AS our young people in Years 12 to 14 prepare to return to school on 22 March, I know many are experiencing significant pressures as a result of the pandemic.
I am conscious of the considerable anxiety felt over the educational impact of recent disruption, with concerns about issues such as the arrangements for awarding of qualifications and future pathways.
It has been difficult for young people to maintain motivation with exams being cancelled and the extended period of remote learning. I am also aware of the impact on young people's mental health and wellbeing.
In these circumstances, for our young people taking qualifications, there are no perfect solutions. In September 2019, we expected them to enjoy two years of uninterrupted teaching and learning. Instead, they have experienced unprecedented disruption. They have also missed out on so many important school, sporting and social experiences.
I want to reassure both parents and young people that it is a key priority for me and my department to ensure that students obtain the qualification grades to enable them to continue to the next stage of their education or training, or into employment.
Because of the dedication and professionalism of our teachers, students will be able to obtain these important qualifications despite the disruption of the pandemic.
We have learned lessons from the awarding of qualifications in 2020. The 2021 process puts teacher professional judgement at the centre. A student's grades will be based on their school or college's professional assessment of the standard at which they are performing. There will be no algorithms or statistical models to determine grades. Schools will determine grades and CCEA will review students' work during June 2021.
I would reassure you that the CCEA awarding process for qualifications is designed to be flexible and to take account of the disruption which schools and young people have encountered.
There is absolutely no requirement that pupils will take multiple tests in a subject on their return to school. Rather schools may use evidence of candidates' performance from any point in the two years of their course. Schools have also been advised that students do not need to have completed a minimum amount of content as they would normally. We know and understand that this is simply not possible.
I want to take this opportunity to thank school leaders and teachers for their commitment and hard work to make this process work for young people. I know CCEA is working closely with head teachers to further streamline the process. I have also made available two additional non-teaching days to support schools in administering the process.
This could be is a worrying time for many young people and their parents. However, our young people are resilient and will have many opportunities in the long, brighter days that lie ahead. Working together across the education system, we are aiming to deliver the best possible process in the circumstances. Our aim is to provide a system that is fair and robust and reflects as accurately as possible young people's skills, knowledge and understanding.
The awarding of qualifications will provide young people with a secure platform from which to progress and hopefully to undertake further education and training and to become lifelong learners.
However, there are many pathways to success. Success comes as much from passion, commitment and ambition as qualification outcomes.
There are many routes and much time to successfully engage with education. I would encourage everybody completing their qualifications in 2021 to make sure they are aware of the variety of opportunities that are available and choose the path that's right for them.
