Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum

The review will make a series of policy recommendations regarding the purpose, design, specification and implementation of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. It is also expected to provide a strategic assessment of the current curriculum within the international context.

The review will:

• identify emerging curricular themes and key issues of public/political/media interest;
• consider the role of curriculum design in tackling educational disadvantage and reducing educational inequalities;
• produce coherent proposals and recommendations to support the future development/reform of the curriculum; and
• make recommendations on how the curriculum should be monitored, reviewed and developed with relevant experts in the field, key education organisations, schools and other key stakeholders.

The terms of reference for the review are below:-

• Strategic Review of NI Curriculum - Terms of Reference

The review is being carried out by Lucy Crehan, an educational consultant and former teacher with experience in working in high performing education systems. The work will complete in April 2025.

Invitation for written submissions to the Curriculum Review of Northern Ireland:

As part of the initial evidence gathering phase, written submissions are being sought. These submissions should consider the following 5 questions.

1. In what capacity are you responding? Please briefly explain the nature of your organisation, or your role (parent, teacher, business leader, etc.).
2. What are your views on the strengths of the Northern Ireland Curriculum?
3. What are your views on the weaknesses of the Northern Ireland Curriculum?
4. To what extent do you think the Northern Ireland Curriculum has been successfully implemented in schools, and what do you perceive to be the barriers (if any) to its implementation?
5. Bearing in mind this is a review of the curriculum, and not of qualifications or assessment, is there anything else you would like to draw attention to that you think should be a focus of the review?

Written submissions should be sent to curriculumreview@education-ni.gov.uk by Thursday 30 January 2025.

Other ways to contribute

Lucy will be hosting focus groups in the new year. If you would wish to be involved in such groups, please express your interest by contacting curriculumreview@education-ni.gov.uk

A questionnaire will also be sent to schools, including more specific questions for teachers about curriculum implementation.

Should you have any questions regarding the review or wish to contribute please contact the email address provided.