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The author compares general certificate of secondary education (GCSE) results between England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and examines why Northern Ireland outperforms the others. He cites percentages of students in each area achieving "C" or "A" grades on the GCSE exams. He cites a plentiful supply of teachers, meaning schools can choose the best of many, as one reason for the disparity in academic achievement. Use of grammar schools is also listed as a possible contributor to the difference. INSET: The teacher whose class achieved record results a year early.

Reports on Northern Ireland teachers' reactions to the proposal to remove national tests for 14-year-olds and introduce other major curriculum and assessment changes. Change in the curriculum to put more emphasis on students' personal development, cross-curricular work and skills; Replacement of KS3 tests and teacher assessment with detailed annual reports of each child's achievements to parents; Teachers opposing the change.

Explores the conditions of teachers in Northern Ireland. View that Northern Ireland teachers have the worst pay conditions in Great Britain; Workload of teachers; Pay negotiations between teachers' unions and the government.

Focuses on the education system in Northern Ireland, which is now being seen as an international role model for the integration of technology into the classroom. Cost of the contract between the Department of Education and four technology companies that provides computers, Internet access and educational resources to schools; Screening of the educational software used by the body running the scheme; Benefits offered by the public-private partnership contracts.

Focuses on student's reaction to a major study seeking their views on sectarianism in Northern Ireland. Contribution of the project to the students; Discussion of issues including the children's national and religious identities; Enthusiasm of students for non-sectarian schools.

Reports on the genetic fingerprinting lessons being given to primary pupils in Northern Ireland. Purpose behind the introduction of the lessons; Features of the classes; Benefits provided by the lessons to students.