016 92 NOVEMBER AY WEDNESD IntegratedEducation foranintegrated future....

Inside thisedition… w LIAM NEESON TAKEN BY INTEGRATION IN BALLYMENA w AN EYE FOR ACOMMON GOAL WITH DAVID HEALY w STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 35 YEARS w WORLD CHAMPION CARL FRAMPTON DROPS IN ON BRIDGE INTEGRATED PRIMARY 2 INTEGRATED ... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016

Contents... LIAM NEESON TAKEN BY INTEGRATION IN BALLYMENA PAGE 3

AN EYE FOR A COMMON GOAL WITH DAVID HEALY PAGE 6

STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 35 YEARS PAGE 16

WORLD CHAMPION CARL FRAMPTON DROPS IN ON BRIDGE IP PAGE 29 Why choose an integrated school?

hoosing a school can be a very and religiously diverse environment stressful time for families and which is proactively inclusive. children alike, with so much Integrated schools provide an education pressure to make the right for children and young people from all Cchoice. How we judge what makes a backgrounds and communities within “good school”, however, is not a simple under one roof where matter and varies from family to family. they can come together and learn about We might prefer an-all ability school a one another through regular, daily contact. grammar school, a single sex school, If this sounds like something you would a small school, a local school, a well- like to become involved with, then perhaps established school or our old school. it is time to consider one of the 65 We must also, however, consider integrated schools spread across Northern where we feel our children will be best Ireland. Well over 30,000 parents since nurtured and developed to become 1981 have made this choice and have good and active citizens, able to live in not regretted it. Integrated schools are an increasingly challenging and diverse co-educational and are managed by a society. In making this choice, however, local board, made up of people drawn how much weight do you, as a parent or from all sections of society, representing Well over 30,000 guardian, place on whether the school not only the two main traditions, but also parents since 1981 you are considering is a place where reflecting the diversity of our communities. young people are happy, secure, feel Enrolment reflects this mix, our colleges have made this included and accepted. You will reflect are all ability and exam results are on the type of school where your child excellent, regularly exceeding the non- choice and have not will have a good experience of a high grammar average at GCSE. So why not quality education. You may also wish for help create our shared and better future regretted it your child to be educated in a culturally by giving integration a try?

Northern Ireland’s Integrated Primary Schools and Colleges

INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTEGRATED COLLEGES

Acorn IPS* — 028 9336 0115 Kilbroney IPS —028 4173 8491 Blackwater IC - 028 4461 2115 All Children’s IPS* — 028 4372 2098 Killyleagh CIPS – 028 4482 8522 Brownlow CIC - 028 3834 2121 Annsborough IPS* — 028 4377 8630 Kircubbin IPS — 028 4273 8491 Crumlin CIC - 028 9445 2497 Ballycastle IPS* — 028 2076 2496 Loughries CIPS –028 9181 7528 Drumragh IC - 028 8225 2440 Ballymoney IPS+ — 028 2766 2340 Lough View IPS* — 028 9040 1347 Erne IC - 028 6632 5996 Bangor Central IPS — 028 9146 0513 Maine IPS* — 028 9447 8766 Braidside IPS* — 028 2564 7899 Mallusk CIPS – 028 9034 2038 Fort Hill CIC - 028 9267 5007 Bridge IPS — 028 4066 2055 Mill Strand IPS* — 028 7082 3090 Hazelwood IC - 028 9077 4202 Carhill IPS — 028 2955 8635 Millennium IPS* — 028 9081 3688 IC Dungannon - 028 8772 4401 Carnlough IPS — 028 2888 5272 Oakgrove IPS* — 028 7134 9644 Lagan IC - 028 9040 1810 Cedar IPS* — 028 4483 0009 Oakwood IPS* — 028 9030 9920 Malone IC - 028 9038 1988 Cliftonville IPS* — 028 9035 1638 Omagh IPS* — 028 8224 2008 New-Bridge IC - 028 4062 5010 Corran IPS* — 028 2827 3455 Phoenix IPS — 028 8675 7096 Cranmore IPS* — 028 9066 4410 Portadown IPS* — 028 3835 0754 North Coast IC - 028 7032 9026 Crumlin CIPS — 028 9442 2357 Portaferry IPS* — 028 4272 8523 Oakgrove IC - 028 7186 0443 Drumlins IPS — 028 9756 3755 Roe Valley IPS — 028 7776 8695 Parkhall CIC - 028 9446 2963 Enniskillen IPS* — 028 6632 6799 Round Tower IPS* — 028 9446 8672 Priory CIC - 028 9042 3481 Forge IPS* — 028 9049 2177 Rowandale IPS — 028 9261 3946 Find out more... Shimna IC - 028 4372 6107 visit www.nicie.org or follow NICIE on Facebook Fort Hill IPS* — 028 9266 4505 Saints and Scholars IPS*— 028 3751 0113 and Twitter Slemish IC - 028 2563 0156 Glencraig IPS* — 028 9042 4510 Six Mile IPS — 028 9446 3979 Sperrin IC - 028 7963 4177 Glengormley IPS*— 028 9083 2786 Spires IPS — 028 7963 1014 PRODUCTION: The Irish News Strangford IC - 028 9186 1199 PRINTING: Interpress NI Limited Groarty IPS — 028 7126 7889 Windmill IPS* — 028 8772 7277 Hazelwood IPS* — 028 9077 0421 * designates pre-school provision + primary school with conditional approval Ulidia IC - 028 9335 8500 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 ... 3 Liam Neeson Taken by integration in Ballymena tudents in w LEFT: Slemish had the lesson of alifetime College marktheir 20th when Liam Neeson came to birthdaycelebrations with avisit from Liam help launch the College’s20th Neeson Sbirthdaycelebrations earlier this year. w RIGHT: Liam tells A2 The Taken star has long established links Media Studies studennts with the College, when along with Sir about his role asO skar Kenneth Branagh and The Dali Lama, Liam Schindler andw hat it sent amessage of encouragement and felt liketooarriveonset outsside Auschwitz best wishes for the school’sopening in concentration camp 1996. Later in 2002, Liam presented the founding Principal Dr RobertJennings with the Pearson Award for UK Head Teacher of the Year at The Theatre RoyalinLondon’s DruryLane. An enthusiastic supporter of Integrated Ballymena woman, Iadmire all he is doing working on Music Videos before visiting “Liam wasamazing,hechatted about films Education, Liam accepted the invitation to promote our town and highlight the need the ArtDepartment where he again offered like Schindler’sList anddirectorslikeSteven from Senior Teacher Grace Anderson who for supportfor our local commerce and words of praise and encouragement for the Spielberg but he revealed things about the described herself as ‘the eternal optimist’. industries. Ballymena people are highly students. The visit concluded with tea and role that you would never even think about, Speaking about it, Grace said: “I wanted to do motivated with aplethora of skills and our aslice of birthdaycakebaked by College likehow cold it wasatAuswitch or how hard something special for our students to enable young people need to see theyhavemuch to SecretaryLinzi McGaugheywhich washad it wastofilm in the location where so many them to see how significant our 20th birthday aspire to.” been crafted to be an exact replica of the horrific things had happened. There wasa really is. Our school opened with eighty-four Liam certainly didn’tdisappoint and stayed College. The Head Boyand GirlConnor kindness and an interest in us that Iwouldn’t pupils and todaywehavealmost 800 children for almost 2hours, during which he enjoyed Lunnun and Abigail Fletcher along with the have expected from someone so famous. He from all backgrounds, learning together with a poignant drama performances by GCSE A2 Media Class had the once-in-a-lifetime wasreally funnytoo, describing how he had world class education as the glue that keeps and ALevel students, praising their efforts opportunity of joining Liam for tea and to use his imagination when talking to tennis us together.Liam wasthe natural choice; and saying he wasproud of what they Connor commented on his relaxed, friendly balls on sticks when acting as Qui-Gon Jinn as aMedia Teacher,Ilove his films but as a achieved. Liam then met AS Media students manner: in Star Wars.” 4 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016

Toni Wilkinson and AndrewChristie of Hazelwood Integrated Primary School It has been an incredible journey for It takes time to see the real impact of education.

It’snow been afull ten yearssince Ileft Lagan College, the first integrated school, Adam McGibbon went to Lagan College Awelcoming, caring, and Ifeel that everyyear,Isee its impact 1999-2006. He lives in London and on me more clearly. works as acampaign manager fortrade My parents were committed to the concept unions, political parties and charities, child-centred school of integration, and had my name down and as an elections and campaign for Lagan since birth. Theywere keen to consultant azelwood wasthe first The Nurseryhas afantastic outdoor play present an illusion of choice when it came Integrated Primaryand facility with acovered area ensuring the to picking my post-primaryschool, but as it of integrated education, and about Lagan. NurserySchool in Northern children are outside everyday. happened, Iwanted to go to Lagan anyway. Manyofmyold classmates carry with Hazelwood Integrated Primaryand Nursery It’sbeen an incredible journeyfor Lagan – them aquiet but fierce pride in the school, Ireland and last year they School has wrap around care with a the remarkable storyofaground-breaking and in the integrated concept in general. I H celebrated their 30th anniversary. Breakfast Club and aHomeworkClub. The school started not by the state, but by feel the same. I’m luckytohavebeen in a children are offered an exciting range of brave parents who risked everything to have position to receive an integrated education, Theyfeel the outdoor learning environment after school activities. their kids educated alongside those from a and Ifeel that the values Ilearnt there is veryimportant for children. The school The school maintains astrong pastoral different community background. Northern have helped shape me. Particularly from has Forest School status and this offers care team to ensure the welfare of their Ireland can sometimes makecommon my politics teacher,Fergal McGuckin, who manywonderful educational opportunities. children. This includes anurture room sense seem radical. What the foundersof set me on apath that would lead to a This is supported by the Woodland Trust and parent education and supportgroups. Lagan did, afull 18 yearsbefore Iset foot career in politics and activism. and NorthernIreland Forest School Theyalso have an active PTAorganising there, wasradical and courageous. We owe We need to turnthat quiet pride we carry Association (NIFSA). fund raising and social events for the alot to them. into forceful action, and push our reluctant There is amarvellous adventure school. The children are also represented Having acareer in politics, and therefore politicians to be bolder,and move towards playground, alarge gardening area, through their Student Council. All of these thinking about politics everyday,makes afuture where more of our children are engaging playgrounds and afield suitable to supportour children to meet their full you think sociologically about the impact educated in integrated schools. for games such as football. potential. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 5

