The Commission for Victims and Survivors has submitted a response to the Department of Education’s consultation on the proposed new Northern Ireland Curriculum 2028, with a particular focus on the compulsory teaching of the Troubles/conflict within the Key Stage 3 History syllabus.

As part of developing our response, the Commission invited victims and survivors, organisations working across the sector and other stakeholders to share their views through a dedicated survey.

We received a strong response, providing valuable insight into views on how the Troubles/conflict should be taught  within the new curriculum and the issues that should be considered when approaching  this complex and sensitive period of our history in the classroom.

The feedback   informed the Commission’s submission to the Department of Education and, importantly, ensures our response reflected the perspectives of both those with lived experience of the Troubles/conflict and those who work directly with victims and survivors.

Commissioner Joe McVey said:

“Education has an important role to play in how future generations understand our past. It is therefore essential that the experiences and perspectives of victims and survivors are considered as the curriculum develops.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our survey. The range of views shared with us  helped strengthen our response and ensured the voices of victims and survivors are represented in this important conversation.”

Click here to read the Commission for Victims & Survivors Consultation Response

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