Road safety: Decision to cut GCSE funding reversed

St Mark’s High School has more than 1,000 pupils.

One pupil, Matthew, said learning to ride the moped was what attracted him to take the GCSE.

“I’ve come from a farming background so I’ve always sort of been around machines,” he told BBC News NI.

“I just thought it would be a good subject to do.

“It’s increased my knowledge of road safety – the recognition of road signs, speed limits and high risk areas of the road.”

Amy said that learning to ride the moped was “an extremely enjoyable experience.”

“It allowed us to increase our knowledge of and awareness of different road situations,” she said.

“I hope it will help me, especially with my [driving] theory test.”

The principal of St Mark’s High School Aidan McGivern said that the subject was “something different”,

“It’s very practical, they’re outside in all weathers,” he said.

“They’re learning skills and the rules of the road.

“It’s something that they’re going to carry with them for life.

“We all know that young people are keen to get on the road, they’re keen to get out and they need to be safe.”