The Ulster Unionist Party’s Education spokesperson Danny Kinahan MLA has warned the Education Minister John O’Dowd that he must ensure Northern Ireland’s GCSEs and A Levels retain their reputation for quality and educational high standards once he has implemented proposals contained in a report by the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
The South Antrim MLA, who is also vice-chair of the Stormont Education committee said;
“I regret that matters have reached this stage whereby the link between qualifications in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom is placed in jeopardy.
It is absolutely essential that we do not allow Northern Ireland’s GCSEs and A levels to be downgraded in any way, or to be regarded as of less worth than equivalent qualifications on the UK mainland.
This would have obvious and very serious implications for pupils and students seeking to pursue University careers in Great Britain and it would be unforgiveable if the Education Minister was to permit such a situation to arise.
It is therefore incumbent on John O’Dowd to ensure that local qualifications retain the high reputation which they currently enjoy in order. I regret to say that Sinn Fein’s record in charge of the Education portfolio does not fill me with great confidence that he will deliver.”