Education
Local Schools
Northern Ireland has arguably the best education system in the United Kingdom. The results speak for themselves.
Direct Rule has left the future of our education system in the hands of a Labour Government. It is seeking to impose on us the comprehensive system that has totally failed on the mainland.
Ironically the same Government is about to scrap the education system in Great Britain. The Governments Costello Plan will introduce transfer selection by postcode i.e. where you can afford to live rather than your child’s ability will determine the choice of school for your children.
I believe that the 11+-transfer procedure should be replaced with pupil profiles that will provide records of a pupil’s work and test performance during the later years of primary school. This would give post-primary schools and parents an accurate reflection of a child’s abilities.
The impending Review of Public Administration will reduce the number of Education & Library Boards in Northern Ireland to probably one.
It is essential that we have a strong voice that is committed to raising standards in this vital sector and I will continue to work to this end on your behalf so that we may have:
-
Free and accessible pre-school provision for all children
-
The replacement of all mobile classrooms with proper accommodation
-
Raised educational standards in all schools to help all children reach their full potential
-
Equal recognition and resources for vocational and skill-based schools
-
Increased funding for vocational and training courses to help students find jobs.
Libraries
We have good library facilities in both Holywood and Bangor. Building work is well underway on the new S.E.E.L.B. library for Bangor which is situated just off Ward Park. Until it is complete a temporary library is in situ within the Flagship Shopping Centre in the town.
Further & Higher Education
North Down & Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education is the best in the Province. It has more Centres of Excellence than any other Institute and with its dedicated staff produces excellent results.
However there is no room for complacency and following the review of higher education it is important that we ensure that North Down Institute maintains its top position.
I feel it is also vital that the Institute continues to work with the Council and other stakeholders to move the local economy forward and provide the essential vocational and skills training necessary to meet the challenges of the future.
