ucating Ed Issue 1

C r h i e l h dr t Learning e n To g e News from the Movement in Together

Setbacks, Funding, in this issue and Growth! “The government’s decision has been a devastating blow, not only to the parents who have campaigned tirelessly to provide an Integrated Education for their children, but also to staff at both NICIE and the IEF,” explained Deborah Girvan, Communications and Lobbying Manager for the integrated movement. “The main reasons cited by the Minister, Angela Smith, for the controversial decision was that there are too many surplus places in the proposed areas and the impact that a new school would have on local schools’ enrolments.

Rejecting this reasoning, David Heyworth, Chair of the IEF argued: ‘This is simply not acceptable, spare places in local segregated schools must US Philanthropy Award not be allowed to veto parental choice for for Baroness Blood integration where there is great demand and no local option.’ Washington Trip Friendship blossoms at Oakwood Integrated Primary Congratulations are extended to fi ve more Lord Chancellor Gives Boost to Welcome to the fi rst issue of Learning Together, schools which have undergone successful Integrated Education Campaign the new joint newsletter from the Integrated parental transformation ballots in recent months Education Fund (IEF) and the Northern Ireland - Crumlin High School, Tyrella PS, Ballycastle Shared Future Art Exhibition Council for Integrated Education (NICIE). PS, Collone PS (Armagh) and Knockbreda PS The newsletter will aim to bring everyone - and we wish them every success on their Millward Brown Ulster Survey up to date on a quarterly basis with major transformation journey. Combined with the developments in the integrated movement two new schools, there will be 64 integrated Parent Groups including what’s happening in Schools, Parent schools from September 2006. In addition, a Groups, Fundraising, Grants and Policy. new parent group has formed in East . IEF Commits £750,000 Strabane, Antrim, Limavady and Ballymoney Despite the recent announcement that the continue their quest for an integrated provision Integrated Education Week government has refused funding for four in their respective areas. integrated school proposals, Integrated Education continues to expand. Rowallane IC, “Even though demand for Integrated Education the proposed integrated second level school is at an all time high, tough times are ahead”, for the Saintfi eld/Carryduff area, and Clogher concluded Deborah Girvan. “The Review Valley IPS, the proposed primary school for of Public Administration (RPA), along with the Fivemiletown area have been offered ‘A Shared Future’ policy, the demographic independent funding from the IEF to open in downturn and cash strapped education budgets, September 2006. The Moira/Hillsborough will test the mettle of us all. However, the will parent group will receive fi nancial support to and spirit of parents, a legacy started by the work towards a new school for their area for pioneering parents of Lagan 25 years ago, will If you have any stories that you another year. Lir IPS, Ballycastle, independently give us the resolve and inspiration to fi ght on would like included in future funded by the IEF for the past two years, was and challenge the status quo!” Integrated Education newsletters turned down by the Department of Education. then please contact Philip O’Sullivan at NICIE or Sam Fitzsimmons at IEF Email: [email protected] Phone: 028 9023 6000 Email: [email protected] Phone: 028 9033 0031

NORTHERN IRELAND COUNCIL FOR INTEGRATED EDUCATION Learning Together Issue 1 2006 Learning Together Issue 1 2006

Shared Future Art Exhibition Survey Shows 71% Support for News in Brief The fi rst large-scale exhibition to bring together the work of over 70 young artists from integrated schools across Northern Ireland was hailed as a great success by Transformation Irish Internationally acclaimed artist Nicola Russell who launched the exhibition at the Embassy, ARTTANK Gallery, Lisburn Road, Belfast in February. Decline in pupil numbers and the need London The overall exhibition awards went to New-Bridge Integrated College and to take a more strategic review of the The Loughview Integrated Primary School with ten individual awards sponsored by the schools estate has been the hot topic in Ambassador Jaffa family. the education news in Northern Ireland. of Ireland A new piece of independent research, and his wife The success of the exhibition owes a great deal to Jenny Simons, Head of Art and conducted by Millward Brown Ulster, Mrs Dáithi Design, Ulidia Integrated College, the Jaffa family, the Esme Mitchell Trust, Tesco points towards one way of addressing O’Ceallaigh and Jas Mooney for their generous help and support. David Montgomery, Ray O’Rourke, the 50,000 spare places in our schools. Ambassador Daithi O’Ceallaigh, hosted a Kevin and Brinda Curley present Baroness Blood with a cheque for $25,000 Baroness May Blood reception A range of people who have children, in the Irish were asked whether or not they would Embassy, London on Wednesday 17th May US Philanthropy Award for Baroness Blood support their local school changing for many London supporters to the Integrated status to become an integrated school. Education