Digital technology lessons proposed for school pupils

Northern Ireland’s Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a proposed new curriculum aimed at modernizing what is taught in schools. The changes introduce a structured, subject-based approach, replacing the current 2007 framework, which the Department of Education (DE) calls vague and ineffective. A key addition is digital technology, covering topics like identity, privacy, and cybersecurity, starting from the earliest years of primary school. The new curriculum also emphasizes core subjects like science, maths, and English while reducing teacher flexibility in interpreting content." "The current curriculum allows teachers to select topics based on pupils’ abilities, but the new model will provide clearer progression guidelines. While teachers retain some discretion, the DE stresses this is not a prescriptive script. Secondary school pupils may also study a second language and cultural awareness, though these remain optional for primary students. The reforms follow criticism that the existing system lacks clarity on what, when, and how pupils should learn." "The curriculum changes are separate from exam reforms, though qualifications are also evolving. AS-levels will be scrapped by September 2029, replaced by a two-year modular A-level with three exam sets. Givan stated the old curriculum, over 20 years old, had ‘significant structural weaknesses,’ and the new version was designed by experts to ensure coherence and progression. Lucy Crehan, who reviewed the reforms, previously denied they were politically motivated." "Religious education (RE) is also under review following a 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling that Christian RE in Northern Ireland was not taught objectively. While the judgment did not strike down existing laws, Givan appointed a panel to reform RE, expected to complete its work soon. The new curriculum aims to address long-standing gaps in clarity and ensure pupils receive a well-sequenced education aligned with modern needs.