
1 
This Order may be cited as the Curriculum (Programme of Study and Attainment Targets in Irish in Irish Speaking Schools at Key Stages 3 and 4) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998.
2 
The provisions of this Order shall come into operation in relation to Irish speaking schools—
(a) on 1st August 1998 in respect of pupils in the third key stage and in the first year of the fourth key stage; and
(b) on 1st August 1999 in respect of pupils in the second year of the fourth key stage.
3 
The provisions of this Order shall come into operation in relation to schools other than Irish speaking schools—
(a) on 1st August 1998 in respect of pupils in the first year of the third key stage;
(b) on 1st August 1999 in respect of pupils in the second year of the third key stage and the first year of the fourth key stage; and
(c) on 1st August 2000 in respect of pupils in the third year of the third key stage and the second year of the fourth key stage.
4 
In this Order—
 “the Document” means the document published by The Stationery Office entitled “Key Stages 3 and 4, Programme of Study and Attainment Targets in Irish (in Irish Speaking Schools)”; and
 references to “level descriptions” are references to the levels set out in the Document in relation to each attainment target at the third key stage.
5 
It is hereby directed that the provisions relating to the programme of study and attainment targets set out in the Document shall have effect, in relation to pupils who have followed the programme of study and attainment targets for Irish in Irish Speaking Schools specified for use at the first and second key stages under the Curriculum (Programmes of Study and Attainment Targets at Key Stages 1 and 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 1996, as provided in Articles 6 and 7 for the purpose of specifying in relation to Irish (in Irish speaking schools only)—
(a) a programme of study; and
(b) attainment targets.
6 
The programme of study for the third and fourth key stages and attainment targets for the third key stage described in the Document (to which the level descriptions referred to in Article 8 relate) are specified in relation to those key stages as set out in the Document.
7 
The attainment targets described in the Document are specified in relation to the third key stage.
8 
The level descriptions related to the attainment targets described in the Document are specified in relation to the third key stage at levels 1 to 8.
9 
The contents which are printed in italics in the Document or which are not printed on a tinted background serve to illustrate the programme of study and attainment targets described and do not form part of the provisions which have effect by virtue of this Order.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Education on
C. Jendoubi (Mrs.)
Assistant Secretary
19th March 1998.