A creative education for the modern child Celebrating diversity at Cranmore IPS ranmore Integrated Primary Cranmore IPS recently celebrated Cultural Diversity and Inclusion week. School is situated Cranmore IPS is a planned integrated school on Finaghy Road where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is North and attracts promoted formally and informally every day. Cchildren from a wide and The Principal, Mr William Doherty said: varied catchment. “This is a very important week in our school calendar and it provides us with an It is now in its twenty-fourth year opportunity to renew our commitment to an and was deemed a ‘very good’ ethos which is fully integrated and built on school by the ETI in its last tolerance and respect.” inspection. Throughout the week pupils and staff have The school Principal Mr participated in a wide range of activities Doherty feels that that the which have been engaging, colourful and ‘Cranmore Way’ promotes at times a little bit noisy. The week began academic excellence in a warm with a workshop celebrating the culture of inclusive atmosphere. Children the Chinese community. Pupils were taught are encouraged to try new some Mandarin and looked at why Chinese experiences, to explore their own communities have emigrated across the cultures and those of others world. They also explored the rich and thus preparing them as the colourful Chinese traditions and the meaning future citizens in a transforming behind these. Pupils were able to listen to Northern Ireland. the beat of a Lambeg drum and the stirring The Outdoor Learning Area, primary school and prides itself religious or cultural background. spun into a truly amazing place tune of the bagpipes. The Ulster Scots Agency Extended Schools programme on the warm and welcoming The Board of Governors have full of happiness, hope and provided living history lessons with historical and extra curricular activities environment for both children lodged a Development Proposal peace.’ characters from Ireland’s past. help the children to develop and parents. It is situated in to replace the existing pre-school The school looks forward to Diversity in sport and games was also their own talents. The school a new, modern purpose built playgroup with a nursery unit. welcoming prospective parents acknowledged and shared in sessions on aims to provide a safe, happy accommodation and is staffed The experience which this to our Open Day on Saturday 10 Highland Dancing, Soccer and Gaelic. In all it was a very positive week allowing and secure environment in by a dedicated and highly trained progressive school gives to December 2016 from 10:00am children to learn, explore and share together. which children feel comfortable team. pupils is best summed up by until 12:00 noon. The skills of co-operation and teamwork were to develop their unique The inclusive ethos of the pre- the recent comment of a P7 to the fore which these young people can personalities and abilities. school ensures that children have pupil: ‘Cranmore Integrated For further details please call continue to build on and extend both in their Cranmore Integrated Pre- opportunities to learn and play Primary and Pre-school is a safe the school on 90664410 or time in Cranmore and in years to come. school is an integral part of the together irrespective of social, haven, come here and you are visit www.cranmoreips.co.uk. 6 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 Killyleagh sets anew goal ome veryspecial guests visited Morgan of the NorthernIreland Council Killyleagh recently to officially for Integrated Education (NICIE),Sharon Sopen anew integrated school. O’Connor,Chair of the and Neil McGivern(EA). The visitorsenjoyed Killyleagh PrimarySchool has taken the aperformance by the school choir after the step of becoming integrated and former ribbon-cutting. NI international and record goal-scorer Commenting on his returntohis old primary David Healy cut the ribbon to markthe new school, David Healy said: “Killyleagh beginning. Primaryhas happymemories for me and Principal Jason Milligan, pupils, staff and alwaysplayed an important role in local life. governorswelcomed David Healy and It’sgreat to see it developing as Killyleagh Kircubbin IPS promotes Baroness MayBlood of the Integrated Integrated Primary–aschool to welcome Education Fund (IEF) along with Denise and cherish all sections of the community.” strong values... As an integrated school arange of sports, arts and Kircubbin Integrated Primary foreign language clubs on School is committed to the each dayofthe week. education of children in an Theyliketolook out for each Kellie Armstrong MLA’s open, accepting and secure other in school and are very daughter Sophia attended environment where each proud of their ‘Buddy Club’ Kircubbin Integrated Primary child is valued for her or that runs everybreak-time. School and is now in year 10 in Strangford Integrated himself regardless of culture Children from Primary7take College. Kellie said: or religion. responsibility for organising games in the playground “I never imagined just how Theyaim to provide abroad for the younger children in much my family has gained and balanced curriculum the school. Children from from sending Sophia to and to develop each child to Primary6and 7alsotake integrated schools. the utmost of his/her ability partin‘Buddy Reading’ with “I am delighted that Sophia in ahappy, stimulating and the Primary1,2and 3pupils and my wholefamily have challenging environment. everymonth. It’sgreat to learn been enriched by the experience’. The school considersextra- together! “I am so proud of Sophia curricular activities to form Last year all of their 29 and her classmates who avaluable dimension to a Primary7pupils were areteachingall their child’seducation. Pupils are accepted to their first choice parents about respect, given manyopportunities to post-primaryschool. A inclusion and diversity.” participate in activities with remarkable achievement!

8 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 IbelieveIcan make Sporting success in Glengormley lengormleyIntegrated Primary adifference... School has continued to develop their cross-community approach Iattended Oakgrove Integrated College. towards curricular and extra- Ifound that Integrated Education prepared Gcurricular sports since its transformation me for life outside of the education system. to Integrated status in 2003. Oakgrove Integrated College is an all ability integrated school where people from all Previously as asmaller school, the challenge races and backgrounds learnand grow to compete at ahigh level, due to lower together. numbersofpupils in the school proved strength to strength. Ifound that when Iwent into the working difficult, but as the school has grown in size, P6/7 girls have also come together to world, Iwas better prepared. As aresult of the capacity to train and select the best formanetball team, playing friendlies Integrated Education, Ihavefriends from standards of playersboth on and off the against Whitehouse PS and Glenann PS. all different backgrounds: Quakers, Baha’i, field has allowed the school to gain greater To watch talent in action theywent to see Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Protestant, Presbyteri- the WorldNetball Championships in the success in these sports as well as continue an and Catholic and Irespect everyone no Aaron McElhinney,past pupil profile to focus on the additional benefits of all Antrim Forumand have also taken partin matter,race or creed. team sports. Newtownabbeyand Antrim Council Primary My background is computing but after uni- Oakgrove Integrated College Thanks to the IFAsupportand their own School Tournament. The girls have also versity Idecided to change career and move verytalented teacher-manager and coach, benefited from outside coaching from into financial advice. In September 2016, I Education. Ipreviously sat on the Board of GlengormleyIPS has had averysuccessful Netball Community Coaches. This year we bought Paul O’Keefe Financial Advisorsafter GovernorsofOakgrove Integrated College football team for the past number of will be working on key skills, playing some 11 yearsworking in the business. Ihave for four years. Up until recently,Iwasalso a years. In April 2016 we won the South matches and generally having fun. Future responsibility for all compliance and busi- non-Executive Director on the Board of Ilex East Antrim and Carrick District football friendly matches are in the pipeline! ness reporting.In2012, Iwon the Award Urban Regeneration Company. Idecided to tournament. Following curricular supportfromthe for Outstanding Professional Service at the get involved in Oakgrove and Ilex because We have also won the Integrated Cup for GAA and the appointment of some new Derry-Londonderry Business Awards and of the experiences Ihavehad in life and I the past five yearsinarow. enthusiastic, talented and experienced wasalso shortlisted for the UTV Business believe that Ican makeadifference and The school is veryproud of the factthat teaching staff, the recently established Awards 2012. contribute positively. some of their wonderful footballershave hurling club also made their mark. Ialso have experience with governance and Ihavealso been involved in various other been, over this year,toplayfor Liverpool FC Their first season came to asuccessful risk management on both public and private charity workwith NSPCC, Foyle Hospice, and Swansea FC from the Premier League as end when we were crowned “North Belfast companies. Iamonthe Board of Governors MakeaWish Foundation, McMillan, Young well as representing Club NI. Champions” after seeing off three local of Oakgrove Integrated Primaryschool, Enterprise, Alzheimer’sSociety and Co-Oper- The football club continues to go from schools at the North Belfast Hurling Blitz. appointed by the Foyle Trust for Integrated ation Ireland. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 9 Chair of AlumNI optimistic for the future of integration Treasa Harkin, Chair of the Integrated AlumNI and former pupil of the Oakgrove integrated schools has spoken of her experiences of attending integrated schools and her hope for their future. “I am so thankful for 14 years of integrated education in Oakgrove Primary and College in Derry/Londonderry. Being surrounded by passionate, tenacious and encouraging teachers who appreciated the individual talents of each student, ensured not only that I reached my potential and came out with strong grades, but helped me realise that education and success goes much further than that.” “I look forward with Treasa is Chair of the network of Integrated Celebrating past pupils of integrated schools AlumNI which has a presence across the UK optimism to the day The Integrated AlumNI mentoring and raising Development Coordinator. with aims of going global. Events range from aspiration. We are busy planning informal catch ups, to visiting integrated when all our schools was formed in 2013 and is a voluntary The Integrated AlumNI has the next Back to School schools (Back to School Roadshows) and value the unique active groups operating in Roadshow for February sharing experiences to help and we hope, network of past pupils Northern Ireland, London, 2017 as well as developing inspire, current students. backgrounds, skills and from integrated schools Edinburgh and Liverpool with a new website, but in the Treasa, who is keen to continue to support talents of every pupil in Northern Ireland. further plans to support the meantime if you would like integrated schools and challenge the status We work together to advance development of more groups to get involved with the quo of segregation in Northern Ireland, and can nurture them integrated education in other parts of the UK and Integrated AlumNI you can added: “I look forward with optimism to the through raising awareness, Ireland. find us on day when all our schools value the unique so that talents are campaigning and fundraising, We have big plans and Facebook for regular updates backgrounds, skills and talents of every maximised.” as well as offering support plenty of ambition for on events www.facebook. pupil and can nurture them so that and encouragement to growing the Integrated com/integratedalumni/ or talents are maximised. current pupils by inspiring, AlumNI. Anna Clarke is our email [email protected] 10 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 What does integration mean to me? Elaine Lennon talks about her experiences of being involved in newly established integrated schools When Imoved to Banbridge in day. Irealised that daythat my Integrated and all ability education 1992, the word integration meant son would be afforded the luxury is awonderful partnership where absolutely nothing to me. As a Ihad experienced growing up. He individual gifts and talents are newlywed, Iwas embarking on an too would grow up in apeaceful embraced and nourished. Achild exciting life in NorthernIreland environment where he wasaccepted who attends an integrated school with my husband. My priorities as aperson in his own right and experiences education beyond were to settle in and seek not judged because of his family the classroom; mutual respect, employment. traditions or religious background. tolerance, exploration of each Iwas educated in the Dominican In 1995, Iwas appointed Principal’s other’sfaiths and traditions are Convent in Dublin. My life revolved secretaryinNew-Bridge Integrated explored and embraced, attributes around my Catholic family and College. The experience became so Iamproud to witness in my son. friends. The truth wasthat everyone much more than ajob. Iwitnessed Friends are simply friends, there are in my community wasCatholic. the newPrincipal, staff, governors no complications! There wasnodivide, there wasno and parents worktirelessly together 25 yearslater,the word integration sectarianism and NorthernIreland as acollege community to meet means everything to me! Iam mayaswell have been amillion the deadline for that historic dayin grateful for my life experience both miles away.Imet my husband in September 1995, when we opened in New-Bridge and in the Banbridge London, another big city but worlds our gates to 79 pupils from all community.Ihavenot experienced apartfromDublin. My newfriends sides of the community. the hurtthat has been inflicted on were British and Irish both north Iknewthat dayIwas partof so manyinNorthernIreland and I and south and my best friend was something veryspecial and know that Iamveryluckythat my from Ghana! important for the future of Northern protected past has not defined my Without giving it much thought Ireland and Iwanted this experience future. Iamalso veryaware that my Iwas living and working in an for my family. son’sfuture has been defined in a integrated environment but one that We were luckytohaveathriving positive waydue to the privilege of had evolved so naturally Ihardly integrated primaryschool in being educated in the integrated realised it. Igavebirth to my son Banbridge which my son attended sector.Mywish is for everychild to in October 1994, amomentous for seven happyyearsprior to experience integrated education and dayinmore ways than one. The transferring to New-Bridge in for abright future for all our young loyalist Paramilitarygroups had September 2006. people in the future of Northern just announced aceasefire that As aparent Ilearned that Ireland. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 11 THE IEF: help us to help grow integration he Integrated Education Fund (IEF) is a charity (registered as NIC104886) working to Tsupport, promote and develop integrated education in Northern Ireland.

