Debate contribution: Academic Achievement: Social Determinants
Debate contribution by Mr Paul Givan on .
- MLA
- Mr Paul Givan
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 6 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Academic Achievement: Social Determinants
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5776983
Read the official Assembly record
Text
It is why we have embarked on the transformation of our education system in terms of academic achievement. I have made it clear that there is disadvantage in our society: there are those who have more opportunity and those who come from a more disadvantaged background. It is too easy for that to be determined as being a result of the 11-plus or the transfer test when it is the result of a vague curriculum that the independent review of education carried out by Lucy Crehan identified as a weakness in our education system. How do we close the attainment gap? We embark on the process of reform that we are engaged in. I am immensely proud of all the teaching professionals who put their shoulder to the wheel when it came to the various working groups that drafted the curriculum that has been out for consultation; when it comes to pedagogical practice and all the evidence-based reforms that we are carrying out in considering the suite of qualifications and how that should align; and when it comes to teacher professional development and the way in which we engage with the initial teacher training colleges — St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College, Queen's University and Ulster University. That work has been led by professionals in our education system. They want what I want, which is for every child to achieve their potential. That is what drives me, and I know that it is what drives the Member.
249 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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