Entitlement Framework

What is the Entitlement Framework?

The Entitlement Framework is the post 14 curriculum which puts the needs of pupils first. It aims to provide access for pupils to a broad and balanced curriculum to enable them to reach their full potential no matter which school they attend or where they live.

It will guarantee all pupils access to a minimum number of courses at Key Stage 4 and post-16, of which at least one third must be general and one third applied. The Department will specify the number of courses and is responsible for designating courses as general or applied, based on its published definitions contained in General and Applied Courses PDF 1.7mb (Irish Version PDF 130KB).

When does it become statutory?

The legislation bringing the Entitlement Framework into operation applies from 1 September 2013.

The specified numbers of courses are being introduced on a phased basis, set out below:

	2013/14 School Year	2014/15 School Year	2015/16 School Year Onwards
Key Stage 4	18 Courses	21 Courses	24 Courses
Post-16	21 Courses	24 Courses	27 Courses

What does it mean for pupils?

We will best meet needs of young people and the economy by offering them, wherever they go to school, a wide and better balanced range of courses that are relevant to their needs, aptitudes, interests and their future job prospects

Schools are encouraged to make use of up to date Labour Market Information and take note of DEL’s priority skills areas in offering access to a coherent and economically relevant choice of courses for pupils. This means that all pupils will have access to at least the number of courses set out above. Pupils can then choose the courses which provide the best progression for them.

Progression can be to continue in education, including further and higher education, or to move into training or employment. Every pupil is different and choices should reflect each young person’s interests and aspirations. There may be occasions where a school’s timetabling makes it difficult to facilitate course choices, but parents and pupils should discuss this with the school. All post-primary schools are members of an Area Learning Community, which maximises the opportunity to meet the needs of pupils across the area. You will be able to see to which ALC your school belongs and a list of the courses offered by each school in the Area Learning Community at www.brightfuturesni.org

Careers Advice and Guidance

The availability of good careers education information advice and guidance is also critical to successful progression pathways. Young people can make a poor choice about courses of study due to a lack of advice on their choice of subject and where it will lead and if it is required for entry to certain courses and institutions.

Preparing for Success, a joint all-age Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy delivered by the Department of Education and the Department for Employment and Learning, aims to develop more effective career decision-makers, leading to increased and appropriate participation in education, training and employment.

Given the myriad of choices open to young people from Key Stage 4 with the flexibility that the Entitlement Framework offers, access to high quality careers education information advice and guidance from school, DEL’s careers advisors, employers and others is more important than ever. Every school has a Partnership Agreement in place with the Careers Service which provides impartial advice and guidance and parents are encouraged to ensure that their son and daughter make full use of this service available free from professionally qualified careers advisors particularly in year 10 and and year 12. You may also avail of their services outside school. Good careers advice will help to reduce drop-outs from further and higher education courses and training.

Our economy demands a flexible and skilled workforce to respond to the areas of growth and opportunity, both now and in the future. The Entitlement Framework will provide the opportunities for pupils to access a range of courses with clear progression pathways that engage and interest them and that properly prepare them for life and work in the 21st century.