Our vision is an education system where all schools welcome pupils of all traditions and backgrounds, of all faiths and none. We know from research that this is the sort of education system most parents in Northern Ireland want for their children. Next year the IEF will celebrate a quarter of a century of helping parents access integrated school places. Since our establishment in 1992, the IEF has invested more than £19 million in integrated education and cross-community initiatives in education throughout Northern Ireland. The Fund supports the establishment of new integrated schools and provides financial security until the government approves the school and steps in to fund it. We also help the expansion of integrated schools to meet demand for places. We work with schools of other management types to develop integration, guiding parents through the journey and offering grants to schools which are becoming integrated through the legal process known as “transformation”. Thanks to generous friends, donors and funding bodies, we also run programmes within schools to promote a united community and a genuinely shared future for Northern Ireland. We have promoted and supported cross- to help schools support newcomer students making a difference and we are massively community projects and activities between and their families. This work has produced “By supporting the grateful to all those supporters over the schools. The PACT (Promoting a Culture good practice guides for both primary and IEF, you are helping to years who have helped us in our work. of Trust) programme ran for 14 years, and post-primary levels available to schools of You, too, can help make a difference. established 250 projects involving 540 any management type. support the integrated By supporting the IEF, you are helping to schools, directly benefiting more than Alongside this, the IEF has a commitment support the integrated schools of today 13,000 children and young people. The to changing the education system and we schools of today and and helping to bring about the integrated TRUST programme was designed to help continually advocate for reform. The Fund schools of tomorrow. You may like to give young people and teachers to strengthen works in the confidence that successive helping to bring about us a donation, or perhaps feel able to local connections, forge links inside surveys, and enrolment figures, show that pledge a monthly sum to the IEF through our and outside their familiar sphere and we are responding to the wishes of parents the integrated schools “Ten Club”. Maybe you would like to know develop further understanding of different in Northern Ireland. of tomorrow.” that you have extended goodwill to future backgrounds and cultures, introducing at Our vision is also supported in legislation: generations of children through a legacy its most advanced level an international Section 64 of the 1989 Education gift. Or, simply by naming us as your chosen dimension to shared activity. Order imposes a statutory duty on the charity, you can direct money our way every The work of the Integrated Education Pupils at integrated schools are encouraged Department of Education in Northern time you shop online through sites such as Fund is entirely dependent on fundraising. to develop their artistic talents and apply Ireland to “encourage and facilitate the www.giveasyoulive.com at no cost to you. Without generous donors, we cannot provide for prizes and bursaries through the Carson development of integrated education” and the support needed by schools, parents and Awards scheme, which reflects and wa re rds this is underlined in the Good Friday/Belfast You can find out more about the different pupils across Northern Ireland who want creative work on the theme of integration. Agreement. We are at the forefront of ways to support the Fund’s work on to experience integrated education. We are We have worked with our colleagues in NICIE campaigning to see this duty fulfilled. www.ief.org.uk/donate

Integrated education opening minds 12 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 Parents lead the way: working together here are 65 integrated schools in Northern TIreland and everyone exists because parents wanted integration for their children.

Integration brings together children of all traditions and backgrounds, and of all faiths and none, to learnbeside and from each other everyday.The growth of integrated education is ademonstration of the power of parents like you across NI. Of those 65 schools, manywere opened, often in temporaryaccommodation, by a group of determined local parents. NICIE and the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) helped and supported them until the government approved the school and began to fund it. But more than athird of integrated schools began life in adifferent sector and developed integration in ajourneyagain driven by parents. This journeywould see their school become a school for the entire local community, welcoming children from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, and those from other different cultures and traditions. This process is officially called “transformation” –and some schools which have transformed to integration are among the fastest growing schools in NorthernIreland. And the good news is that nearly everyschool can do this. An independent surveyin2013, conducted by LucidTalk, showed that amajority of parents -79% -said theywould supporttheir school making the move. However,only aminority of the public know how this can be done. “The process of transformation involves WE DID IT! The process of transformation involves principals and governorsworking with the principals and governorsworking with the Brownlow High School, in Craigavon, supportofthe parents –infact,itcan’t wasthe first school in NorthernIreland happen unless parent power is behind the supportofthe parents –infact, it can’thappen to go through the process officially idea. called “transformation”. It became Your school principal and governorsare unless parent power is behind the idea.” Brownlow Integrated College. Former continually working to develop and improve principal, Errol Lemon, looks back at your school. Parents can call for their school the steps the school took in 1991: to develop by becoming aschool which Integrated education recognises the value of “In more than 30 yearsofteaching, positively works to welcome children and parents and so parental involvement in all helping steer aschool through the young people from all communities and aspects of school life is actively encouraged. transformation to integrated status backgrounds. This development is available Parents can join aparents’ council or the wasthe most satisfying challenge of and achievable, as long as parents likeyou board of governors. my professional life. want it to happen. If your school becomes integrated, the There is plenty of practical and moral NorthernIreland curriculum will still be taught, support, then and now.The IEF offers What does integration mean foraschool? as it is in all schools. Awider range of cultural information and supporttoparents Integrated schools bring together children and and sporting activities maybeavailable. groups working to bring integration to adults from Catholic, Protestant and other Preparation for the Catholic their school, and staff from integrated backgrounds in each classroom, reflecting sacraments will be offered to those who schools will share advice based on the wider community in abalance of pupils, wish it at primaryschool level alongside the their experience. NICIE steersthe teachers, non-teaching staff and governors. Religious Education syllabus that has been school community through the process, Integrated schools offer your child an agreed by the four main churches in Northern training staff and engaging with environment where self-esteem, self-respect Ireland. parents. and respect for othersare priorities. There There will be some thought as to how subjects We hear alot about parental choice is awholehearted commitment to welcoming such as English Literature, Historyand Politics in education, and this change in a and valuing equally people from different are taught, with acommitment to considering school only happens after extensive cultures, genders, abilities and backgrounds. manyperspectives and opening minds. consultation and with the agreement of Integrated education encourages open- The school maychoose to change its the parents. In fact, it’safine example minded attitudes among pupils as well as sign and its badge –this often happens of parents exercising real choice building the confidence and ability to question, with contributions from the wider school and adding value to their children’s observe, listen and makeinformed decisions. community,including parents and pupils. education.”

Integrated education opening minds WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 13 to bring children together in school... THE STEPS TO INTEGRATION There is a series of steps to take if your WE DID IT! school wishes to become integrated, set out by the Department of Education. Cliftonville Integrated Primary School The process is led by the principal and the opened in 2008, having previously governors, but it can’t happen without the been a controlled primary school parents! based in a predominantly Catholic 1. In most cases transformation has begun area of North Belfast. with the principal and governors who The governors felt the school did have decided that they want to take the not reflect the local community school towards integration. However, and wanted to create an inclusive, increasingly, we see parents taking the welcoming environment. lead: if at least 20% of the parents sign Their proposal to become integrated a request asking the school to explore received the wholehearted support of integration, this is presented to the the staff. principal and governors who then move Then the governors focused on the process forward. discussions with parents, making sure 2. There are information sessions and that everyone had a chance to air discussions to involve the whole school their views and become fully informed. community in thinking about and The result was a vote from parents planning the way ahead. Then there is for integration and in the years since a ballot of all parents at the school, run the school has gone from strength by the Electoral Reform Services and to strength, including doubling its completely confidential. enrolment. 3. If the majority of those voting support Principal Brenda McMullan says integration, the school then asks the “The school has developed amazingly. Education Authority and the Department We have governors representing all of Education to be allowed to transform backgrounds and children coming from and become an officially integrated all over North Belfast. school. We not only have children from both It takes about three months for the Catholic and Protestant traditions, Department to process the request and we also have many from inter- announce its decision. denominational families and a large proportion of newcomer children, so As a parent you can: we reflect the increasing diversity of •Start the process – if parents equal life in Northern Ireland. in number to 20% of the children at a Cliftonville is a strong presence in the school sign a petition, the board must local community and our growth go through the process of exploring a shows that there is a demand for change to integration. integration among parents in this •Support the process – there will be a area.” period of consultation and discussion with parents offering an opportunity to share reasons for becoming integrated. HELP IS AVAILABLE Then there will be a ballot of all parents at the school. Every vote counts. The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated •Share the school’s journey to Education (NICIE) has worked with integration – the school will plan the parent groups to support the successful steps needed to become integrated and transformation of 25 schools to integrated status. The organisation provides training parents can become involved, perhaps sessions for staff and governors and will joining a steering group which guides talk to parents at information meetings. the school forwards. You may find NICIE looks forward to supporting any new yourself joining the board of governors schools applying for transformation from the or becoming an active member of the very earliest stages. Contact a Development PTA or parents’ council. Officer on 028 9097 2910 or read more at www.NICIE.org.uk The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) can supply more information and offers help, advice and financial support for schools. Contact Eleanor Kyle, Outreach Officer: 028 9069 4099. You can read more at: www.ief.org.uk The Education Authority and Department of Education can offer support and advice throughout the process of transformation. The Department of Education and the Minister have a duty in law to help the development of integrated education and transforming existing schools to become integrated is a very cost-effective way of fulfilling this duty.

