Autumn 2014 Integratededucation “Laugh Together, Learn Together” - Belfast Culture Night 2014

Well we had a fantastic night at Culture Night Belfast! Did you?

It was a vibrant and busy evening which really showcased the best of Belfast. People of all ages and backgrounds mixed together to laugh and have a great time! Integrated Education is playing its part in leading the way in ‘laughing and learning together’, taking children on a journey through the past and to the future, where laughing and learning together is the norm.

Our event followed the journey of the Pied The entire evening had a fantastic and Paper through the streets, visiting a total of lively atmosphere, with our receptive four locations, starting from Writer’s audience being excited and engaged by the In This Issue... Square. Our cats involved everyone in the drama. The aim of the event was to Belfast Culture Night educate children together, and this was an fun, parents and children alike, playing ‘Shaping the traditional street games and learning opportunity to do that in a fun way. Process’- PPInt together. Our actors then performed an extract from ‘Sunnyside’. The event was Conference A special thank you to the Nitty Gritty closed by Hazelwood IPS’ wonderful choir GCSE and A Level integrated drama group, Andrea Grimason performing two songs, as our balloons were Results and Gerry Jones. Additional special thanks released. All of this made for a fantastic go to the schools involved: Hazelwood IPS School News from evening. Across N.I… Continued on Page 2

Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education www.nicie.org https://www.facebook.com/niciebelfast 25 College Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6BS Tel. 02890 972910 Fax. 02890 972919 [email protected] https://twitter.com/niciebelfast

“Laugh Together, Learn Together” - Belfast Culture Night 2014

and their choir, former pupils from Erne Integrated College and New-Bridge Integrated College, and sixth formers from Ulidia Integrated College for helping with the running of the event, including the banner and balloons. Well done to Brownlow Integrated College’s Samba drummers in the main parade. Also, thanks to the Culture Night staff who helped out on the night at different locations. It was also the first outing for the new NICIE banner and our thanks to BELTIE and the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) for their generous funding towards the banner. Thank you all for a wonderful time; we couldn’t have done it without you.

Here’s to next year! - Jess Frith

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“SHAPING THE PROCESS”: A NICIE conference report.

Tuesday 17th June saw the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) holding a conference on “Positive Partnerships for Integration (PPInt)” and “Achieving a balanced intake: Admissions Criteria” in the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim. The conference was attended by principals and governors of integrated schools, NICIE directors and associates, members of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), the Department of Education and the Centre for Shared Education at Queen’s University. Noreen Campbell, CEO of NICIE gave the introductory speech to the audience. In her speech she said that the pace of transformation of schools in Peter McCreadie then spoke, describing “where Northern Ireland had slowed and yet surveys show NICIE is at the moment”. He said: “NICIE are in the vast majority of parents would like to see their listening mode. Integrated education needs to grow. children educated in an integrated environment. We need to reach out to the whole community and Noreen pointed out that the one place change has seek to empower young people. We want to gain not occurred in recent years is in the “political understanding from parents, pupils and participants sphere… politicians are wedded to tribal politics”. here.” Economics also plays a part as schools are not A short presentation from Colm Davis, the principal developing the necessary technological skills for of Tor Bank School in Dundonald was shown to the today’s economy; yet society in Northern Ireland audience and he described how the school was today is much more secular and “mixed” than it was linking up with other schools in the area and was 40 years ago. looking for ways that schools could support each Noreen described PPInt as a model of education other and learn from each other. that is evolving, promotes change, and is a model for He said he was extremely interested in how PPInt respectful dialogue in schools – it is a fledgling policy could be used to further the goals of the Integrated that is now being “road tested” in an attempt to Education movement in Northern Ireland. engender more co-operation among people from Numerous aspects of PPInt were discussed during various backgrounds. the conference such as incentives to enable schools She concluded: “Our children are entitled to the to join, the idea of a “Kitemark” type award for experience of being educated together. PPInt is one schools that have not attained true integration for way of making this happen.” whatever reason but are on Continued on Page 4

