Education, focus on:

Public or private education (affordable or

expensive?) levels
and quality of the education system,
studying opportunities
and careers in demand, famous
universities, libraries, etc.
Subjects given at primary and secondary
school. Teaching
models.
Education is one of the most important factors in each individual
development. However, there are many benefits involved when we receive an
education, including a better understanding of our reality as well as our real world.
Education is everywhere, but it is diverse in all places, thats why we can observe
differences and similarities in teaching models and education (or educational Im
confused) systems around the world. For instance, we have Northern Ireland which
is one of the countries having a curriculum based on the National Curriculum used
in England and Wales. Alike to all countries, levels of education in this nation are
formed depending on the age of each individual, following a sequence well-
organized in order to process learning in a precise way. These levels are described
in the following sequence: firstly, primary education which is divided into foundation
stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2, these three are being integrated by pupils from
the age of 4 to 11. The curriculum for the three periods is set out in six Areas of
learning where teachers have to select from those areas aspects they consider
appropriate to the ability and interests of their pupils. Within these areas we can
find Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, The World
Around Us, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding and finally but no
less important Physical Education. FOLLOWING BY THIS, it is found secondary
education which incorporates pupils from the age of 11 to 18. On entering in this
level, a broad base of subjects are taught which include geography, English,
mathematics, science, physical education, music and modern languages
SUBJECTS GIVEN AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOL.
STRUCTURE OF THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the three stages is set out in six Areas of Learning. Although the

Areas of Learning are set out separately teachers should, where appropriate, integrate

learning across the six areas to make relevant connections for children. Teachers

have considerable flexibility to select from within the learning areas those aspects they

consider appropriate to the ability and interests of their pupils. The Areas are:

1 Language and Literacy (including Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing;
schools are also encouraged to teach additional languages);

2 Mathematics and Numeracy (focusing on the development of mathematical

concepts and numeracy across the curriculum);

3 The Arts (including Art and Design, Drama and Music);

4 The World Around Us (focusing on the development of knowledge, skills and

understanding in Geography, History and Science and Technology);

5 Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (focusing on emotional

development, social skills, learning to learn, health, relationships and sexuality education
and mutual understanding in the local and global community);

6 Physical Education (focusing on the development of knowledge, skills and

understanding through play and a range of physical activities).

In primary school

Assembly: meeting of teachers and children at a set time during the day. In some
schools, this includes prayers and religious songs.
Literacy (English)
Numeracy (Maths)
Morning break or playtime: you have a break and normally go outside to play
Lunch break and playtime: you have a break to have your lunch and play
Other subjects - e.g. The world around us ( history, geography and science )
Example of a typical day in primary school

Secondary
At age 11, on entering secondary education, all pupils study a broad base of subjects which
include geography, English, mathematics, science, physical education, music and modern
languages. Currently there are proposals to reform the curriculum to make its emphasis more
skills-based under which, in addition to those mentioned, home economics, local and global
citizenship and personal, social and health education would become compulsory subjects

In secondary school
Assembly: meeting of teachers and children at set times during the week. In some
schools, this might include prayers and religious songs.
Period (lesson) 1
Period 2
Morning break
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
Lunch break and playtime
Period 6 and registration
Period 7
Usually in Northern Ireland secondary schools there are up to ten 30-minute lessons a day.

School subjects and national curriculum

You will study lots of different subjects both at primary and secondary school. These subjects
follow the national curriculum. This is a programme of education designed by the government
to make sure everyone is taught the same things and to the same standards in all schools in
Northern Ireland. The usual subjects are:
 Maths (number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability)
English (language and literature)
Science (chemistry, physics and biology)
Geography
History
Religious education (RE)
Information and communication technology or ICT (using computers)
Design and technology (woodwork, metalwork, textiles, home economics, graphics)
Physical education or PE (sports, games, athletics, dance)
Creative arts (art, music, drama, dance)
Modern languages (French, German, Spanish or Irish)
Personal, social and health education (PSHE) and citizenship.
Physical education (PE)

Boys and girls must take part in physical education both in primary and secondary schools.

Most schools will ask you to wear a PE kit, which is a set of clothes chosen by the school for
this activity. It often includes wearing a T-shirt, shorts or jogging bottoms.