www.ief.org.uk 14 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 Literacyand numeracyare fun at Hazelwood Integrated College

azelwood with their peers. One aspect Integrated of the programmeinvolved College’s new studentsundertaking activities cohort of Year designed tostretchthemind 8 students have andimprovetheir leadership Hended their first half term skills at Colin Glen Adventure with a jam-packed two Park. days of fun Literacy and The outdooractivities provided Numeracy activities. a range of problem solving challenges with ahands-on The transition between approachfacilitated by staff primary and post primary from all curriculum areas. schoolcanbeadaunting Students were encouraged to timeforstudents.Hazelwood work with each other to further College hasintroducedthe consolidate new friendships literacyandnumeracyTeam and acquaintances. Building Days as a settling in Mrs Maynes, Head of Year 8, activitytoaidthistransition said: “Year 8 students have process and ensure students got to know members of their feel comfortable, secure and form group really quickly but happy at Hazelwood. this eventhasalso provided The team building sessions opportunities for them to work were basedinthecollegewith with the remainder of the year astrongemphasisonproblem group whilstimproving their solvingskills and with the aim key skills.Theprogramme to encourage new students providedabrilliant platform to work together and boost to Hazelwood College life interaction, enabling them with akeyfocusonLiteracy&& to foster new relationships Numeracy.” WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 15

“There is little doubt in my mind that the ‘The other movement towards more sharing in our educational system has come as adirect canbeagift, result of those pioneering parents, who, over four decades ago, made their dreams areality.” not athreat’ By Dr Duncan Morrow, Director of Community Engagement,

ohaveanintegrated “Only when every society,isnot to school is agenuinely have asociety where integrated school everyone is the same, will we become the Tbut to have asociety where everyone belongs. outward and forward Nobody has ever been able to looking society that takethat for granted in Northern Ireland. Security here was we all aspire to.” security against somebody not with them. We are the society where difference is not enmity of walls, paramilitaries, security but partofthe excitement of Howthe dream of integration became areality forces and segregation -all life. justified as necessarytoprotect By experiencing that the other This courageous decision began integrated model of education us from the power of others. can be agift not athreat, they the movement for Integrated has now been joined by anew, By Dr Michael Wardlow But where suspicion and hostility teach that the future is richer Education, amovement which emerging,Shared Education Equality Commissioner is confused with common sense, because of the contributions of has now delivered 65 integrated model, still in its infancy.There for Northern Ireland it gets passed on to the next each part. schools educating over 22,000 is little doubt in my mind that the generation, and the one after that Formychildren and for me, they children together.Ihad the privilege movement towards more sharing round 42 yearsago a too. We only know each other as built solid ground where we of being involved with manyof in our educational system has group of parents set up enemies and never as human learned to expect co-operation those pioneering people for 15 come as adirect result of those All Children Together, beings struggling for abetter life rather than worry about hatred. yearsfrom 1995 and during that pioneering parents, who, over aname chosen to for us and our loved ones. Only when everyschool is a time Iexperienced the results of four decades ago, made their Aembody their vision thatall Integrated schools are aprotest genuinely integrated school will dedicated parents who didn’tonly dreams areality.That dream lives against all of this. By providing we become the outward and children should have the choice dream of shared classrooms, but on undiminished thanks to their safe spaces welcoming to all, forward looking society that we all to be educated together. acted on that dream. The formally endeavoursand endurance. theymakeavailable seven years aspire to. 16 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016 Integrated Education - an inspirational

hirty-five years ago, a group of parents were delighted to see their dream realised when the first planned integrated school, TLagan College opened.

All Children Together (ACT), originally a group of Catholic parents set up in 1972 to provide catechism classes for Catholic children being educated in non-Catholic schools, became interdenominational in 1974 when the public interest in Basil McIvor’s Shared School plan to enable children of all religions to be educated together became intense. All during the 1970s, ACT made strenuous efforts to persuade churches and the state to develop integrated schools within the existing system. When all their efforts fell on deaf ears, ACT and parents finally decided to establish Lagan College, the first planned integrated college. After much hard work, effort, commitment and determination, Lagan College finally opened its doors to the first 28 pupils in September 1981. Thirty- five years on Lagan College is one of the most successful schools in Northern Ireland as well as being one of the most heavily oversubscribed post-primary schools in Anne Odling-Smee and Cecil Linehan, founders of Integrated Education pictured with parents from the newly transformed Mallusk Integrated PS. Northern Ireland. BELOW: Cecil Linehan with her grand-daughter

Those courageous parents, supported by All Children Together, tapped into a widely held desire: to see their children educated together, to see an educational system which promotes respect, reconciliation and togetherness rather than “Young adults who separation. Looking back now and recalling have been educated what it was like to be in Belfast and indeed Northern Ireland in the 1970s, it is hard to in integrated schools imagine what it was like trying to develop an integrated school. Yet these dedicated are more optimistic parents never gave up, despite the many hurdles that were placed in their way. about the potential Their pioneering action has continued to for building good inspire others over the years. There are now 65 integrated schools, 40 community relations.” of which have been founded by parents as planned integrated schools and 25 through a parental vote for transformation to integrated status. Academic research fills in the rest of This parental movement is unique; there is the picture: young adults who have been no other country in the world where parents educated in the integrated sector are more have taken the initiative and established likely to have friends from the ‘other side’, the type of schools which they judged to have them in greater numbers and to would be best both for their children and maintain these friendships into adulthood. for the future of society. Much interest has Young adults who have been educated in been shown in this integrated movement integrated schools are more optimistic about and our schools must be among the most the potential for building good community researched in the world. relations. The outcomes for planned integrated schools are: INTEGRATED EDUCATION WORKS • schools structured to ensure mutual Two such founder-parents, Cecil Linehan and respect of both major traditions and of Anne Odling-Smee, while recalling the sheer provision in their areas. This September, of parents coming together from across the others; hard work, frustration and indeed bravery we were delighted to welcome Killyleagh divide, with one aim; to see their children • schools which are Christian and inclusive required to establish Lagan College continue Integrated Primary School and Loughries being educated together under one roof, and proactively welcoming to all, to maintain that they would do it all again Integrated Primary School to the integrated side by side on a daily basis. celebrating diversity; if they had to. They are overwhelmed and family. • schools with a curriculum which allows full delighted to see the number of integrated The wisdom, courage and vision of those and open discussion of all diverse religious schools continuing to increase. From humble original parents has been endorsed through Cecil Linehan and Anne Odling-Smee will beliefs and cultural traditions; beginnings in Lagan College where 28 parental demand and the continuing growth be speaking about their experiences at a • schools which are all ability and co- pupils commenced the integrated journey of schools where children learn together, NICIE seminar on Friday 11th November educational; 35 years ago, the numbers have continued side by side, with each other, from each from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Lagan College • schools which are child centered where to grow. Today more than 22,000 young other and about each other. We are all in Belfast. In addition, Kellie Armstrong the school is structured around the people are benefiting from an integrated indebted to parents like Cecil Linehan, Anne MLA will be introducing her Private needs of the individual child, committed education. Each year the number of parents Odling-Smee, Betty Benton, Tony Spencer, Members’ Bill to the gathering. This event to the holistic development of the child; and children seeking this type of education Thelma Sheil, Bill Brown and Margaret is open to the public, if you wish to attend • schools built on a partnership with parents; increases. Hard working and committed Kennedy. This is a very important story of please contact [email protected] or • schools planned to ensure equality. parents continue to strive for integrated peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, telephone NICIE at (028) 9097 2910. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 17 story of success and growth 35 years on

“Looking back now and recalling what it was like to be in Belfast and indeed Northern Ireland in the 1970s, it is hard to imagine what it was like trying to develop an integrated school. Yet these dedicated parents never gave up, despite