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“SHAPING THE PROCESS”: A NICIE conference report. the way to becoming one, or as close to one as they could possibly be, given the realities of division in Northern Ireland. A group discussion session followed; attendees were asked their thoughts on what would be needed to help schools utilise the PPInt approach and their thoughts on such an approach. In the afternoon session, Eileen Lenehan, a past Hazelwood IC Principal, talked about how to achieve a balanced intake in post-primary colleges. She said: “All ability education has met an impasse discussion: but people are now thinking in a different way.” All integrated schools are different because they “We’re falling down the list. People send their reflect the unique context and times of when and children to integrated primary schools and they think why they were founded they’ve done their bit. They then send their children Integrated Colleges are all ability intakes. Many to grammar schools for a ‘better education and Integrated colleges already use a mixture of banding career’. and/or streaming. “Our schools were set up to solve the very essence Whilst there was honest and frank exchange of of what’s wrong in this country – sectarianism.” views, conference agreed it was a good thing that Three schools are exploring how their admissions Positive Partnerships for Integration was being criteria might be amended to allow the schools to piloted. achieve a balanced all ability intake. A full conference report is available at www.nicie.org

The following points were also raised during - Bernie Kells and Bob Malcolm The Inquiry into Shared and Integrated Education by OFMDFM NICIE is preparing a submission for the above enquiry which closes on 25th October.

This is an important occasion to influence the roll-out of Shared Education and more importantly, to demonstrate how integrated education must be a central part of future educational policy. Schools are encouraged to submit their own responses to this important enquiry. NICIE has secured the attendance of the Education Committee at a youth parliament for all integrated schools and colleges on December 3rd at the Long Gallery, Stormont. This will be a key opportunity for MLAs to hear first hand the views of young people about the importance of integrated education.

For more information about how to involve your students at this event, contact Cliodhna Scott-Wills at NICIE at [email protected]. Integrated Education Autumn 2014 4

Deepest Sympathies August NICIE staff deeply regret the death of NASUWT policy worker, Karen Sims, who Training developed a strong relationship with NICIE through the Civic Voices initiative and served on various forums with NICIE staff. Karen will always be remembered for In August NICIE ran several her strong commitment to integrated education and passion for justice and human training sessions, along with new committee meetings. rights. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. History HoDs and RE co- ordinators and HoDs met to look at developing NICIE Committees Information committees – further details will follow.

SENCO Committee Classroom Assistant Training: The Second AIM (Achieve, The first meeting of the new school year for the SENCOs took place in Cranmore Inspire, and Motivate) training took place in Lagan IC on th IPS on Wednesday 17 September. This meeting looked at themes for the coming Tuesday 26th August. CAs year and Matt Kirkham gave a report back on the Post Primary Classroom from Blackwater IC, Lagan IC, Millennium IPS, Priory IC, Assistants training in Lagan IC in August (please see article below). A major theme Shimna IC & Strangford IC came together for the day. discussed revolved around creating a multi-agency approach to Special Education The main focus was Autism Needs. It is hoped this will form the agenda for the meeting in January and I would with input from Middletown Centre for Autism. A report really appreciate it if you would forward any contacts on to me. on the day will be circulated to all schools in the next few We also would like to move the meetings around schools in order to facilitate as weeks. many people as possible attending the meetings, so please let me know if your school would be willing to host a session. We have structured the meeting so that Teachers New to Integration: the first hour is an in house discussion and sharing of good practice. In the second Teachers, new to integration, hour a presentation or workshop on a theme will be given – either by an external from several schools came together for the day on speaker or a teacher from the committee. Thursday 28th August to explore what it means to Date, theme and venue for the next meeting is below: teach in an integrated school. Tuesday 19th November 2014 1.30pm – 3.30pm This day was led by two NICIE Associates, Beth Cedar IPS (Crossgar) McGrath and Robert Lee and they led the group in various Presentation: discussions and activities. It Educational Inclusion for Young People aged (8-20) with an Autism Spectrum is hoped a further day will be held in term two and we Disorder – Parents’ Education as Autism Therapists (PEAT) would encourage other teachers new to integration to

join us for that.