If you are worried about privacy when you change your clothes for PE, or whether the PE kit is
culturally appropriate, please talk to your form tutor (in a secondary school) or your class
teacher (in a primary school)

Primary education

Primary school

Foundation Stage

Primary 1, age 4 to 5 (equivalent to Reception in England and

Wales)
 Primary 2, age 5 to 6

Key Stage 1

Primary 3, age 6 to 7

Primary 4, age 7 to 8

Key Stage 2

Primary 5, age 8 to 9

Primary 6, age 9 to 10

Primary 7, age 10 to 11
(For entry to grammar schools, entrance exams take place to determine places. The Eleven
Plus no longer operates in Northern Ireland but schools still operate exams.)

List of primary schools in Northern Ireland

Secondary education

Secondary school or grammar school

Key Stage 3

Year 8, age 11 to 12 (equivalent to Year 7 in England and

Wales)

Year 9, age 12 to 13

Year 10, age 13 to 14

Key Stage 4

Year 11, age 14 to 15

Year 12, age 15 to 16 (GCSE examinations)

Secondary school, grammar school, or further education college

Sixth form

Year 13, age 16 to 17 (AS-level examinations)

Year 14, age 17 to 18 (A-levels (A2))
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE EDUCATION (AFFORDABLE OR
EXPENSIVE?).
ACCESS TO SCHOOLING

2.1 Introduction

The general right to education, proclaimed by Article 26 of the Universal

Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), was reaffirmed and made binding by
Article 13(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights (ICESCR). The latter requires States Parties to realise the right to
education by ensuring that primary education is compulsory and available free
to all and for secondary education to be made generally available and
accessible to all but not compulsory.17 Similar provisions are established in
Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and at a European
level, in Article 2, Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights
(ECHR). The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has identified
availability and accessibility as core aspects of the right to education;
specifically, that educational institutions and programmes should be available
in sufficient quantity, and be accessible to everyone, especially the most
vulnerable groups, in law and fact, without discrimination on any of the
prohibited grounds.18 To this end, States Parties are required to closely monitor
education, including all relevant policies, institutions, programmes, spending
patterns and other practices, so as to identify and take measures to redress
any de facto discrimination. Further, educational data should be disaggregated
by the prohibited grounds of discrimination.19 Education also needs to be
physically accessible and affordable to all.

Levels and quality of education system.

STUDYING OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREERS IN DEMAND .

Skills in demand
Whether you are just starting out or taking a change in direction, it is
important you make informed career choices. To fully explore all
your possible options you should know where the jobs are now and
where they are likely to be in the future.

Jump to table of contents

Future job opportunities in Northern Ireland
There are job opportunities across all occupational areas in Northern
Ireland but there is higher demand in occupations relating to Science,
Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

As the world becomes increasingly technology dependent it is anticipated

that the range of businesses emerging around the STEM areas will grow
significantly. This will require people to get a good education in STEM
subjects.

To find out more about what its like to have a career in STEM click on the
STEM Careers booklet below. This profiles people who have studied
STEM and gone on to success in the sector.

STEM careers booklet

The following areas are extremely important to the Northern Ireland

economy:

ICT

creative and digital media

agri food sector

business and financial services

advanced manufacturing and engineering

renewable energies and recycling

health and life sciences

ICT

Information and communications technology (ICT), particularly software

development, database development, systems architecture and internet
specialist skills, is at the heart of every organisation and is central to our
daily lives: mobile communication, computer games, touch screen
technology, satellite navigation devices the list is endless.

Creative and digital media

Digital is everywhere and is at the heart of the UK economy, underpinning
growth through both the development of new technologies and the
provision of services to businesses and consumers. All national trends
and forecasts predict the continuation of demand for high level skills in
the sector.

Key market growth areas identified by national and international level

research include:

cloud computing

mobile technologies

cross-platform mobile applications

computer games and digital entertainment

cyber-security products and services

green/low carbon IT products

The Tech Partnership website(external link opens in a new window /

tab)

Agri food

Food and drink manufacturing includes the processing of meat and

poultry, dairy, fish and shellfish, fruit and vegetables and the production of
bakery and drinks products amongst others. Areas of work include bakery,
distillery, creamery and ready meals production. Jobs can include:

laboratory technicians

food scientists

biotech

machine operatives

butcher
 supply chain manager

The Food and Drink Sector Skills Council's 'Tasty Careers' website and
interactive careers map have information on the benefits of a career
within the food and drink manufacturing sector. As the largest industry in
Northern Ireland, there will be 15,000 potential job opportunities across
the food supply chain in the next five years.