Original All Children Together group -G avin Ross, Betty the many hurdles that Benton, Bill Brown, Thelma Shiel, President Mary were placed in their way.” Robinson, Doreen Budd, Sr Anna, Margaret Kennedy and Cecil Linehan A Bill to support Integrated Education going into the future n September 1, 1981, 28 pupils The DE, meanwhile, has as tatutory duty for Integrated Education, which will require attended their first yda at a to Integrated Education set out in the them to develop an integrated strategy to newly established school in the Education Reform (Northern Ireland) map out and ensure the implementation of Castlereagh hills. Order 1989 –‘ It shall be the duty of the the Bill. O Department to encourage and facilitate the The current transformation process is lengthy But this was no ordinary school. Lagan development of integrated education, that and complex, which has created an extra College was the first all-ability, co-educational, is to say the education together at school of barrier for those who wish to see integrated integrated comprehensive school and 35 Protestant and Roman Catholic pupils’. provision in their area. Ac omplete review of years later, more than 1,200 students proudly I want to build on that statutory duty in my the transformation legalisation needs to be fly the integrated banner. They are joined by Private Member’s Bill and respond to the conducted by the Department. thousands of other integrated pupils in 65 clear demand for change. Ap oll carried out by I would also like to see the Department integrated schools across Northern Ireland. Milward Brown in 2013 showed 83 per cent audit communities to assess the demand Children who experience integration at of people here believe Integrated Education for Integrated Education and to use this a young age have been shown to have a is a vital part of creating a shared future information when preparing area plans. confidence in themselves and respect for each in Northern Ireland, while 60 per cent of Many integrated schools have to turn away other’s culture. It’s this refreshing and positive parents would prefer new schools resulting pupils because they are oversubscribed. Up approach that will enable an ew future for from consolidation of smaller schools be until recently in my own area, Strangford Northern Ireland. integrated. College had to turn away 80-100 young I am a passionate advocate of Integrated Last year’s so-called Fresh Start Agreement people each year. Ia m delighted to say that Education and as a mother who sends her ensured an investment of £500 million DE subsequently approved aD evelopment child to an integrated school, I decided for integrated and shared capital projects Proposal to increase their numbers in March after being elected to the Assembly in May I “Children who experience over the next 10 years. Nearly 20 years 2016. Ih ope that this pattern will continue to would bring forward proposals for aP rivate integration at a young age have after the Good Friday Agreement, Integrated ensure that parents who wish their children Member’s Bill on the issue. been shown to have ac onfidence Education is still seen as an integral part to have an integrated education actually get of healing ad ivided society. The capital a place. The Bill will seek to expand and reform the in themselves and respect for current legislation framework, which provides investment will allow existing integrated This would also help to formulate for and each other’s culture. It’s this for the provision of Integrated Education. This schools to expand and grow, while creating grow Integrated Education in the future. It Bill is not about devaluing any other sector refreshing and positive approach the opportunity for new integrated schools also helps communities feel more involved in but rather it is purely about strengthening the that will enable an ew future.” to be established. The Private Member’s Bill the planning of education provision for their current provision, so every parent who wishes will complement the capital investment by children and young people. to send their child to an integrated school is ensuring the DE can fulfil its statutory duty. On ap ersonal level, I never had the able to do so. Integrated Education not only provides social opportunity to attend an integrated school, The Department of Education (DE) has a take the initiative in educating Protestant and benefits but financial ones as well. It can help so I have found the integrated experience for statutory duty to encourage and facilitate Catholic children, as well as those of other reduce the cost of maintaining empty school my child enlightening and inspiring. Looking Integrated Education but this current faiths and none, together in one school. places, it enables funding to be directed wider, Northern Ireland is becoming more legislative framework is insufficient for They hoped that bringing children together in toward pupils rather than sustaining a divided culturally diverse and an increasing number delivering the significant increase Ia nd others the classroom every day would ensure future school estate, and it improves sustainability, of parents and children want to attend an would like to see. The Bill would provide a generations would not be growing up in a making it easier to fund the modernisation of integrated school. more robust framework, ensuring the DE is deeply divided society, providing av ision for the school estate. The best way to pay tribute to the pioneers fulfilling its obligation and making Integrated the future we are still helping to realise. In order to realise all of those goals, my of Lagan College and other trailblazers is to Education the norm, not the exception. The Good Friday Agreement also saw Private Member’s Bill will contain an umber ensure they have the opportunity to do just Integrated Education has been advocated as a Integrated Education recognised as an of clauses setting out how they can be that. crucial part of improving good relations among important element of bringing communities best achieved. The Department should set By Kellie Armstrong, MLA and for our young people ever since the All together to heal the division from years of minimum targets for children being educated Children Together movement was established violence, stating ‘An essential aspect of the in integrated schools within the next decade. A public consultation into my Private in 1974. It saw an umber of parents organise reconciliation process is the promotion of a To amend the current statutory duty on Members’ Bill launches in November. To in ar esponse to the violence of to culture of tolerance at every level of society, the DE to actively promote and not just respond or for further information, contact provide something different for their children, including initiatives to facilitate and encourage merely encourage Integrated Education, [email protected] or lobbying the churches and Government to integrated education and mixed housing’. the Department need to plan effectively 028 9181 1414. 18 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 Schools excited for ver the past two yearsthere have Executive’sshared campus programme which been two important agreements will see development of shared campuses in about the future of Northern the Brookeborough and Toomebridge areas. Ireland. The moneyisthe first to be released OThese were the Stormont House Agreement, from the Fresh Startallocation of up to which wassigned on December 23, 2014 £50 million ayear for ten years, and is and the Fresh StartAgreement on November designed to unblock through investment in 17, 2015. These agreements contain education and early yearsnurseryprovision momentous news for shared and integrated an obstacle towards ashared future for schools namely: NorthernIreland’scommunities. Astunning new vision for Drumlins • Acontribution of up to £500million over Whydointegrated schools, in particular, twas with great excitement that The newsite occupies aprime central 10 yearsofnew capital funding to support need this money? staff, governors, parents and pupils location in Ballynahinch town centre, set shared and integrated education subject to There are still four successful integrated welcomed Treacy BrothersBuilding appropriately on adrumlin with stunning individual projects being agreed between primaryschools, Omagh, Corran, Braidside I the Executive and the UK Government; and Portadown that have been housed Companyonsite to begin workon views out over the natural beauty of the the newDrumlins Integrated Primary area. • Capital funding for shared and integrated entirely in mobiles since theywere opened School building at the end of July 2016. The school’smodernbuilding will include education can also be used to support over 25 yearsago. In addition Mill Strand Approval to build astate of the art the most up-to-date technologyinall shared housing projects, with individual Integrated PrimarySchool in Portrush which £3million primaryschool to house classrooms, acomputer suite, spacious projects to be agreed by the UK opened in 1987 is housed in sub-standard Drumlins’ 200 pupils wasannounced by classrooms with attached cloak spaces Government. mobile and some unsuitable permanent the former Minister of Education, John and toilets, alarge multi-purpose hall with The implications of the two agreements accommodation. Aprincipal from one of O’Dowd in June 2014. afully equipped kitchen to cook meals became clearer for schools on March 23, these schools says the children of the The school opened in 2004 with just 12 on site and changing rooms for sports 2016, when Theresa Villiers, the then original pupils are being educated in the Primary1pupils with full Department activities, resource spaces, alibrary, SecretaryofState for NorthernIreland same old mobiles that their parents learned of Education approval and funding and administration suite, large enclosed announced alist of projects which would in. great interest and supportfrom thelocal playgrounds and ample car parking. receive an immediate cash boost of In the mid-1990s adecision wastaken community.Despite limited space on the Excellence in teaching and learning is around £43million. This cash will fund the to provide newly built integrated schools school’scurrent site on the LisburnRoad paramount in anyschool; Drumlins will construction of shared education campuses with permanent buildings for only their in the town, pupil numbershavegrown now have the most up-to-date resources at ,Moy and Ballycastle and administration blocks including the multi- steadily and the entire school community to continue providing excellence in integrated school projects at Braidside, purpose hall for assembly,dining and sport looks forward to re-locating onto the education for children from 4-11 yearsin Drumlins and Roe Valley. Funding will and construct the rest of the school in semi- newsite and welcoming the first class of the greater Ballynahinch area. also allow an additional 17 shared and permanent buildings. The semi-permanent Primary1pupils to be taught in the new Forfurther details please contact the integrated school proposals to advance to buildings which resulted from this decision building in September 2017. school. planning,including the second tranche of the are now reaching the end of their useful life WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 19 fresh start after funding agreement and need replaced. Several primaryschools Hopefully this will free up moneyfor other which opened about 10 yearsago are schools to progress their capital investment housed entirely in mobile accommodation plans. and did not receive their core permanent FirstMinister Arlene Foster said in March: buildings, including the multi-purpose hall. “I welcome that as aresult of this funding, Yet, whilst the buildings are less than thousands of children throughout Northern satisfactoryfor today’sneeds, the Ireland will benefit from excellent new integrated schools themselves are thriving facilities providing anew learning experience and growing in popularity. in an environment that will encourage respect for all.” Which integrated schools will benefit from this first announcement? (SEC). Five projects have been selected Passion College, Ballycastle. Will there be more funding The eight Integrated PrimarySchools (IPSs) from the first two calls to the SEC • St Mary’sHigh School, Limavady and announcements? which can move forward with their proposals Programme to proceed to the Business . An independent reviewofthe growth and are Enniskillen IPS, Forge IPS, Belfast, Case stage and are in the early stages of • St Mary’sPrimarySchool, Brookeborough development of Integrated Education is Millennium IPS, Carryduff, Rowandale IPS, planning. and Brookeborough PrimarySchool. currently being conducted for the Minister Moira, Mill Strand IPS, Portrush, Phoenix IPS, Tenschools, five Controlled and five • Duneane PrimarySchool and of Education and it is hoped that additional Cookstown, Bangor Central CIPS, and Forthill Maintained are involved in the five projects Moneynick PrimarySchool, projects maybeconsidered as aresult of CIPS, Lisburn. which will receive Fresh StartAgreement Randalstown. this report. As the then SecretaryofState The seven Integrated Colleges (ICs) which funding.Whilst the facilities being shared There is anew call for applications for the Theresa Villierssaid: “Education shapes can look to providing better accommodation in the two post-primarypartnerships are SEC programme at the moment, which individuals and societies and this funding is for their pupils are New-Bridge Integrated different, in the case of all the primary closes on 27 January2017. afresh demonstration of the commitment College, Loughbrickland, PrioryCollege, shared education campuses, the schools Whatisthe total number of schools that of the UK government, working alongside Holywood, Shimna College, Newcastle, Ulidia will share facilities such as amulti-purpose havebeen helped by this first tranche of the Executive, to build the foundations of a College, Carrickfergus, , hall, playareas, libraryand ancillary funding? genuinely shared future for all parts of the Carrowdore, Forthill CIC, Lisburnand North accommodation. In this first announcement atotal of 25 community in NorthernIreland.” Coast IC, Coleraine. Each of the schools involved in shared schools have been supported in developing She continued: “Anyone thinking of sending campuses will retain their own distinct their plans, 15 of them integrated and five their children to an integrated school should Will the Fresh StartAgreement money ethos and identity. controlled and five maintained. be reassured that this is just the beginning benefit only integrated schools? Three further integrated primaryprojects of asubstantial investment programme. No, schools of other types such as The schools in the fiveprojectsare: which were to receive capital monies Existing schools will be strengthened and Controlled, Maintained and Irish Medium • MoyRegional Controlled PrimarySchool through Department of Education budgets newschools created, ultimately benefiting schools can also benefit, where yathe re and St John’sPrimarySchool, Moy. will now have their buildings funded through not just the pupils that attend them but the developing Shared Education Campuses • Ballycastle High School and Cross and the Fresh StartAgreement. whole of NorthernIreland.” 20 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9 2016 Excellence in Integration Education award:

