The Minister also congratulated the Nerve Centre for its pioneering work with CCEA and the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission in developing and piloting the new AS level qualification in Moving Image Arts.

"It is clear that digital technologies will play an increasingly important role in education in the future and praise must go to the Nerve Centre for its ground breaking work in this area, which has seen Northern Ireland offering the UK's first on-line examination in June this year," he said.

"The introduction of the new Moving Image Arts qualifications will provide a stepping stone into the creative industries for young people throughout Northern Ireland."

Education Minister, Barry Gardiner, last week praised the work of the Nerve Centre as one of most innovative multimedia centres in the British Isles.

Speaking during his visit to the Centre, where the Minister was shown how digital technologies and interactive resources can help stimulate creativity in the classroom, he said:

"I am most impressed by the range of facilities on offer here at the Nerve Centre and fascinated to see how the new opportunities of the digital age are helping to enhance the learning experience for many pupils. I welcome the valuable work the Centre is doing to help young people recognise and develop their creative talents."