Campaign. Ray O’Rourke was the Baroness May Blood MBE fl ew out to Texas to receive a prestigious Philanthropy Award Despite only 21% of respondents special guest of honour for the evening and for her leadership and contribution to the Integrated Education Fund. Baroness Blood having children who attended an it was our pleasure to have the opportunity was inducted into the Philanthropy World magazine Hall of Fame at the 9th Annual integrated school, an overwhelming to thank him for his and Laing O’Rourke’s Philanthropy Gala and Induction Ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel, Dallas. The event was 71% indicated that they would support outstanding contribution to our Fund during supported by our friends in the Texan Chapter of the American Ireland Fund. this option being pursued. the last fi ve years. Bob Hopkins, Founder and President of Philanthropy World, said: “This award is in The Millward Brown Ulster survey recognition of Baroness Blood’s work and commitment to Integrated Education and its indicates that the public knows very US Embassy event at Winfi eld House, little about the option of transforming London immeasurable impact on peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. We hope that this recognition of her leadership will inspire others to become more involved in their their local school to integrated status. The Ambassador of the United States of Only 5% of respondents knew that by America and his wife Mrs. Robert H. Tuttle communities and realize that one person can make a powerful difference.” Internationally renowned artist Nicola Christine Harpur, Baroness Blood, Russell with Sarah Melville-Watson, Geraldine Tigchelaar and simply taking a parental vote they could graciously hosted a reception in support of During the trip Kevin and Brinda Curley presented Baroness Blood with a cheque for initiate the process. Integrated Education in their private residence $25,000 from the 2006 Dallas Shamrock Shoot-out Golf Tournament which will directly Hazelwood Integrated College, Belfast Anne Odling-Smee at Winfi eld House, Regents Park, London. The support the establishment of a Nurture Room for children with special educational invited guests included infl uential business needs at Cranmore IPS. fi gures, donors, and supporters from Great Britain, Northern Ireland and America. 25th Anniversary This special evening is a further indication of the American Administration’s strong St Patrick’s Week Events to celebrate the 25th Anniversary endorsement of the importance of Integrated of Integrated Education are well Education to the future of Northern Ireland. underway. A series of year-long in Washington activities will take place including: Once again Integrated Education was A Day at the Races • a launch at Lagan IC, the fi rst a major theme of St Patrick’s Week Enjoy a great afternoon out at Down Royal integrated school, in September 2006 Celebrations in Washington this year. Racecourse which has brought the “Sport of • a historical touring exhibition which NICIE CEO, Michael Wardlow, began the Kings” to generations of people in Ulster since will visit 12 libraries across Northern week by addressing the United States the 17th Century. Down Royal Race Day and Curators of the Shared Future Art Cora and Rosie Alexander Ireland Luncheon will be held on the 1st September Institute for Peace in a panel discussion Exhibition, ArtTank Gallery Adam and Glencraig Controlled Integrated • a Gala Dinner, Saturday 3rd March 2006. If you’re a fan of the races, why not on the government’s ‘Shared Future’ Kingsley Aikins, President and Chief Executive Offi cer Bernard Jaffe and Jenny Simons, Head School, Craigavad 2007, Armagh City Hotel. come along to this fantastic afternoon and policy, sharing the platform with Duncan of the World-wide Ireland Funds, Jack McDonnell and George Moore of Art at Ulidia Integrated College, help raise funds for the IEF. Morrow of the Community Relations ‘We are particularly keen to get in touch Council, Nigel Hamilton of the Northern Representing the integrated movement Carrickfergus Companies are being invited to take up with past parents who started integrated Ireland Offi ce and also Mitchell Reiss, at the event was Baroness May Blood, sponsorship and hospitality packages for the schools,’ explained Deborah Girvan, the US Special Envoy on Northern Ireland Paul Caskey and Michael Wardlow. event. Contact Northern Ireland Campaign Communications and Lobbying Manager, Affairs. Commenting on the award, Baroness Manager Brian Small at 028 9033 0031. ‘and we would encourage those parents May Blood said: “Jack and Jackie Later in the week the American Ireland to get in contact with NICIE’. McDonnell have made a magnifi cent Fund Annual Gala took place where Frank Carson Celebrity Golf contribution to those parents who want Further information will appear in the stalwart supporter and impassioned One of the most exciting upcoming the right for an Integrated Education for next edition of the news letter but advocate of Integrated Education, Jack fundraising events to take place this year their children. Their support for Lir and in the meantime, if you want more McDonnell was honoured with the will be the Frank Carson Celebrity Golf also Maine and Oakwood