Peer Mediation: Fairhill PS took part in whole school training for Peer Mediation.

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Teacher’s Committee The first meeting of the new school year for Teacher’s Committee took place on Tuesday 16th September in Round Tower IPS. At this meeting we looked at the themes for future meetings. Along with preparing for International Integrated Education Week 2015, the Committee will also explore various themes from teaching controversial issues to Forgiveness Education.

We were sad to say farewell to Kirsty Millar, Glencraig IPS, who stepped down as Chair and also as her school’s rep. We thank her for all her hard work and commitment to the committee over the past number of years.

It was agreed that, in an endeavour to give as many teachers the opportunity to participate in meetings, we would move the venue round various schools. Please let me know if your school would like to host a meeting. We have structured the meeting so that the first hour is an in-house discussion and sharing of good practice. In the second hour a presentation or workshop on a theme will be given – either by an external speaker or a teacher from the committee. Dates and themes for the next two meetings are below, venues will be confirmed: Thursday 27th November 2014 1.30pm- 3.30pm Mindfulness in education Niamh Haughton Tuesday 20th January 2015 1.30pm – 3.30pm Forgiveness Education Robert Enright Cliodhna Scott-Wills [email protected]

Vice Principals Forum

The first meeting of the new school year for the VP Forum took place in New-Bridge IC on Friday 12th September. There was a lively discussion around the areas of interest with Monitoring and Evaluation identified for the November meeting. If you have any contacts in the area of good practice for this theme please forward them on to me. Themes for other meetings were identified as PRSD, Review of qualifications at post-primary and Newcomer children.

There was also a lively workshop led by Pete Harvey on a programme entitled R Time – the VPs especially enjoyed the sweets given as reward.

We also would like to move the meetings around schools in order to facilitate as many people as possible attending the meetings, so please let me know if your school would be willing to host a session. Date, theme and venue for the next meeting is below: Thursday 13th November 2014 10.30am – 2.30pm Ulidia IC – Carrickfergus Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking pupils and where to next

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Supplement on Integrated Education inside

The Irish News and News Letter

Supplement on Integrated Education inside The Irish News and News Letter on Tuesday 18 November 2014 and Farm Week on 20 November 2014

Please Note: Change of date

Please note that the Irish News Supplement on Integrated Education will now be published on Tuesday 18 November, 2014 (Farm Week on 20 November 2014).

Please note the change of date.

Our supplement is being produced by The Irish News and will have a much larger distribution as it is being circulated inside both the Irish News and the News Letter on Tuesday, 18 November 2014, as well as in Farm Week on 20 November 2014.

Irish News circulation: 40,842 copies (daily) News Letter circulation: 20,755 copies (daily) Farm Week circulation: 9,351 copies (weekly)

We are hoping that as many of our integrated schools as possible will choose to advertise in this. We would like to make you aware that this is the only advertising project that NICIE is endorsing and we are keen to have as many of our integrated schools as possible advertising in this. We are hoping that there will once again be a number of free copies for those advertising.

We would encourage you to support this venture by placing an advertisement. The Irish News team will be in touch with you to book your slot and place your advertisement. However, if you wish to contact them to book your slot before that, please contact Colette Donnelly at The Irish News on 028 9033 7462 or via email to [email protected]

NICIE will be responsible for gathering the editorial content.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the Integrated Education movement to advertise and promote our schools together and to highlight the benefits of an educational environment that is genuinely integrated. The supplement will include editorial articles on integration developed by NICIE as well as articles from around the schools.

We will also welcome any interesting items which you would like us to consider for inclusion as one of the editorial pieces. Your thoughts, feedback or ideas would be most welcome.

If you have any queries regarding this, or would like some further information from us, please don’t hesitate to contact either Louise McIvor via email [email protected] or Denise Morgan, Development Officer via email [email protected]. Alternatively you can telephone us at the NICIE offices on (028) 9097 2910.

