[1] Before 1988 schools had total autonomy and teachers devised the curriculum for their pupils.
[2] The 1988 curriculum was rigidly defined by subject, prescribing both the content and the pedagogy, and had neither teacher input nor testing.
[5] "Every school must offer at least 24 courses at Key Stage 4, and 27 in the post-16 category.
In addition, at least one third of the courses offered must be general and one third applied; that is the minimum figure", said Peter Wier.
All secondary schools in Northern Ireland are in Area Learning Communities (ALC) where they are encouraged to co-operate, and deliver 'shared education'.