Integrated information, please visit www.nicie.org Irish Peace and Culture Award for his Classic on the 28th September at Royal Primary Schools has proved invaluable.” or contact Philip O’Sullivan on Belfast Golf Club. A star studded cabaret role in the development and growth of 028 9023 6200. evening at the Culloden Hotel will Integrated Education. Our thanks also go out to the US round off the event which has already Administration and all the many Emma Donnelly Leo McGowan (5) and family Receiving his award he refl ected on generated massive interest from individuals and organizations for their Malone Integrated College, Belfast Millennium Integrated Primary his growing interest in reconciliation friends and supporters of hospitality and ongoing support and School, Carryduff issues after his son had spent some time Integrated Education. encouragement during the visit. studying in Belfast only to be shunned by his host family after they discovered he I’d like to congratulate Jack McDonnell was a Catholic in their Protestant home. and thank him for all his work.” Learning Together Issue 1 2006 Learning Together Issue 1 2006 Parent Groups – Update News in Brief Policy Specialist School Shimna Integrated College was thrilled to learn that their application to become a specialist Update language college in September 2006 has been approved by the government. Angela Smith, NIO Minister for Education made the exciting announcement on Tuesday 14th March when she praised the successful schools’ “potential”, “innovation” and “creativity”. The college is one of twelve schools chosen to pilot the ‘centres of excellence’ scheme in Northern Ireland. They will receive a one-off capital grant of £100,000 and £100 per pupil for four years. David Cameron visit to Lagan Integrated College The Integrated Education movement in Northern The implementation of the Review of Public US Consul General Dean Pittman with IEF Governor Jan O’Neill joins two of the fi rst pupils Ireland was delighted that David Cameron MP, the Administration (RPA) continues. NICIE has enrolled at Rowallane Integrated College. leader of the Conservative Party, chose to visit now been asked to make representations Lagan Integrated College last December during his inaugural trip to Northern Ireland. to a number of working groups led by the Limavady primary provision within 20 miles of Department for Education (DE). The Limavady Integrated College Leader of the Opposition was greeted by the the Valley. However, they have been acting principal Dessie McNally, governors, staff The Secretary of State, Peter Hain, has Steering Group have worked delighted by the fi nancial package by IEF Commit £750,000 and pupils before commencing a tour of the mentioned Integrated Education positively in enthusiastically to capture interest the IEF to support their efforts to see the school. On his fact-fi nding mission he witnessed his April 25th statement on A Shared Future. through awareness raising events, such The Integrated Education Fund announced fi nancial support of over £750,000 to how integrated schools tackle diffi cult issues such school opened in September 2006. ‘Integrated Education is one important model as the Valentine Fair, held in February, in establish Integrated Education provision in both the Clogher Valley and the Saintfi eld as sectarianism, racism, and confl ict resolution but there will be other ways of sharing. Our the Gorteen House Hotel. Steering group members have areas and confi rmed continued fi nancial support for the campaign by a group of which are an integral part of the taught curriculum but also saw at fi rst hand how they celebrate and ultimate aim must be to ensure that we are continued to work hard at hosting parents in Moira/Hillsborough for an Integrated Primary School in their area. They are currently actively engaged in embrace diversity. integrating educational provision across the events both for parents and children board more effectively.’ While welcome, it exploring opportunities for integrated The decision to pledge funding was reached after an intense consultation period to keep parents up to date with is our opinion that such rhetoric needs to be provision in the Limavady area with with parents, key donors and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education developments as they unfold. A turned into government policy. other parents. and follows on from the controversial decision by Education Minister, Angela Smith, suitable temporary site has been not to give Conditional Approval to the Development Proposals submitted by the David Russell, Policy Offi cer for the Moira/Hillsborough identifi ed in Fivemiletown and they Communications and Lobbying Team parents groups. The Rowandale IPS Steering Group, have appointed their principal, Clare produced a paper on Shared Education which Meehan. In order to provide the high levels of fi nancial support needed, the IEF will be was presented to the UNESCO centre at the undeterred by the decision of the required in the meantime to use the limited unrestricted reserves of the Fund. University of Ulster in April. The paper was Minister to refuse funding, continue to Antrim apply pressure for integrated primary also a focus of discussion at the Community The group was constituted in the We ask for the support of our donors and supporters to help us to fundraise to provision in their area. They hope to Relations Council Policy conference on April autumn and have been working hard support the growth of Integrated Education in these communities and beyond. 