Statement

NORTH DOWN A LEVEL RESULTS SHOW RUANE IS OUT OF TOUCH 

Posted on: August 26, 2009

“The A Level results this week are yet again testament to the hard work and dedication of both local North Down pupils and their teachers. I commend these pupils  efforts and wish them well in their future careers. Yet again Northern Ireland pupils have outscored their counterparts in the rest of the United Kingdom, and North Down pupils in particular have played their part in achieving this success. The results also show that while there are things that can be improved within our educational system, that the structure is basically sound. Therefore the continued position of the Education Minister, Catriona Ruane, in effect wanting to dismantle the current set up beggars belief. Her proposals if implemented would entrench and deepen social division within our society, as well as academically damaging the  achievements of local pupils. It is students in areas such as North Down who would suffer at the hands of this attempt social engineering. 

These results should act as a wake up call to our Education Minister. Sadly it is likely to fall on deaf ears. Fortunately she is not in a position to impose her dogma on local schools. Her stubbornness means that a form of educational stalemate will continue. This is not an ideal situation, not least for many parents of primary school children who would much prefer a more sensible solution. In the absence of common sense prevailing with the Education Minister, local North Down Grammars such as Bangor Grammar, Glenlola and Sullivan, to set their own tests. It is not ideal, but I commend these schools in taking this stance, and ensuring that Northern in general, and North Down in particular, remains top of the tree academically.”