Citizenship Education in Northern Ireland: Beyond national identity?

The introduction of citizenship education to the curriculum of all schools in Northern Ireland is one way of underpinning a long-term commitment to democratic politics as part of a fragile peace process. However, the concept of citizenship requires careful consideration in a society where there are different loyalties that give rise to conflict over the future constitutional status of the society itself. Neither British nor Irish national identity provides the basis for a 'patriotic' model of citizenship that could be accepted in all schools. This article describes the commitments and confidence-building measures contained in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and its implications for developing a concept of citizenship that might transcend the two main nationalisms that exist in Northern Ireland.     

Quality Management in Engineering Education—Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth An Overview of the UK Situation,October 1992

The paper describes the influences of Government, professional institutions, industry and education institutions on quality management in engineering education as exist in the UK around October 1992. The manifestation of these influences in the form of audit, assessment and accreditation processes is described in detail and it is concluded that a rationalization of these various processes would be very beneficial. The paper is essentially a factual account of the various UK committees and bodies, their aims, objectives and terms of reference.     

Everton/feeder schools’ reading and language project. An exercise in co‐operation

Following concern about the language problems experienced by many children in Everton, a working party was set up to investigate the situation. This consisted of the Language Co‐ordinators from five local primary schools along with English and Special Needs staff from the secondary school, chaired by the Head of the District Reading and Language Service. After three successful years the working party has achieved a high level of co‐operation. For example, a joint Resource Room has been established at the secondary school, containing over £5000 worth of materials; we are now using a ‘Transfer Pack’ consisting of a common test, an agreed information pro forma and examples of the children's work. These projects are looked on as only the start; many others are in the pipeline.