Pupils of Round Tower IPS. The school has been praised for their vision on equality

he ethos of an integrated are commendable examples of a proactive school is one that takes approach by the school to the promotion of “Integrated schools continually strive to integration.’ Taccount of the many get the balance in their schools and to Crumlin Integrated Primary School was backgrounds that the pupils commended for respect for cultural diversity come from. create an ethos that not only includes in the school which is well provided for in a everyone but celebrates their identity.” range of sports and arts, including after-school In the 1989 Education Reform Order (NI) Irish dancing, and in the attention which is it states: “The scheme of management for given to ensure that library books, novels a grant maintained integrated school shall and text books reflect ar ange of views. The require the Board of Governors to use its best the school is ready. Since 2010, 12 schools making the transition to new larger schools. Assessors were impressed by how: ‘The school endeavours, in exercising its functions under have gone for the award and many others “I’m not afraid to talk to people from other has created a dynamic environment in which the Education Orders, to ensure that the are going through the process. This award is backgrounds or skin colour.” children can excel academically, learn together management, control and ethos of the school not about ticking a box, it is about examining Another four schools achieved the award in to respect the rights of others and celebrate are such as are likely to attract to the school how the school operates its strategic and June and will be receiving their awards in the both their shared humanity and their cultural reasonable numbers of both Protestant and organisational functions in line with an coming months. The report on New-Bridge and religious differences’. Roman Catholic pupils.” integrated ethos. Integrated College (Loughbrickland) stated:’ Round Tower Integrated Primary (Antrim) Integrated schools continually strive to get It is ap rocess of reflection, education Integration is at the core of New-Bridge’s was one of the first schools to be awarded the balance in their schools and to create and action and one in which pupils, staff, vision and ethos.’ the EIEA in 2010 and successfully renewed an ethos that not only includes everyone but governors, parents and the local community It also commented: ‘The new Integration it in June. The assessors were impressed celebrates their identity. In 1991 the then can be confident that the school is providing a Policy, based on the NICIE statement of with how: ‘Equality and fairness are at the existing schools, along with NICIE, drew up the truly integrated experience and helping young principles, the appointment of a Community centre of the Round Tower vision and ethos ‘NICIE Statement of Principles’ to lay out what people build the skills and attitudes necessary Relations, Equality and Diversity (CRED) … The school’s integration policy has as a key it meant to have an integrated ethos. to live and work in an increasingly diverse coordinator and the extensive work and objective the promotion of equality and the This was revised in 2008 and on the back of society. evidence provided for this assessment celebration of diversity. Parents and the wider it, NICIE produced the Excellence in Integrated In the past year five schools have been indicates that the college is fully committed community are made aware of this ethos of Education Award. The Excellence in Integrated awarded the EIEA, celebrating their to the promotion of integration, inclusion equality through the prospectus, open days, Education Award (EIEA) provides integrated commitment to the principles of Integrated and equality.’ Forthill Integrated Primary whole school assemblies and special events schools with an assessment that allows Education. Glencraig Integrated Primary School (Lisburn) was recognised as: ‘The celebrating integration and diversity.’ them to review, develop and strengthen their school (Holywood) were assessed in October school actively promotes equality and sharing The school has developed a welcoming dedication to delivering education within an 2015 and received their award in a ceremony between and within the diverse groups which ethos where: ‘Pupils from a wide range of integrated school. in Portadown Integrated Primary School at the compose the school community. This is backgrounds are enabled to feel secure and Using this toolkit the school can audit their end of Integrated Education Week in March. clearly evidenced by the Admissions Criteria to learn together in an environment where all practice against the NICIE Statement of In awarding the school the EIEA the Assessors which include the fundamental criterion that faiths and cultures are clearly Principles and the quality indicators set out wrote of the school: ‘… integration is at the the school aspires to attract pupils from the respected.’ in the ETI’s Together Towards Improvement. centre of Glencraig’s vision and ethos.’ The minority Catholic community. The Assessors Through this process the school highlights the report went on to comment: ‘Former pupils, were impressed by ‘examples of thoughtful areas of good practice and those areas that now in year 8 at second level, reported that work on topics related to integration, including The Excellence in Integrated Education need to be developed. “Glencraig was a really good school”. They some done during a residential in Dublin, Award toolkit is available for Integrated NICIE offers support, advice and training to had learned to mix with people from many focused on the causes and consequences of schools to use and if you are interested schools who are participating in the process backgrounds and had an understanding of events such as the Easter Rising, the Battle please contact Cliodhna Scott-Wills at: and organises for the assessment when different religions which was a great help in of the Boyne and the Famine. All of the above [email protected] WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 21 fiveofthe best hailedfor their dedication

Forthill IPS relish the beginning of Autumn

Students of New-Bridge IC at their prize night

Pupilsof Crumlinm Integratedg Primara ySchool, whererespect for culturalu diversr ity has beenb recognisedg by assessorse

ForthilllIPS’sGaelic GlencraigGlencraig I IPSPS receivingreceiving side -the school their award at washailed for Portadown Integrated promoting equality PrimarySchool 22 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 Where inclusivityand Mallusk offers toleranceare promoted pupils home My Name is FiaCowan-Forsythe and Iam from home athird year student of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Queen’sUniversity, ntrusting your child to Belfast. Prior to University,Iproudly can aPrimarySchool is one challenge, supportand stimulate these saythat Iattended Omagh Integrated wonderful children to enable them to reach Primaryand NurserySchool and Drumragh of your most important their potential is arewarding waytospend Integrated College, Omagh. E decisions. each day.” In NorthernIreland we tend to stayinour Mallusk Integrated PrimarySchool offers Although there is astrong focus on academic own bubbles, but in an increasingly diverse your child ahome from home educational achievement at Mallusk IPS, children are society,wenow have more nationalities, experience full of challenge, supportand encouraged to reach their potential in an religions and cultures than ever before; what care. Mallusk IPS believes that happy environment that places astrong emphasis better waytolearnthan to learntogether. children will achieve. As asmall school it on good relationships and mutual respect for Integrated Education is abeacon of light in offersahigh level of academic supportand others. The school has an active partnership days that are so tormented with sectarian outstanding pastoral care. As an integrated with parents and carers, encouraging them and racial tension. school, children from all backgrounds to takeafully active role in their children’s The Integrated sector paves the way and beliefs learnand grow together education. The school prides itself on its child for anew NorthernIreland –one which in asupportive, safe and stimulating centred ethos and approach. celebrates differences rather than tearing environment. The staff cherish and foster As well as providing ameaningful and communities apart. good relationships with parents, children and stimulating approach to the curriculum, Being partofthe Integrated Education the local community. Mallusk IPS is the only school in the area community allowed me to develop an With links to local nurseries and the Mallusk to teach Community of Enquiry, aformof insight that Iwould have never been able to FiaCowan-Forsythe attended Omagh Community Playgroup, the school is meeting philosophyfor children, enabling pupils to otherwise. Integrated Primaryand Nursery School and and connecting with local families. become accomplished thinkerswith the Not only were differences celebrated but Drumragh Integrated College,Omagh. All newpupils feel theyhavesomeone looking confidence to understand and express similarities were highlighted in such away out for them and theolder child learns to be different viewpoints. The school offers integrated schools – parents and the wider that promoted inclusivity and tolerance. responsible and caring. participation in the Eco Schools project community – for without you Iwouldn’tbe Iowe so much to Integrated Education MrsKinsella, Principal said “I am proud to and extra-curricular activities including where I am today,andafinal ‘thank-you’ and Iwould just liketosay ‘thank-you’. be the Principal of the newest integrated soccer,dance, rugby, hockey,Gaelic games, to my mum, for not giving in to my pleas to Thank-you to all the teachersthat expanded primaryinthe area. Our caring ethos, languages, Ulster Scots club and music go to the sameschool asmyfriends. Your my thought process, ‘thank-you’ to all our committed and dedicated staff, supportive tuition. All children are involved in annual passion for abetter society hasinspired visitorswho taught us about theircultures, parents and amazing children makeMallusk dramatic productions and are given the me. abig ‘thank-you’ to allwho support IPS averyspecial place. Being able to chance to shine. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 23

Widening horizons with Shimna IC

ll abilityeducation is the High CourtinBelfast against Cambridge on summer school, KayakChampionships in London, fundamental to Shimna schools from across Northern and one to Liverpool. In sport, the where Annabel took gold. Integrated College, Ireland. sixth formare the proud holders Perhaps the most exciting and fundamental to all Three students were also of the South Down Football Cup, achievement of their 6th form Aability education is the broadest selected to takepartinthe and celebrated the opening of in the past year has been the possible range of challenging AttorneyGeneral’sLiving their Sports Hall by founding their Habitat for Humanity building opportunities to raise the LawProgramme, and three own basketball club, and winning project in Ethiopia. Their team aspirations of everystudent. represented Shimna in the role sponsorship for their kit. of 6th formand staff led a This year’s6th formatShimna of Sweden at the Mock Council of Emily is competing in the All wholeschool fundraising effort have outdone themselves, and the European Union at Stormont. IrelandMultiSportChampionships, to invest in the building project studying veterinarymedicine raised the bar in terms of what can This year the school will takeon Sarah made three personal bests students workedoninJuly in and modernand mediaeval be achieved alongside excellent the role of Romania. Sixth form representing NI at the Sainsbury’s Addis Ababa. languages, the school knows academic results. students led the cast of our School Games at Loughborough The trip wastruly life changing, theyhaveproved themselves A fifteen strong team of 6th form production of “Grease” and this University and Toni represented and asecond team has now academically,and theyare invested a term’s hard workin year students are writing their Ireland at showjumping in Italy. formed for a2018 building delighted that their students preparationfortheMockBar own, “Alice in Pantoland”. Annabel and Megan represented project. are achieving so much more TrialCompetition,competingin Three students headed to NI at the Sea Cadets National With students at Cambridge alongside their good grades. 24 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016

W Anew chapter opens in the history of Cranmore

overnors, staff Integrated Education Fund and and pupils were also £100,000 wasraised joined by ahost over two decades by the of special visitors school. Gto markthe occasion of At the assembly Mr Doherty, the official opening of Principal noted: “In the current Cranmore Integrated Primary time of budget cuts and School’snew preschool austerity measures Icannot accommodation. think of anyother school which The ceremonywas performed has managed to build what we by Mr Daniel Lawton, US Consul have done. We are delighted to General and Mr Trevor Ringland be able to provide apreschool MBE. education in abuilding which Visitorsalso included Junior has been built to the standard MinistersEmma Pengelleyand required by the Department of Jennifer McCann representing Education for nurseryschools.” the Office of the Firstand Guests had an opportunity to Deputy FirstMinisters. visit the preschool and see The school choir performed at first-hand the workofstaff and several pupils shared their in promotingconfidence and poems about their days in providing learning experiences preschool. for our youngest children in the The newpurpose built context of true integration. accommodation has been Mr Doherty thanked all of those possible through the generous who have supported Cranmore supportofMrKevin Curley, IPS including staff from NICIE, American Ireland Funds, the the IEF,parents and governors. w Guests of Cranmore Integrated Primary School’sofficial opening of their newpreschool accommodation included Junior MinistersEmma Pengelley(left) and Jennifer McCann representing the Office of First and Deputy FirstMinisters PICTURE: William Cherry/Press Eye

