Menu
27/05/2002
Education Minister pays working visit to Finland
The Education Minister Martin McGuinness has departed for a three-day study visit to Finland, as part of the review of Northern Ireland’s post-primary education.
The trip, taken together with another visit to Germany next month, is part of the minister’s brief to explore different types of school systems in view of the current hot debate on Northern Ireland’s own educational procedures for children leaving primary school.
Speaking before his departure, Mr McGuinness said: “The purpose of this working visit is to gather as much information as possible on two different types of systems – comprehensive and selective – to inform our own debate.
“The comprehensive education system in Finland ranked highly in recent international comparative studies and has some interesting features which include a focus on co-operation and collaboration between schools. I am looking forward to learning more about this.”
During the visit the Minister will meet Ms Maija Rask, the Minister for Education and Science in Finland, as well as other senior representatives from the Finnish education system. He also plans to visit different types of schools in Finland.
The International Programme for International Student Assessment research looked at the educational performance of 32 countries.
The countries that performed best were Korea, Canada, New Zealand and Finland all of which have non-selective systems.
(AMcE)
The trip, taken together with another visit to Germany next month, is part of the minister’s brief to explore different types of school systems in view of the current hot debate on Northern Ireland’s own educational procedures for children leaving primary school.
Speaking before his departure, Mr McGuinness said: “The purpose of this working visit is to gather as much information as possible on two different types of systems – comprehensive and selective – to inform our own debate.
“The comprehensive education system in Finland ranked highly in recent international comparative studies and has some interesting features which include a focus on co-operation and collaboration between schools. I am looking forward to learning more about this.”
During the visit the Minister will meet Ms Maija Rask, the Minister for Education and Science in Finland, as well as other senior representatives from the Finnish education system. He also plans to visit different types of schools in Finland.
The International Programme for International Student Assessment research looked at the educational performance of 32 countries.
The countries that performed best were Korea, Canada, New Zealand and Finland all of which have non-selective systems.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 July 2002
Education Minister makes working visit to America
Education Minister, Martin McGuinness, has left Northern Ireland for a four-day study visit to the United States, where he will meet with leading American educationalists to share ideas.
Education Minister makes working visit to America
Education Minister, Martin McGuinness, has left Northern Ireland for a four-day study visit to the United States, where he will meet with leading American educationalists to share ideas.
02 October 2013
O'Dowd Begins North American Fact-Finding Trip
Education Minister John O’Dowd has begun a four day visit to North America to meet with educationalists in Canada and the USA. The Minister will meet with those overseeing education in the cities of Toronto and New York, before undertaking a series of engagements in New York City.
O'Dowd Begins North American Fact-Finding Trip
Education Minister John O’Dowd has begun a four day visit to North America to meet with educationalists in Canada and the USA. The Minister will meet with those overseeing education in the cities of Toronto and New York, before undertaking a series of engagements in New York City.
03 September 2021
£21m Investment Announced For NI's Special Schools
The Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced an investment of £21m in the provision of education in special schools. A total of 17 special schools will benefit from the funding providing 61 additional classes, the recruitment of approximately 60 additional teachers and 145 additional classroom assistants.
£21m Investment Announced For NI's Special Schools
The Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced an investment of £21m in the provision of education in special schools. A total of 17 special schools will benefit from the funding providing 61 additional classes, the recruitment of approximately 60 additional teachers and 145 additional classroom assistants.
18 February 2016
Education Minister Highlights Importance Of Pre-School Education
Education Minister John O'Dowd has highlighted the importance of pre-school education during a visit to Forkhill Pre-School Playgroup in County Armagh. During the visit, the minister was given a tour of the playground by pupils of the school.
Education Minister Highlights Importance Of Pre-School Education
Education Minister John O'Dowd has highlighted the importance of pre-school education during a visit to Forkhill Pre-School Playgroup in County Armagh. During the visit, the minister was given a tour of the playground by pupils of the school.
21 May 2013
NI Leaders To Travel To Beijing Next Week
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have met the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, ahead of their return trip to China next week. The leaders previously met the ambassador during the visit of Chinese Vice Premier Madam Liu Yandong to the region in April last year.
NI Leaders To Travel To Beijing Next Week
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have met the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, ahead of their return trip to China next week. The leaders previously met the ambassador during the visit of Chinese Vice Premier Madam Liu Yandong to the region in April last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