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An Education for all in the heart of Mallusk

Three schools currently have development proposals for transformation to integrated status. If successful this would see a further increase in enrolments within the integrated family from September 2015. One of the schools, Clintyclay in Co. Armagh is the first Catholic maintained school ever to progress through the transformation legislation. A positive decision by the Minister therefore would be hugely significant and would dispel the myth that transformation is for controlled schools only. Steering groups in the other schools Loughries PS, in Newtownards and Mallusk PS have been working hard to secure new enrolments, reflecting in many cases approaches and strategies these local polls is that parents wish their children previously employed within GMI projects. In to be educated together and the Minister of addition the use of local polling, supported by IEF, Education, under his duty to ‘encourage and to assess the level of community interest is an facilitate’ integrated education must be made to important element within all of the development take these polls into consideration when making proposals. The consistent message coming from his decision.

We wish all of these schools much success in their journey to integration.

Shared and Integrated Education Survey

Parenting NI would like to invite you to take part in a If you have questions about the survey or the short survey about Shared and Integrated Education in procedures, please contact Nicola McKeown at 028 Northern Ireland. 90310891 or by email [email protected] Thank you It is very important for us to hear your opinions - very much for your time and support. feedback from this survey will form part of Parenting NI’s This survey will close at 5pm on Friday 10 October 2014. presentation to the Shared Education Inquiry as part of To start the survey, please visit: the work of the Education Committee in NI. The survey contains 10 questions along with some basic http://parentsurveysharededucation2014.questionpro.com details about yourself – it should take about 15 minutes to complete. Your participation is anonymous - we will not ask for your name or contact details. The survey is also completely voluntary - so if you feel uncomfortable answering any questions, you can skip to the next one or you can withdraw from the survey at any point.

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School News... News from Integrated Schools across N.I... NICIE congratulate our Integrated schools on a further year of excellent exam results. Well done!

For more details please visit our website: www.nicie.org

Phoenix IPS takes part in Peace Day

Throughout Phoenix IPS, classes participated in Art and Design projects with the theme of peace in mind. Year 1 worked in pairs to complete beautifully finger painted doves; Year 2 got creative, putting together puzzle 'pieces of peace'; Year 3 made a peaceful people paper chain; Year 4 linked their learning about World War 2 to the art work, creating a beautiful mural depicting peace creating a ray of light through the darkness of war; Year 5 worked on a collaborative canvas illustrating the international symbol for peace, in addition to joining the Year 5, 6 and 7 project, which involved creating a string of origami paper cranes (with personal peace messages written inside) in response to the story of Sadako and the 1000 paper cranes.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to exhibit this artwork in Cookstown's Burnavon theatre, which showcased the efforts of the school beautifully. Year 4-7 even took the opportunity to view the exhibit and consider how the different pieces on show made them feel”

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Glengormley IPS awarded prestigious International School Award

Glengormley Integrated Primary School has been awarded the prestigious advanced level International School Award.

The international School Award (ISA) is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education such as through links with partner schools overseas. The award was presented to the school in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

Glengormley IPS’ international work includes links with schools in Europe and northern America, embedding the sharing of cultures and languages into their curriculum and celebrating diversity.

The ISA assessors praised the school for “embedding internationalism into clearly defined areas of the curriculum and demonstrating its commitments to introducing and maintaining excellent practice across the boards”.

Speaking in the Netwownabbey Times, Principal Nigel Arnold said “I am absolutely delighted for the whole school in receiving the advanced level of international school award. The feedback from the British Council referring to our impact evaluations as “absolutely outstanding” is a credit to our ISA leader, our teaching and non-teaching staff and our wonderful pupils who value the inclusivity and mutual respect across our integrated community.”