Breaking down barriers for abetterfuture Our children, Beth and Hope, were born would have to makeithappen ourselves. in the mid 1990s, atimewhen it seemed It wasabig shock to realise that even though likethe Troubles might reallybeover and the Belfast Agreement talks about promoting that peace might at last be possible. integrated education, the reality is that it is up to parents likeustostartintegrated schools. When our daughterswere young we We never dreamed that we would be joined with other parents to start involved in setting up aschool, and neither integrated schools in our town. We were did the other parents who came together living in Magherafelt at the time, one of the to formasteering group for Spires fewtowns in NorthernIreland at thatstage Integrated PrimarySchool and then Sperrin with no planned integrated schools. Integrated College. As we began to consider our children’s We were just an ordinarygroup of parents education we decided that we wanted our from verydifferent backgrounds with ashared children to be educated with children of goal of our children being educated together. different faiths and none. We felt it Some of the parents were from ‘mixed’ would help them to grow up without relationships and felt that the old sectarianism that wassofamiliar integrated education wasthe only option for to us and we hoped that it would be normal their children. Other parents, likeus, simply for them to have friends from different believed that this would be asmall backgrounds. contribution to making our community asafer We also believed that NorthernIreland could and healthier place by breaking down some never become apeaceful and healthy of the barriersthat separated us from our society while children continued to grow neighbours. up in two ‘parallel universes’, not even We are veryproud of our girls and we believe meeting someone from the ‘other side’ until that having an integrated education from the theywent to workoruniversity. age of 4-18 has contributed to making Beth But there wasnointegrated school in our and Hope the strong,open minded, tolerant town and we soon discovered that if we and successful young women theyare today. wanted the choice of integrated education we Tony and LesleyMacaulay WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 25 Integration ‘crucial’in moving forward... Néidín Hendron, aformer student of Drumragh Integrated College, writes about NÉIDÍN HENDRON, PAST PUPIL OF the benefits of integrated education. DRUMRAGH “It’sbeen almost three yearssince Ileft INTEGRATED Drumragh and the more Iexperience of COLLEGE everydaylife, the more I’mconvinced that integrated education is crucial for Integrated education gave me aclear view our society to have anychance of moving of the kind of future NorthernIreland needs. forward. Being apartofthe integrated The need for it to strengthen and grow is education movement has meant that what led me to takeaninterest in politics at differences and barriersbetween university. communities were never built. I’m currently in my final year at Queen’s Each individual wasjudged and progressed studying English and Social Anthropology. based on their personality and strengths Studying societies across the world gives rather than their religion or background. aperspective when looking at our own. Integrated education provides the chance Although there is still worktobedone I for us as acountrytotruly unite and leave firmly believe that integrated education Cliftonville IPS rich with diversity behind the tribalism of the past. and supportfor it is on the rise. Ivalue the To not pass on to future generations the education Ireceived everyday,aneducation negative stereotypes which have blighted that didn’tdefine by background but by NorthernIreland for years. person.” liftonville Integrated Primary In recent years, this has included two highly School wasawarded the British successful Comenius projects. CCouncil Intermediate Level This has allowed for strong links with The right call for International School Award in June 2016. partner schools in Belgium, Norway, Portugal, Italy and Spain to be established. The school prides itself on its diverse and Through the music curriculum and linkswith Oliver Jeffers multicultural community.Currently there St Anne’sCathedral music teachers,many are over thirty nationalities represented songs are taught in foreign languages. Oliver Jeffersisanartist, illustrator and in school. The heartofthe school ethos The children performed their songs at an writer who now lives and works in Brooklyn. is to provide ateaching and learning end of year performance. He went to Hazelwood Integrated College environment where all religions, traditions Throughout the academic year,pupils are in north Belfast before graduating from the and cultures are respected and nurtured encouraged to learn greetings and basic University of Ulster in 2001. together. phases in differentlanguages. To gain the prestigious international award, Integration Week and World FoodDay take Photograph by Malcom Brown the school has undertaken a range of place annually to celebrate the international international work. diversity in the school. 26 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 Celebrating 25 years at Oakgrove upils, parents, staff and governors children integration not segregation. of Oakgrove Integrated Primary Theywanted their children to play, learnand School are looking forward to grow together with children from different celebrating 25 yearsofintegrated religions, faiths, backgrounds and abilities. PEducation in Derry-Londonderry. As the drive for integrated education gained momentum, more parents joined the group When Oakgrove opened its doorsfor the and the fundraising drive began in earnest. first time back on September 4, 1991, it Oakgrove veryquickly established an wasamomentous occasion for the staff, excellent reputation under the incredible parents and families of the 68 pupils who leadership of Dr Anne Murray, founding put their faith in change by sending their Principal. Current Principal, MrsAshley children to the city’sfirstintegrated primary Donagheysaid: “Thanks to the dedication school -apioneering breakthrough in and commitment of Oakgrove’spupils, education locally. parents, staff and governorsinpromoting The journeytointegrated education started the principles of integrated education, our at asummer barbecue in August 1990, pupils have an exciting future ahead in when agroup of parents discussed their Derry--Londonderry. ‘The supportiveenvironment dream to offer the next generation of Happy25th BirthdayOakgrove IPSN.” integrates not just cultural backgrounds, but all abilities too’ lster rugbystar Bronson Ross too, meaning his autism is accepted as just speaks about how integrated apartofthe weecharacter he is. Ibring him education made ahuge to school in the mornings and Ifind the staff difference to his son’slife. at Cranmore IPS are as enthusiastic and U supportive of Che as we are at home. “Integrated education has been fantastic Iknow my wife found that partnership for my step-son Che. Ihad no experience working hugely beneficial after his of it growing up in NewZealand but Ifeel diagnosis as she struggled to help him this has been really beneficial for Che as overcome his challenges. he has really come out of his shell in the As afamily we are so happythat we made supportive environment that integrates not the choice to send our son to an integrated just cultural backgrounds, but all abilities school.” WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 27 Principal reflects on another amazing year at New-Bridge and plans forthe future

tthe startofthe new It wasreported in our feedback that this term, MrsAnne Anderson, Award is an endorsement of our exemplary Principal, took the integrated ethos which is completely infused in our teaching and learning,our opportunity to reflect on the management, governance, and most Apast year in New-Bridge. importantly in our relationships. “Our school foundations are built on “Wehavesomuch to share and celebrate as a relationships and it is our integrated ethos, College community.Last year,wecelebrated our sense of belonging,our compassion and the 20th Anniversaryand had awonderful our capacity to care for young people that year of celebrations. Our achievements has made our school the success storyitis continued to surpass our expectations today, so ahuge congratulations goes out throughout the course of the year.Toname to the pupils, staff, parents and governors afew,our GCSE and Alevel results went on for their help, supportand involvement record as the best ever;our Chamber Choir in helping us achieve the Excellence in entered School Choir of the Year for the first Integration Award. time and achieved aplace in the final. This “The New-Bridge experience is an year,our GCSE and ALevel results have again inspirational one that offersall our pupils a surpassed our expectations. range of opportunities to achieve, develop “Wewelcomed 100 newYear 8pupils into the confidence and self esteem. College in addition to our newcohortofYear “Wepay tribute to allour gifted and talented 13 students. pupils, the College staff, our Board of “Wecould not contain our excitement when governorsand our committed parents. Mr John O’Dowd announced that funding “Weextend awarmwelcome to parents/ had been identified under the ‘Fresh Start “Furthermore, we were delighted to hear This workhas already commenced and is guardians and pupils to our annual Open Agreement’ for aBRAND NEW SCHOOL FOR that over half amillion pounds had been due to be completed by Christmas. DayonSaturdayJanuary14, 2017 from NEW-BRIDGE! identified under School Enhancement “It wasfitting that in this special year the 9.30am to 12.30pm. We would encourage Design and planning meetings are in motion Programme (SEP) funding for the provision school has been honoured by NICIE and has in particular pupils attending Primary so keep an eyeonour website for future of anew classroom block to include a‘state been awarded the prestigious ‘Excellence in 5/6/7 and GCSE students interested in developments. of the art’ Music and Science classroom. Integrated Education Award’. Sixth Form for September 2017.” 28 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 Omagh integration setfor evolution

ntegrated Education in the parents and governorsonacampus site west of the province is set located strategically away from the town to continue the next stage centre for pupils from toddlers topost 16. While bothschools willremain under of its evolution with Omagh their own leadership and governance IIntegrated Primary and Nursery the benefits to pupils and parents will be School and Drumragh Integrated many includingconvenience, continuity College about to unveil their andstability ofqualityeducational exciting new joint project provision for the near futureandbeyond. ‘Omagh Integrated Campus’ this As the strapline for thenewOmagh Integrated Campus states: November. “Your child’s future…it’s already here!” Both schools aim to embrace fully After 25 years in mobile accommodation, this opportunity tocement the strong Omagh Integrated Primary and Nursery relationships and collaboration that School is about to begin the building of a already exists betweenthetwo integrated new 400 seat school on a site adjacent schools. The visionisto developajoint to Drumragh Integrated College. Demand ‘Omagh IntegratedCampus’ which for integrated education in Omagh has will provide acontinuum ofintegrated always been strong and the move toa education fromtoddlertopost 16in newschoolsitepresentedgovernors purpose built,state oftheartfacilities ofbothschoolswiththeopportunityto that can provide for and adapt tothe explorehowbestintegratededucation needs of its pupils andparents well into couldbeenhancedinOmaghandbeyond the future. aswellasprovidingtheimpetustocreate The future does indeedlook very anintegratedcampuswhichwillcaterfor bright for the further development and theneedsofthearea. expansion of integrated educationfor the Attheheartoftheprojectistheconcept children, students and people of Omagh thatasthedemandforintegrated and its surrounding districts and ‘Omagh educationcontinuestogrow,‘Omagh Integrated Campus’ will be extremely well IntegratedCampus’willbebestplaced placed to cater for these needs for many toprovidecontinuityforpupils,staff, years to come. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... 29 Loughriesisaschool that embraces everyone

earning songs the Transformation Action pupils’ clothes and hairstyles and poems about Group told of Loughries between then and now.He diversity and PrimarySchool’sjourneyto then introduced Olivia Nash, inclusion, re- Transformation while Lorna MBE, amember of “The Larranging furniture, McAlpine from the Northern Hole in the Wall Gang” and preparing the school for Ireland Council for Integrated star of stage and screen. visitorswas alot of hard Education welcomed them She supports the workof work, but at last the day to the family of Integrated the Integrated Education finally arrived. Schools across Northern Fund because of her strong FridaySeptember 30 Ireland and wished the belief that pupils who learn officially launched Loughries school everysuccess for the togethermakebettercitizens. Integrated PrimarySchool. future. Then Minister for Education, Everyone wasexcited - The Chairman of the Board of Peter Weir MLA with Olivia Staff, Pupils, Parents and Governors,RoyLyttle,brought Nash and Faith from P7 and Governorsasthe school apicture of his Mother Daniel and George from P1 played host to some very attending Loughries in the unveiled acommemorative important visitors. 1930s and it wasamazing plaque and cut abeautiful Lynda Girvin, Chairman of to see the differences in celebration cake.