26th. Representatives of DE, the transferors consolidate support, and inspire more to raise awareness of their project for a The success of this appeal is essential in light of the huge fi nancial commitment we and Catholic schools were present. The paper parents to become involved in their second level integrated college in the are making. To make a donation please contact Campaign Manager, Paul Caskey. Leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron on a was also used at a recent meeting with the activities. Recently a parents information Antrim area. visit to Secretary of State and its recommendations evening was held in ‘The Four Trees’ in will be forwarded to the Offi ce of the First Moira. They had their fi rst family event on Hazelwood Peace Assembly Minister and Deputy First Minister and DE for Easter Saturday, at the gardens of make a difference. Integrated Education To mark their 20th Anniversary, Hazelwood consideration in the strategic planning of A Lord Chancellor Gives Saintfi eld/Carryduff Clotworthy Arts Centre for a well is not the panacea for all the ills of Integrated College and Hazelwood Integrated Shared Future. The development proposal for Rowallane Northern Ireland but it is a powerful Primary School embarked on a series of attended and much enjoyed Easter Egg Boost to Integrated special events to celebrate their success and Integrated College was not given Hunt. A pub quiz took place in the Cova measure that will help to create a more Independent Research achievements. A grant from the IEF supported ministerial approval by the Department Bar in Antrim in May. Education Campaign tolerant society.” a number of activities, including an Anniversary NICIE welcomes the publication of Bernie of Education. However, they have been magazine and a Carol Service at St Anne’s Hayes, Ian McAllister and Lizanne Dowd’s delighted by the fi nancial pledge by the To date the group has more than 170 The Secretary of State for Constitutional The Lord Chancellor paid tribute to the Cathedral in Belfast with the Donaghadee Male research “In search of middle ground: IEF to support their efforts to see the expression of interest forms completed Affairs and Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer courage and commitment of parents Voice Choir and comedian and IEF campaigner Integrated Education and Northern Ireland and forms continue to come through throughout Northern Ireland who have Frank Carson. politics” as part of the increasing body of school opened in September 2006. And of Thoroton played host to a reception evidence which supports the value and the story doesn’t end there…Rowallane steadily. This is very encouraging for the at his private residence at the House established 58 integrated schools since A special peace assembly was also held with positive impact of Integrated Education on has appointed it’s fi rst Principal, Dr group and a very positive indication of of Lords to promote the work of the the opening of Lagan College in 1981. guest speaker President Mary McAleese on young people who have experienced the the support for second level integrated Integrated Education Fund. Tuesday 28th March. Other distinguished guests Olwen Griffi th and the new teachers for included the Bishop of Down and Dromore, Harold system. the start of the new term. provision in Antrim. Lord Falconer welcomed the evening’s Millar, the US Consul General, Dean Pittman, local politicians, Lady Sylvia Hermon, Gerry Kelly, David The results of the report “add weight to Ballymoney guest speaker Helen Farrimond, Principal the studies which have shown that Strabane Forde, the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Mr William The Ballymoney Steering Group has been of Cranmore Integrated Primary School. integrated schools can and do have an The Strabane group held a Fun Day in de Courcey, Assistant Chief Constable, Duncan together since February this year. Having McCausland, Lady Elizabeth Bloomfi eld as well as impact on the outlook of the pupils March which was very well attended. In her speech to an infl uential audience formed their Limited Company, they are governors, parents and friends of the College. which attend them”, by suggesting The group is gaining further momentum of politicians, business leaders and “that attendance at a formally or now in the process of putting together a in the Strabane area and all concerned judiciary Mrs Farrimond said: “We know informally integrated school has programme of events to raise awareness Investors in People ´fi rst´ for are working very hard at awareness that Integrated Education is a lasting some positive long-term benefi ts in in the Ballymoney area. Portaferry IPS promoting a less sectarian outlook”. raising. means of bridging the community Portaferry IPS is the fi rst primary school in the The group has also sent Transformation Clogher Valley divide in an ever increasingly polarised Ards Peninsula to receive the prestigious Investors letters to all of