AQW 36771/22-27
Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley
Tabled Date: 03/12/2025
Answered On Date: 19/12/2025
Priority Written: Yes
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 36442/22-27, to detail (i) any selection criteria used for each of the subject working groups; (ii) the number of people who (a) applied; and (b) were accepted, broken down by each working group, and the type of school they were from; and (iii) the finalised guidance which has been issued to members of the working groups.
Answer:
An open Expressions of Interest process was launched on 16 September for teachers to join Subject Working Groups (SWGs) as part of the curriculum reform project. Selection to working groups was based on information provided within application forms on the following four areas: Subject expertise. Curriculum design and pedagogical understanding. Communication skills – clarity and effectiveness in written responses. Vision. There was significant interest in these roles with a total of 366 applications received. To date, 75 teachers and lecturers were selected to work within the SWGs. Membership of these groups is subject to change should any gaps in expertise or experience be identified, or should individuals not be able to take up post. Should gaps arise further invitations to join the SWGs will issue to previous applicants. The expression of interest process ensured representatives across various school types and further and higher education, as follows: Type | Number | Primary Maintained (11) Controlled (8) Integrated (1) Other (1) | 21 | Post-Primary Voluntary (19) Catholic Maintained Secondary (6) Controlled Secondary (6) Grant Maintained Integrated Secondary (3) Controlled Grammar (2) Controlled Integrated Secondary (2) | 38 | Special | 2 | Further and Higher Education | 14 |
The operating guidance for subject working groups is not currently publicly available, as it is a living, iterative document and forms part of ongoing policy development.
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