The ISA is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Cyprus and Pakistan as part of the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms program. Around 4,000 international school awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999. Integrated Education Autumn 2014 10

Peer Mediation at Cliftonville Integrated PS

Primary Six pupils at Cliftonville Integrated Primary School are being trained as ‘peer mediators’ to help resolve minor playground conflicts that arise. They are currently working through the Peer Mediation Programme, designed by NICIE. The programme is based on the use of interactive methodologies and co- operative learning techniques with relevance to the children’s lives. It is hoped that through the programme there will be a better quality of relations amongst children; a reduction in the level of conflict and better conflict in everyday life. The pupils are thoroughly management of the conflict when it does arise. enjoying the games, role play and group discussions Miss Brenda McMullen, Principal said “We are involved in the programme. I know that it will be delighted to have started the Peer Mediation training extremely beneficial to the children in Cliftonville as it programme with our P6 pupils. We need to equip our helps to maintain the school’s harmonious children with the skills necessary to deal with minor atmosphere.”

Enniskillen IPS Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Congratulations to Enniskillen IPS, who are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year! Pictured are Mrs Cathy Burns and Mrs Una O’Donnell, who are the original two teachers who started in Enniskillen Integrated Primary,

way back on 1st September, 1989.

What a wonderful achievement!

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Oakwood IPS pupils bust hunger for the world’s poor

Hundreds of school children are being given the chance to help tackle hunger in the world’s poorest countries by creating virtual farms in their classrooms.

International development organisation, Concern Worldwide, is asking primary schools across Northern Ireland to hold a Big Farm Hunger Bust. It’s an opportunity to raise money to buy seeds, fruit trees and

animals, and provide food and livelihoods Busting hunger this autumn: Lisburn pupils Lucia for families in extreme poverty. Schools can Hassard (5) and brother Jack (8) from Oakwood buy anything from piglets to donkeys, and Integrated Primary in Derriaghy at the launch of the more money they raise, the bigger their Concern Worldwide’s Big Farm Hunger Bust. It’s farms will grow. hoped that thousands of primary school children will take part in the fun initiative to create a virtual “Farms are fun! And farming can help tackle farm in the classroom while raising money to hunger in the world’s poorest countries”, provide seeds, fruit trees and animals for families said Sarah Matzen of Concern. living in extreme poverty. (Photo: Mark Marlow) “This is a great opportunity for school children in the UK to do something to fight malnutrition and help people lift themselves out of poverty.”

With curriculum based resources, students can learn about good nutrition, and discover more about little-known veggies, like cassava – all through suggested activities and lesson plans.

Pupils can raise money through a sponsored nature walk or by giving up their favourite treats for a week. And what’s more, all donations to Concern made before 14th December will be doubled by the UK government. That’s extra good for all those hunger-busting efforts!

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Titanic Rediscovered with Hazelwood IPS

The drawing rooms at Titanic were the venue for the launch of ‘Titanic Science’ – a teaching resource which investigates the science of the Titanic story. This project was led by Hazelwood Primary’s Jim McDaid who developed the resources with funding from the Primary Science Teaching Trust. Over the past year a committed group of teachers have worked together to develop this resource – it is innovative and practical. The Department of Education and the Education and Library Boards have shown great interest in the potential of this project. Plans are afoot to develop and distribute it widely. In tandem with this a teacher training programme will soon be rolled out. Hazelwood is very proud to be part of the creation of this wonderful resource – the fascinating story of the Titanic will be told in all schools across the United Kingdom and we will still maintain, “it was alright when it left here”.

Ulidia IC stages Green Day

Ulidia IC recently staged a Green Day, with the aim of the day being to promote environmental awareness at local, national, and global scales. During the day students took part in a range of activities including a beach clean, litter picking, de weeding, planting, NI bag campaign, Fair trade. As well as these activities students were visited by outside speakers from Eco Schools, ISL, and Ikea. During the day students developed their communication, and their mathematic skills. The range of activities also incorporated RE, Geography, Technology, Art, and PE topics. The students and staff alike enjoyed the day – especially the ‘funky welly’ competition and green dress up! During the summer holidays the web site will be updated with the podcasts that the groups created to advertise fair trade produces – so keep checking in to hear them!

