public agencies and authorities to create exciting and innovative ways of meeting the objectives of the NI Curriculum.
Media enquiries to Ruth Maguire on (028) 9026 1216, Mobile 07796947993. E mail rhmaguire@ccea.org.uk
ENDS
Note to Editors
CCEA is the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
CCEA places learners and those who have a concern for their educational and personal development at the forefront of its thinking. CCEA's mission is:
"To enable the full potential of all learners to be achieved and recognised"
What we do
CCEA is a unique educational body in the UK , bringing together the three areas of curriculum, examinations and assessment.
Advising Government – on what should be taught in Northern Ireland ’s schools and colleges.
Monitoring Standards – ensuring that the qualifications and examinations offered by awarding bodies in Northern Ireland are of an appropriate quality and standard.
Awarding Qualifications
– as Northern Ireland’s leading awarding body we offer a diverse range of qualifications, such as GCSEs, including the new GCSE Double Award specifications in vocational subjects, GCE A and AS levels, Entry Level Qualifications, and Graded Objectives in Modern Languages.
- CCEA also offers a range of Awards and Certificates in Education, Training and Skills (ACETS) targeted at learners who want to get
the knowledge, understanding and skills needed
to hit the ground running in the world of work.
