Decision to slash funding for 'Collaborative Learning' raises concern

by Gráinne Connolly

The decision to cut the funding available to ensure all pupils have access to a sufficient number of subjects has raised some issues. 

The 'Collaborative Learning' approach which is to lose it's funding, allows post 16 students to attend other schools or colleges to learn a particular course or skill.

Usually this is something that may not be available at their own school, therefore locally they can study in places like South West College. 

It's particularly important for students that may need certain skills or qualifications for them to gain access to a course after secondary school. 

Rosemary Barton is the Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA.

She said:

“It is essential that schoolchildren can access an appropriate range of relevant subjects.

"The reality in Northern Ireland is that not all schools have big enough enrolments to be able to offer every subject on the curriculum.

"By coming together with other nearby schools most pupils have been able to access all the academic and vocational subjects needed to obtain the skills required in a modern economy.

The former school teacher also said the decision will have a detrimental impact on children and young people: 

“The decision by the Department of Education to slash the funding to facilitate this collaborative approach will be a hammer blow to those pupils.

"It is simply outrageous that in the twenty first century, when university degrees and educational expectations are constantly shifting and becoming more demanding, many pupils in Northern Ireland are having their choice of subjects substantially reduced.

The MLA has also said this decision is just the latest example of how the political stalemate at Stormont is affecting young people: 

“It’s obvious that this is just another example of how unaccountable civil servants in the local Department of Education are making cuts without actually realising the impact of their decisions.

"Just as we saw recently with the foolish attempt to slash the support grant for school uniforms, it’s clear that the only rationale behind this decision is to save money, regardless of the actual impact on pupils and their families.

"That is what happens when some politicians abdicate their responsibilities.

Mrs Barton told Q Radio that the only way this issue can be sorted is if the two leading political parties come to an agreement: 

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