Tasty careers website(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Improve website(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Business and financial services

There are seven different industries within the finance, accountancy and
financial services sector. Jobs vary from:

accountants

bank officials

underwriters

insurance and investment brokers

actuaries and pensions advisers

Advanced manufacturing and engineering

This includes careers requiring CAD skills, CNC machine operatives,

mechanical and electrical engineering skills including at technician level
and strategic marketing to name but a few.

SEMTA(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Renewable energies and recycling

European and global agreements on more energy efficient technology are

creating demand for new engineering solutions. Mechanical engineers
are at the forefront of designing everything from better forms of green
energy and zero emission engines to the latest breed of nuclear power
stations. Its a highly skilled profession but has multiple entry routes.
Careers in this sector include:

mechanical engineers

research and development managers

physical scientists

design and development engineers

biological scientists and biochemists

Careers (Energy and utility skills website)(external link opens in a new

window / tab)

Health and life sciences

The Health and Life sciences sector is one of Northern Irelands most
important sectors. The sector combines all elements of science and
technology that contribute to the discovery and development of products
for the healthcare and wellbeing of humans and animals.

Studying in Northern Ireland

Why should I come to study in Northern Ireland?
Northern Irelands tradition of excellence in education is world renowned. It has six Regional Further Education
Colleges.

The NI FE offering is also supported through: Colleges in Britain

What courses are available?

The Regional Colleges offer courses including two-year Higher Education Foundation Degrees - in Art and
Design, Food and Hospitality, Built Environment and Construction, Communication and Media, ICT, Sport,
Travel and Tourism, Engineering and Manufacturing, Sustainability and Green technologies, Business and
Finance. However, do please check through individual college websites or contact the college for places
available.

What are the requirements for English language?

For admission, the Colleges requires students to obtain IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.

How do I apply for a course?

Download the International Application Form from the college website and post it to us together with other
supporting documents as required. When we receive your application we will contact you advising you of your
application result.

Please make sure that you provided as much detail as possible in the application form including your full home
address and post-code.

When do I need to apply?

You need to make your application no later than the end of June for the following autumn session.

Do I need to pay a deposit for admission purposes?

To help the College secure your place of study, students are generally required to pay a deposit which is fully
refundable if your visa application is not successful and you inform the college appropriately.

How long do I need to wait for my application to be processed?

On average, it takes the College 3 weeks to assess your application and make an offer to you. However you
should allow up to 5 weeks to receive your offer letter.

What is the difference between an Unconditional offer and a Conditional

offer?
If you meet the requirements on English language and already have the results of your examinations, and they
are suitable, you will be given an 'Unconditional Offer' after you have paid your deposit. This means that if you
decide to accept our offer of a study place, your place is guaranteed and you should go on to apply for you visa
as soon as possible.

If you are still taking your examinations or are waiting to hear your results or havent paid the deposit, you may
be given a 'conditional offer'. A 'conditional offer' means that we will offer you a study place if you achieve the
grades we ask for in the subjects that are specified in the offer. If you do not pass your exams or get lower
grades than you are asked for, or havent paid your deposit, you will still be considered, but a place cannot be
guaranteed.

Can I study part time?

UK immigration regulations require students from abroad (except those from EEA countries) to study full-time
in order to qualify for entry as a student. If you are in the UK with immigration status other than a student, e.g.
you are dependant of a student, you can study part-time.

Can I continue to do a degree course after HNC/D?

Yes, successful completion of your HNC/D programme would qualify you to join a degree course from the 2nd
or 3rd year in a UK university.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

Yes. Many overseas school-leaving certificates, college diplomas, university degrees and other qualifications
are recognised. To check the equivalence of your qualification with those in Northern Ireland write to NARIC
the National Academic Recognition Information Centre for advice:UK NARIC, ECCTIS 2000 Ltd, Oriel
House, Oriel Road, Cheltenham GL50 1XP T: +44 (0) 1242 260010 / F: + 44 (0) 1242 258600

If your qualifications are insufficient it might be necessary for you to study an access / foundation course or a
lower qualification than you intended in order to achieve the required level for entry to your desired course.

How do my qualifications compare to UK qualifications?

The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) can give
information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with those from the UK. Find them
at: www.naric.org.uk.
Will a Northern Ireland qualification be recognised in my home country?
A degree or qualification obtained in Northern Ireland has the same status as any other qualification obtained
in the UK. All UK qualifications are generally recognised and well respected throughout the world.

Do I need Entry Clearance (a visa) to study?

