Outreach – beyond Parliament Buildings
We know that not every school can visit Parliament Buildings. However, you can bring the Assembly to your classroom by taking part in our Outreach Programme.
We will come to your school or group anywhere in Northern Ireland to deliver an interactive presentation and activity session. We have designed the presentation and activities to help your students understand the role of the Assembly and encourage them to have their say.
The Outreach Programme is open to primary and post-primary schools, other educational organisations and youth groups. Typical programmes last 60 minutes and can be adapted to suit your particular group’s needs.
We can invite your local MLAs to attend these sessions, to work with the pupils and answer their questions.
What teachers have said about our outreach programme
- ‘Pupils were engaged and the delivery was professional and entertaining’
- ‘Very beneficial for the pupils’ citizenship programme’
- ‘Great learning through fun teaching methods’
- ‘Outreach to small schools like ours, in a rural setting, is an excellent idea’
How do I book an outreach programme?
Please contact us by phone or email:
028 90 521896 or 028 90 521833
education.service@niassembly.gov.uk
Let's Talk Events
The Education Service organises a number of ‘Let’s Talk’ MLA panel events during the academic year. A school hosts an event and students from other schools in the local area are invited to attend.
The aims of the events are:
- to increase engagement between Members and young people; and
- to provide an opportunity for young people to get involved in the democratic process.
A chairperson will put the questions to the panel of political representatives and audience members will be able to contribute throughout the debate using audience response technology.
This is an excellent opportunity for young people to ask questions which they feel are relevant to them. We hope that Post 16 students of all subject areas will find this event useful.
Programme:
- 10:00 - 10:30 - Arrive/Tea/Coffee
- 10:30 - 12:00 - Panel debate with MLAs
- 12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch (provided)
- 13:00 - Depart
Please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email with any questions.
02890 521833
education.service@niassembly.gov.uk
Professional Learning Events for Teachers
The Education Service supports teachers to deliver the curriculum in a range of subjects, including Government & Politics, Learning for Life and Work and History. Throughout the academic year, it holds a number of conferences for teachers in Parliament Buildings.
Teacher Training in Schools
We understand that it can often be difficult for teachers to attend events. The Education Service offers a ‘Teacher Training in Schools’ programme for all primary and post primary schools in Northern Ireland.
We also offer training for groups of trainee teachers on PGCE courses or B.Ed. degree programmes who are studying citizenship, politics or PDMU as part of their teacher training course.
The sessions focus on delivering information and resources to support teaching about the work of the Assembly and include practical methods of active learning, participation and engagement.
- Schools may opt for one hour twilight sessions or longer half-day sessions. Training can be tailored upon request.
- Every workshop is led by one of the Education officers, all of whom are qualified teachers with a range of specialist knowledge.
- Sessions can be run with groups of teachers within individual schools/colleges or clusters of schools within an area learning community or shared education group.
- Schools may also wish to to book Outreach programmes for pupils on the same day.
To book a training session for your staff or for more information:
Please contact us by phone or email:
028 90 521896 or 028 90 521833
education.service@niassembly.gov.uk