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Malone College Success at Charles Hurst Apprenticeship competition

In June 2014 Malone College students were crowned champions of the ‘apprenticeship’ competition organised by Charles Hurst and ‘Business in the Community’. The competition was for Year 12 and Post 16 students from schools in Belfast and four Year 12 student, Ryan Hughes, Dan Betts, Darren Hamilton and Cody Kennedy, represented Malone College. The students defeated 6th form students from Methody, BRA and Hazelwood in the final of the competition to win the coveted prize and make £250 for the school. The competition included a number of challenges. Initially students had to gain entry to the Charles Hurst Apprentice through a PowerPoint After the four challenges Malone College were presentation explaining why Malone College should be named winners of the competition. Cody Kennedy was chosen to take part in the competition. The students then chosen as the outstanding representative of the had to pitch for a car before members of the Charles Hurst competition and gained a paid work placement in Charles board and staff before being awarded a 2005 Jeep Hurst’s prestigious Ferrari dealership for the summer. Cherokee. The students worked with mechanics and Congratulations to the students who displayed superb suppliers to prepare their car for auction before going to entrepreneurial skills throughout the competition and were Wilson's Auctions to advertise and sell their car. a great credit to Malone College.

MAINE IPS NEW BUILD UPDATE

Maine IPS had some fantastic news recently. The boys/girls toilets, planning application for the improvements to the school P7 classroom, buildings has been approved and the Department of staff room and Education has approved the £635,000 budget. The extend the current principal and governors are talking with the contractors to playground into put the timeline together and work is due to begin at the that space. end of October. Add seven new The approved plan consists of the following work: parking spaces Add our own school hall with room to store indoor PE During the equipment as well as lunch tables. There is a brand new Autumn term as fitted kitchen off the hall to serve school meals from. work on the school begins it is possible that there will be Add two brand-new classrooms. temporary inconveniences but the school will be working Add a large flat playground behind the current one which closely with the contractors to minimise disruption, will more than double our space at playtimes. This is a very exciting time for the school and we are very Add a new administration block with proper offices for Mrs proud and grateful to have been selected for such a major McKay and Mr Costelloe along with a staff room, a new investment from the Department of Education. School hygiene room and a dedicated room for small group principal Mr Costelloe said, ‘We are all delighted that the lessons and reading activities. children will soon be getting excellent facilities to match Demolish the current block of buildings that consists of the the excellent education they receive at Maine IPS.’ Integrated Education Autumn 2014 14

NICIE Forthcoming Events

NICIE AGM, Riddel Hall, Stranmillis, Friday 7 November, 5pm

NICIE Seminar ‘Re-imagining our Education System’ Canada Room, QUB, Saturday 8 November, 10am

APTIS AGM, Riddel Hall, Stranmillis, Tuesday 18 November, 9am to 5pm

International Integrated Education Week 2015, the theme will be ‘Horizons’, launch Friday 27 February, main events Monday 2nd—Friday 6 March, 2015

Hold your diaries for the upcoming Student Parliament.

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye Welcome to all the new Principals who took up post in August:

Anthony Bradley Omagh IPS Larraine Coulter Oakgrove IPS Paul Mullan North Coast IC Nick Tomlinson Groarty IPS

We look forward to working with them in their new roles. This then means that we have to say goodbye to four of our principals:

Nigel Cairns Omagh IPS Anne Murray Oakgrove IPS Jim Frizelle North Coast IC Vivyan Thompson Groarty IPS

Nigel has moved on to pastures new, we wish him well in his new venture and thank him for all the work he has done with Omagh IPS in past few years. Anne, Vivyan and Jim have retired. Both Anne and Jim were founding Principals. We thank them all for their vision, leadership and energy.

Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education www.nicie.org https://www.facebook.com/niciebelfast 25 College Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6BS Tel. 02890 972910 Fax. 02890 972919 [email protected] https://twitter.com/niciebelfast Integrated Education Autumn 2014 15