FAMOUS UNIVERSITIES, LIBRARIES.

There are only two universities In Northern Ireland

You can choose between two renowned universities in Northern Ireland, both of which have taken a leading
role in bringing together people of different backgrounds to foster the peace process. Studying at these
universities is an academically rewarding experience and an immersion into true Northern Ireland culture,
thanks to the full integration into housing and university.

Queen's University Belfast is one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, while at University
of Ulster, you can choose to study in a concentration if you prefer a more focused academic experience.
Concentrations include:
Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies at the Magee campus
Irish Studies at the Magee campus
Irish Cultural Studies at the Coleraine campus in Coleraine

New University of Ulster

Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster are the only universities in Northern
Ireland, and both have campuses in the centre of Belfast, meaning theres a close knit
feeling among the countrys student community.

The University of Ulster is the second biggest in all of Ireland and Northern Ireland
combined

SUBJECTS GIVEN AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY

SCHOOL.
STRUCTURE OF THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the three stages is set out in six Areas of Learning. Although the

Areas of Learning are set out separately teachers should, where appropriate, integrate

learning across the six areas to make relevant connections for children. Teachers

have considerable flexibility to select from within the learning areas those aspects they
consider appropriate to the ability and interests of their pupils. The Areas are:

1 Language and Literacy (including Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing;
schools are also encouraged to teach additional languages);

2 Mathematics and Numeracy (focusing on the development of mathematical

concepts and numeracy across the curriculum);

3 The Arts (including Art and Design, Drama and Music);

4 The World Around Us (focusing on the development of knowledge, skills and

understanding in Geography, History and Science and Technology);

5 Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (focusing on emotional

development, social skills, learning to learn, health, relationships and sexuality education
and mutual understanding in the local and global community);

6 Physical Education (focusing on the development of knowledge, skills and

understanding through play and a range of physical activities).

In primary school

Assembly: meeting of teachers and children at a set time during the day. In some
schools, this includes prayers and religious songs.
Literacy (English)
Numeracy (Maths)
Morning break or playtime: you have a break and normally go outside to play
Lunch break and playtime: you have a break to have your lunch and play
Other subjects - e.g. The world around us ( history, geography and science )

Example of a typical day in primary school

Secondary
 At age 11, on entering secondary education, all pupils study a broad base of subjects which
include geography, English, mathematics, science, physical education, music and modern
languages. Currently there are proposals to reform the curriculum to make its emphasis more
skills-based under which, in addition to those mentioned, home economics, local and global
citizenship and personal, social and health education would become compulsory subjects

In secondary school
Assembly: meeting of teachers and children at set times during the week. In some
schools, this might include prayers and religious songs.
Period (lesson) 1
Period 2
Morning break
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
Lunch break and playtime
Period 6 and registration
Period 7
Usually in Northern Ireland secondary schools there are up to ten 30-minute lessons a day.

School subjects and national curriculum

You will study lots of different subjects both at primary and secondary school. These subjects
follow the national curriculum. This is a programme of education designed by the government
to make sure everyone is taught the same things and to the same standards in all schools in
Northern Ireland. The usual subjects are:

Maths (number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability)

English (language and literature)
Science (chemistry, physics and biology)
Geography
History
Religious education (RE)
Information and communication technology or ICT (using computers)
Design and technology (woodwork, metalwork, textiles, home economics, graphics)
Physical education or PE (sports, games, athletics, dance)
Creative arts (art, music, drama, dance)
Modern languages (French, German, Spanish or Irish)
 Personal, social and health education (PSHE) and citizenship.
Physical education (PE)

Boys and girls must take part in physical education both in primary and secondary schools.

Most schools will ask you to wear a PE kit, which is a set of clothes chosen by the school for
this activity. It often includes wearing a T-shirt, shorts or jogging bottoms.

If you are worried about privacy when you change your clothes for PE, or whether the PE kit is
culturally appropriate, please talk to your form tutor (in a secondary school) or your class
teacher (in a primary school)

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN NORTHERN IRELAND

A distinctive characteristic of the education system in Northern Ireland is

segregation. The system is segregated by religion in that most children attend
predominantly Protestant ('controlled') schools or Catholic ('maintained')
schools; by ability (and some would argue social background) in that a
selection system operates at age 11 to decide which children attend grammar
schools (more than one third of children in second level education attend
grammar schools); and often by gender (particularly in second level education
where a quarter of the secondary schools and almost half of all grammar
schools are single sex)