To ask the Minister of Education what action she is taking to ensure there is a transformation of the school curriculum to deliver the necessary awareness, skills development and knowledge nurtured to meet future environmental needs.

Education for sustainable development, which includes teaching about environmental issues, is a key statutory element of the curriculum. The curriculum encourages customised approaches by schools to ensure that our young people are well informed about all the issues they face in a modern society, which enables them to make informed choices and decisions throughout their lives.

In primary schools, pupils have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and critical thinking regarding past, current and future, local and global issues, including those related to the environment. Pupils are encouraged to become personally, emotionally and socially effective to lead safe and fulfilled lives and become confident, independent and responsible citizens within society.

At Key Stage 3, pupils are provided opportunities to develop their knowledge to support their awareness and skills to meet future orientated and environmental needs. Pupils learn about the interdependence of society, the economy, and the environment; develop respect for the needs of both present and future generations; demonstrate how action can help improve the quality of life for people, locally and globally; and exercise environmental responsibility through conservation of resources, waste management and promotion of biodiversity.

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment provides a range of resources to support curriculum delivery, which are designed to raise awareness of environmental issues and are available on their website.

There are also a number of qualifications at Key Stage 4 and post-16 that provide opportunities for students to explore environmental issues and further develop their understanding and skills.

The Northern Ireland Executive commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement signalled its intention to develop a strategy to address immediate and longer term impacts. My Department will support the development of the strategy and any educational outcomes arising from this work.