Categories
News

Exam Worries

Many parents of home educated exam candidates are concerned after receiving an email from the Education Authority this morning. The email states that all exams are cancelled and advises parents to contact the relevant Exam Board. It appears that we are on our own.

Teenager studying for Japanese GCSE with support of online tutor

We understand the complexities of these times but we believe that the EA is in a position to offer information and support to those children who are affected by this, and that the EA should not wash their hands of us.

There are two initial steps which the EA could take which would be positive.

1. The EA could issue advice to universities, colleges and schools which explains the situation for private candidates and encourages flexibility on required qualifications for admission. Many home educated children will be trying to make a case for this and their support would be appreciated.

2. The EA could investigate what the exam boards they offer will require in terms of proof and collate the information. Not only would their enquiry and concerns carry more weight, but it would ease the burden on the Board and would facilitate keeping everyone informed.

The EA spoke a great deal during the recent Consultation and Working Group on the new Guidance about the importance of building a good working relationship with home educators, and indeed about the importance of access to qualifications. Their support is needed now.

Categories
News Resources

Library Entitlement

We are happy to announce that from January the 6th 2020 home educated children can apply for a home education entitlement card. This new card will allow them to borrow more books than the standard – 15 books for three weeks rather than the usual 9.

We know how welcome this will be to families all over Northern Ireland! 

A note on privacy:

We have discussed concerns that families have over their personal data and any hint of a register with Libraries NI, and we are confident that this is a useful and positive initiative. No register will be kept and no details shared.  However any family who prefers not to take up the offer can of course continue to use the standard library card.

Categories
Meet Ups News Workshops

Artist Led Art Class – FE McWilliam Gallery

Our bi-monthly art class at the FE McWilliam Gallery was created around the gallery’s current exhibition- Together Now: The Engagement Project.

Two groups led by Deborah Malcomson started with the kids looking around the gallery to gain inspiration with a space theme in mind. After a loosening up excerise the kids started their projects.

The first was marbling.  

Using shaving foam, food colouring and templates they created their very own marble planets. 

The second project saw the kids creating space alien heads from boxes – using cut outs and string to create some seriously strange looking specimens.

The final was to style an alien using the templates provided.

As always this art class is unique and thoroughly enjoyable for the kids and the adults.

We all look forward to January’s session! 

Categories
News

Friendship Four – Ice Hockey game SSE Arena


A large group of home educated families got to enjoy the 3rd place game in the Friendship Four tournament yesterday for free.

The fast paced game saw UNH WildCats take third place.

It was a unique opportunity as this tournament allows local sports fans to watch the only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) hockey tournament that takes place outside of the United States. 

A lot of team members from top American colleges are well on their way to becoming the NHL stars of the future, this was a great opportunity to see their skills.

This match was thoroughly enjoyed by all!