Scope Articles

Happiness and where to find it

18 Sep 2020

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence -Aristotle.

Northern Ireland’s youth feels looked after individually, but worries about society and climate change

15 Sep 2020

The Executive needs to craft a new Programme for Government. Scope takes a look at how young people rate progress on the high-level outcomes that guide Stormont. Their biggest concern is the environment.

Faith in education: religion and our schools

11 Sep 2020

The closer our segregated education system is scrutinised the more unjustifiable it appears.

Covid-19 and charities: the thorny path to recovery

Westminster is crucial to supporting the charity sector (Photo by Deniz Fuchidzhiev on Unsplash)

9 Sep 2020

NICVA’s latest Covid-19 Impact Survey shows the immense impact of the pandemic on the local third sector and its ability to deliver services. Significant statutory help is needed. It won’t be provided without making a good case.

Restoring our woods: the mind boggling challenge ahead

4 Sep 2020

Climate scientists and governments across the globe agree that key to tackling climate change is planting more trees.

Lockdown babies: how Covid-19 has impacted infants and their parents

2 Sep 2020

Today’s babies and infants are having a peculiar – and challenging – start to their lives. It has affected their behaviour, wellbeing and likely their development. They and their parents need more support.

Fund raising: brilliant innovation in the face of adversity

28 Aug 2020

The many charities who rely on corporate and individual donations and charity shops for much of their revenue were left reeling when Covid-19 hit.

The fallout from Covid-19 will squeeze communities in a time of need

25 Aug 2020

It is unsurprising – but still disappointing – that the pandemic could force the work done by charities shrink while demand for that work rises.

The economy, the doughnut, and the myth of eternal growth

21 Aug 2020

One of government’s most pressing concerns is to get life back to normal. Critical to that is returning the economy to growth.

Is Northern Ireland ready to go back to school?

17 Aug 2020

The local R number is above one, which is a potential disaster given schools are supposed to open their doors in a week or two. Renewed restrictions elsewhere could be needed.

End the dithering: time to fix social care

14 Aug 2020

When the history of the pandemic comes to be written the most disturbing chapter of all will be devoted to the plight of the old and the vulnerable.

Education relies on pupils’ mental health

11 Aug 2020

Local children will soon be back at school. Catching up on education is vital – but so is pupils’ mental health. Scope looks at a new report from Barnardo’s NI that gathered evidence from teachers and other education staff.

The impact of COVID-19 and educational attainment in NI

7 Aug 2020

Sean McKay, former Director of Audit at the NI Audit Office argues that the status quo is not an option for our education system when schools return.

The economy: the long, hard road ahead