w Jim Shannon World champion Carl Frampton drops MP for Strangford (DUP); Mayor in on Bridge Integrated Primary Deborah Girvan (Alliance); CarlFrampton MBE and boxing at the age of 7and it PrimarySchool said: “We Minister for WorldChampion Boxer allowed him to channel his are verygrateful to Carlfor Education, Peter visited Bridge IPS on a energypositively into sport. sharing his great success Weir MLA; actress Olivia Nash number of occasions this Carlexplained that boxing with our school community. MBE; Joanne year. afforded him the chance It wasexceptionally special Thompson, to meet people from for the children to meet Principal of Carltalked with the children both communities, train Carl, the children were very Loughries and about growing up in in different gyms and inspired by the messages Philip Smith MLA Tiger’sBay at atime when develop friendships beyond that Carlgavethem about (UUP) with pupils trouble within and between his immediate home respect for one another and from Loughries communities wasobvious. environment. Teresa Devlin, working hard to achieve your Integrated He became involved in Principal of Bridge Integrated goals.” PrimarySchool 30 INTEGRATED EDUCATION... WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 92016 ‘Learning together creates more opportunityfor genuine friendship and tolerance’

people. It wasborn of adesire and adults from the minority playing together all day every Roisin Marshall,who has by agroup of parents to give community in their school or day creates moreopportunity for over 25 years’ experience their children an experience of theschool may already havea genuinefriendship development, working in education and being taught in thesame school reasonable mix and may want to tolerance fordifference and teaching,including primary, withpeople of different religions, declare openly to their community understanding of the other.Many post primaryand special abilities and social classes. that they areanintegrated school. integrated schools are involved education has been the Theywanted their childrentohave The Governors willconsider the in shared education and Iwould Chief Executive Officer of a great education in aschoolthat request and they can contact hopesome schools involved in NICIEsinceJanuary2016. reflected the widerdiverse society DE, EA, CCMS, NICIE or the shared education will become thatthey hoped theirchildren would IEFand ask for guidance.No involved in integrated education. She previously workedatNICIE growuptowork and live in when Catholic Maintained or Grammar The Fresh StartAgreement has mix of Catholics and Protestants. theyleft school, rather than the school has ever transformed to in the Senior Management Team, So mostschools (87%) have guaranteed £50 million per yearfor and has workedasaProject divided society that had become integratedstatus but we would integrated and sharededucation verylittle mixing of the two main the norm inNorthernIreland overa love that tohappen. The process Manager in the NorthEastern traditions. school buildings and housing for Education andLibraryBoard. couple of decades. is outlinedontheDEwebsite. the next 10 years. This is agreat She has also recently been a It isaprocess that the school What is integration? incentivetoget involved with both. professional associate forNICIE So, are integrated schools entersinto that can help it to Integration is where aschool and CCEA. She hasthe combined extremely popularwith parents grow and developinto a school proactively plans to have amix In the past NICIE wasknown for experience offront line teaching and children? that is genuinely and pro-actively of children andadultsfrom opening newintegrated schools, havingworkedinschools in a Yes integratedschools are inclusive of Catholics, Protestants, Catholic, Protestant, other beliefs, how can youmeet parental range of sectors, aswell ashaving extremely popularfor exactly the children of other beliefs, cultures culturesand communities. That demand in the current economic contributed tothe development of reasons indicated previously. and communities. is one strand that is important in climate? integrated andsharededucation. ParentsinNI will generally say The process involves reviewing integration butwhatis even more We have great schools of all Sharededucation is where two or thatthey would like their children aspects of the curriculum, important is that eachreligion, different management types in more schoolswork in partnership to have experienceofplaying and sports and languages offered, belief, culture and community is NI.Iknow because I have had the for school improvement and learningfrom a young age with representation onBoardsof equally respected andreflected privilege of teaching in, working to bring children, who would children fromthe ‘other’ community Governorsand recruitmentofstaff, in the life of the school. So for with and visiting manyschools in otherwise notmeet, together as well as other beliefs, cultures through the school development example it would be important NorthernIreland of different types. for frequent and sustained and communities. planning process.Itisaprocess that theschool wouldoffer a curriculum engagement. Theylike the idea of theirchildren, that will lead to further school I have confidence thatmanyof range ofdifferent sports reflective Integrated education, on the no matter what their ability, being improvement. these schools, where it is possible other hand, isabout children, who of the differentcommunities. abletoattendthesame school for them to attract children of might otherwise notmeet, being Anotherimportant element would and they likethe inclusive nature Are mixedschools integrated? the minority community,will do educatedtogether inoneschool, be that the curriculumwouldbe of the integrated ethos ofequality Schools that haveamixof so over the nextdecade. We all day, every day. Roisin is acutely taught from a range of different and diversity,childcentred Catholics and Protestants, are also working on ways for aware of the challenge of creating perspectives such asHistory, education,partnership with children of other beliefs, cultures Councils andEAtoassess what an integrated education system and RE.Subjects such as English parentsandaChristian ethos. and communities may not have parents in areas wantintermsof where childrenfrom Catholicand would bedelivered through a Many of theintegrated schools formal integrated status.Iam not education regarding integration or Protestant, other beliefs, cultures range ofliterature reflective of are very oversubscribed and many sure why theydonothaveformal alternatives. and communities are educated Irish andBritish cultures as well are growingsteadily as more integratedstatus.Maybe they together in the one school. asothercultures andtraditions. parentsaremaking the choice to don’t knowthat they can apply for How can we build a shared future She islookingforward to building Integration encourages teachers enrol their childrenbasedonthe it.Ithinkitwould be good to ask through an education system that positive collaborations and to gain experience in managing quality of the education and the them. Theymightbevery popular reflects the legacy of division of partnerships with other education difference in the classroom and experience they receive. schoolsand feel theydon’tneed the past? providerstoensurethat every finding learningmomentsin to transformbecause they are I think educationalists know that child hastheopportunity ofan the class to hear andquestion What is your visionfor Integrated oversubscribed. we cannot continue to separate integrated educational experience. assumptions and stereotypes Education? I just wonder if theywould be our children and young people to help grow toleranceand My vision is that more schools even more oversubscribedif in education regardless of how understanding in the school Describe yourtypical day would see the potential for their they were formally integrated. we got here. The educational population. NICIE is areally dynamic, school bybecoming genuinely Theywould probably be the most support bodies are trying to find Whilst religiousandcultural developmental organisation integrated.Aschoolconsidering oversubscribed schools inNorthern opportunities for children to come differences areincluded and each daybringsnewand integration as a means of Ireland. Iwould lovetohave a together and shared education and celebrated, so too are growing anddeveloping needs to conversation with them toseewhat exciting challenges.Because we is an example of that. Strong differences in academic ability demonstrate that theyare truly ispossible. are a regionalorganisation, it is leadership in education and and socio-economic background. inclusive ofboth of the main possible for me to have a meeting visionary, inclusive practice will in any part ofNorthernIreland at Integrationists believeand have traditions. Many goodschools You’ve workedinbothsharedand enable a shared and integrated anytime of the day or evening. proved thatjust like in primary havebecomeinclusive ofchildren integratededucation,there’salot future. The Programme for Our office is in College Gardens, school,childrenfromarange withspecial needsand children oftalk about shared education Government outcomes will Belfast, where Ispend some of ofdifferent abilities including from different races, religionsand atthe minute, what are your hopefully reflect this so that all the time. A typical daystarts with childrenwith special educational cultures but only about 13%,as thoughts on this? educational bodies can act on it. checking my diaryand planning needs and different social Ihave mentioned earlier,have It is very simple. Shared what can be achieved on that backgrounds can be taught beenable to attract children from education is where two or more day. The rest oftheday flows with togethersuccessfullyinthesame the minority community (either schools or providers of education Finally, what impact do you think achieving lotsofthings other than school at postprimary leveltoo. Protestant or Catholic) into their work in partnership to support integrated education will have those that I planned. Ithen catch Youmight havedifferent groups school. My vision is that schools school improvement and build moving forward? up on those planned tasks at working at different levels but it would be incentivised to do this reconciliation across sectors I have honestly met very few home.Just likemyexperience of is possible forall pathways to and rewarded for developing an whereas integrated education people in my life who disagree teaching really. beprovided foriftheschoolis integrated ethos. is the education of children and with educating Protestants and supported well in its development. young people from Catholic, Catholics together. I think they are How many formally integrated What does a school need to do to Protestant, other beliefs, cultures just not sure how we can achieve schools are there in NI? Howlong haveformallyintegrated become integrated? and communities together in the that given our present situation. There are 65 formallyintegrated schools been in existence? It is a very simple process... one school. Both approaches My hope is that the Programme schools in NorthernIrelandout The first formally, planned in theory. A school, either staff are essentially helping to enable for Government priorities will of 1029 schools. There are a integrated school, Lagan College or parents, can decide they children to meet from a young reflect this so that all educational further75schoolswitha10% openedin1981with28young would like to have more children age. I would argue learning and bodies can act on it.