The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has reversed its decision to cut funding for the two-year road safety GCSE course in Northern Ireland, ensuring that schools can continue to offer this vital subject. The course, managed by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), focuses on road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the highway code, providing students with essential life skills. Eamonn McPolin, with over 20 years of experience, teaches the course and serves as the chief examiner. The reinstated funding will allow nearly 60 schools, including St Mark's High School in Warrenpoint, to continue teaching the subject.
Earlier this year, the DfI had withdrawn funding for textbooks and other essential materials such as road safety workbooks and calendars. This decision threatened the continuation of the course, which is considered practical and engaging by students. The course includes learning to ride a moped, an activity that students find particularly enjoyable. Without the practical component, the course risked losing its appeal to students.
"If you don't have the practical aspect of the subject it loses its appeal for the students," said Eamonn McPolin.
The road safety GCSE is unique in its approach, providing hands-on learning experiences in all weather conditions. It equips pupils with skills they will carry for life, focusing on vehicle control and road user behaviour.
"It is a two-year course, and the content does very much focus on road safety situations." – Eamonn McPolin
"This is one way of getting that very strong road safety message out through this subject." – Eamonn McPolin
St Mark's High School, with over 1,000 pupils, is one of the institutions offering this crucial course. Eamonn McPolin emphasizes that young people are eager to hit the roads, making it imperative that they do so safely.
"We all know that young people are keen to get on the road, they're keen to get out and they need to be safe." – Eamonn McPolin
The reinstated funding will enable schools to purchase necessary equipment like mopeds, crucial for teaching the practical aspects of the subject.
"The funding will allow schools to purchase a moped which is needed to teach the practical aspect of the subject," noted Eamonn McPolin.
