Pivotal

Blog

RHI Inquiry report – one year on

One year on from the publication of the RHI Inquiry report, has it made any difference to how government works in Northern Ireland? This blog looks at what progress has been made in the year since publication and argues that, as we emerge from Covid, a renewed focus is needed on ensuring the RHI recommendations are implemented in a way that brings about real change.

  • Date

    Thu 11 Mar

Youth participation and policy making

This blog explores the importance of youth participation in research and policy–making using our recent example of Secondary Students’ Union Northern Ireland (SSUNI).

  • Date

    Tue 16 Feb

What next for generation Covid?: How the government can address disruptions to learning and exams in Northern Ireland.

This blog explores recent devolved government decision making in the UK regarding planned examinations in 2021, before considering the implications for Northern Ireland. We explore the challenges associated with examination reform and conclude by exploring wider issues surrounding educational recovery.

  • Date

    Fri 13 Nov

Post–primary transfer tests – full steam ahead?

Director, Ann Watt explores educational inequalities, fairness and policy making in relation to the post–primary transfer tests during the Covid–19 pandemic.

  • Date

    Thu 15 Oct

Job retention schemes in Europe and the United Kingdom.

Government financial support following Covid–19 has varied across the globe and this article will explore the various approaches to job retention schemes, known as ‘furlough’, in Europe, the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland.

  • Date

    Wed 9 Sep

How do we can promote inclusive learning in education?

As we enter into the next stage of the ‘new normal’ there may be opportunities to harness new ideas, motivation and energy for the future within education. Researcher and education developer, Tracy Galvin, outlines a call to action for educators to consider the role of diverse delivery methods and assessment models. She highlights the range of ways in which knowledge can be demonstrated and how this may be useful for the diverse range of learners in education.

  • Date

    Thu 20 Aug

What are the current challenges facing school re–opening?

As children, parents and educators commence a return to education, we explore issues related to lockdown learning, contingency planning for further lockdown periods and global lessons from countries at different stages of Covid–19 management.

  • Date

    Wed 19 Aug

What next for testing and tracing in Northern Ireland?

As the Executive returns from recess in September, what should be considered to enhance testing and tracing in Northern Ireland?

  • Date

    Mon 17 Aug

Covid–19 in Northern Ireland – a new economic vision.

We brought together a range of people from business, economics, social enterprise and trade unions to discuss our recent briefing paper on a ‘New Economic Vision’ for Northern Ireland. Read a summary of this discussion within our latest blog.

  • Date

    Fri 3 Jul

Budget 2020

Finance Minister Conor Murphy’s Budget statement last Tuesday would have been headline news in most normal political weeks. Certainly the content would have warranted it, with huge increases in departments’ budgets and big cuts to regional rates. Read more in Pivotal’s latest blog.

  • Date

    Mon 6 Apr

New Decade New Approach– What’s in it for Education?

Professor Tony Gallagher writes a guest blog for Pivotal on the New Decade New Approach Deal. Professor Gallagher looks at the deal and what’s in it for Education.

  • Date

    Wed 29 Jan

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