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Stormont Sources

Education Reform, A-Level Changes & The First Minister Title Row

Season 1, Ep. 42
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In this edition of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan dive into the "breakneck speed" of Education Minister Paul Givan’s new A-Level reforms. Is the move to modular exams a "once in a generation" improvement, or a "headline-grabbing" risk for working-class students?


We also sit down with Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole to discuss the SDLP’s controversial motion to rename the First and Deputy First Minister titles. Why did Sinn Féin abstain, and why is the DUP resisting a move toward "Joint First Ministers"?


In this episode:


Education Reform: Sinn Féin’s Cathy Mason (South Down) and Alliance’s Michelle Guy (Lagan Valley) debate the impact of the new exam structures.


The "Gove" Comparison: Is Paul Givan taking a leaf out of the Michael Gove playbook?


Equality in Schools: The ongoing battle for school uniform affordability and the "trousers for girls" legislation.


The Title Row: Matthew O'Toole on why the "First Minister" distinction is a "distinction without a difference."


MLA Pay: Should Stormont representatives get a pay rise amidst a delivery crisis?

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Welcome inside politics in Northern Ireland. Listen to the podcast which brings you analysis, insight and experience from Stormont. Join journalist, David McCann, plus Tim Cairns, a former Special Advisor to Peter Robinson and Head of Policy for the DUP and Micheal McKernan, a former Special Advisor in the SDLP worked in the Executive from 2007-2016.

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