The Northern Ireland Office has today launched a package of free
educational materials to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast
(Good Friday) Agreement.
The initiative was first launched in 2023
as part of a wider UK Government programme to mark this important
milestone.
Developed independently by The National Archives, these
educational materials have been created alongside academics,
educational and historical experts.
The materials include Key Stage 3, 4, and 5 lesson plans for
delivery in school classrooms. They are designed to support
detailed discussion and comprehension of the journey to the
Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and align with the national
curriculum in England and relevant CCEA GCSE and AQA A-level
history syllabus.
Students will engage with materials, including primary sources
about the Downing Street Declaration, the road to the Agreement,
the negotiations that took place and immediate impact of the
Agreement.
The free resources are available to teachers, parents and
children across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK on an
optional basis.
Education has a key role in supporting and maintaining peace and
prosperity in Northern Ireland, and it's right that children
should learn about the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement's
significance in an age appropriate, factual manner at school.
The first phase of the resources was launched in March 2023 and
consisted of an assembly pack containing an animated video and
accompanying resources to support discussions in school
assemblies for all ages.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said:
“Thanks to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, Northern
Ireland's young people have grown up in peace and safety, looking
forward to a future of hope and opportunity.
“The first part of this package was incredibly successful and I
hope this next part will give young people in Northern Ireland
and across the UK the chance to deepen their appreciation and
understanding of the Agreement now and for generations to come.”
Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper of The National
Archives said:
“This resource builds on the assembly pack and allows teachers
and students to explore the history of the Belfast (Good Friday)
Agreement using material from the original documents. It brings
alive the issues, the people involved, and the decisions made.”
NOTES TO EDITOR
Teachers, and those who wish to use the free educational
resources developed by The National Archives, can download the
materials here - https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/belfast-good-friday-agreement-resources/