the local primary schools Northern Ireland. It would be easy in People award. Confi rmation of the award The group was very disappointed to inviting them to consider an integrated sometimes to walk away from the was given in June, and the school’s principal, have their development proposal for the Jennifer Smyth, offi cially received the award from future but to date they have not had diffi culties that challenge us in the school turned down by the Department Education Minister Angela Smith at a ceremony in any positive response. integrated sector but that is not an Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, Helen Farrimond, of Education as there is no integrated Hillsborough Castle. option for us because we know that we Principal of Cranmore IPS Learning Together Issue 1 2006

Soccer Tournament at Priory For the 6th year running, Priory CIC celebrated IE Week by organising the Priory College Challenge Integrated Education Week 27th February Cup Soccer Tournament. The tournament had 13 participating primary schools from Bangor, to 3rd March 2006 Newtownards, Holywood and East Belfast. Local primary school children from different social and educational backgrounds had the opportunity to participate in a training session with soccer coaches The launch of provided by the Irish Football Association. Integrated Education Week took place on pupils hitting a Tuesday 28th February high note! 2006 at the Long Two A level music students from Erne Integrated Gallery, Stormont. College, Keri Wilson and Callum Johnston hit the David Ford MLA high spots in December with their Christmas song, hosted the event and ‘In Another World’. the guest speaker Written by the two students, the pupils recorded the was Tim Collins who song in the College’s studio, initially as part of their came to international course work. As the song developed though, their prominence with music teacher, Mr David Baxter, noticed that it was his rousing speech very catchy and cleverly written so he advised them to troops during the to develop it into a Christmas song. Iraq confl ict. He All proceeds of the CD went to the local branch of highlighted the the NSPCC and the CD can be bought in local shops importance of dialogue as well as from the College. Pictured are the two winners, Georgina Whiteside from North and public speaking Coast IC and Russell Bryce from Oakgrove IC, along with two of the in the rebuilding of a BBC “Any Questions” at Drumragh College judges, Anne Odling-Smee and Eileen Bell MLA society after confl ict. On Friday 31st March Drumragh Integrated College hosted the Radio 4 broadcast “Any Questions”. A public speaking competition organised by Cynthia Currie, North Coast Integrated Members of the panel included Peter Hain, the College, Coleraine, in conjunction with NICIE followed the launch in the Senate Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Anne Atkins (Radio 4), Pat Doherty (Sinn Fein) and Ian Paisley Chamber at Stormont. Georgina Jnr (DUP). Whiteside from North Coast IC won the exciting fi rst place prize of a trip to The live broadcast from Drumragh College was hosted by Jonathon Dimbleby. “Any Questions” London to visit the House of Commons invites members of the audience to pose and the runner up, Russell Bryce from questions to the panel covering a wide range of Oakgrove IC, L’Derry won £50. Both current social, economic and political topics. Georgina and Russell will be ambassadors In preparation for the event, members of the for Integrated Education in 2006 and will A-level politics department put local politicians represent the integrated movement at through their paces on issues such as key engagements. Integrated Education, local councils, health care and devolution. There were many other excellent events happening in integrated schools around Judges and participants at Stormont Shadow Secretary of State Visit to Northern Ireland during Integrated Brownlow Integrated College Education Week. The week provides David Lidington MP, the Conservative a superb opportunity for integrated Shadow Secretary of State for Northern schools to celebrate their growth and Ireland visited Brownlow Controlled diversity while reaching out to their Integrated College, Craigavon, on local communities. This year the week’s 19 January. theme was ‘the heart’ and events ranged from visits by local MLAs to football During his fact-fi nding visit to the fi rst transforming school in Northern Ireland, tournaments, healthy eating and special Mr Lidington met the Principal, Errol peace assemblies. Lemon, and pupils before embarking Once again Integrated Education Week on a tour of the school. was a great success and has proved to be Mr Lidington said, “I am delighted to Cynthia Currie and Colonel Tim Collins a highlight of the year. be visiting Brownlow Integrated College. At a time when Integrated Education is going from strength to strength, Brownlow has reached a landmark by attracting equal numbers of Catholic and Protestant pupils. I hope this will be a springboard for further success in the integrated sector’. Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education Integrated Education Fund 13-19 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NA 41 University Street, Belfast BT7 1FY Tel: 028 9023 6200 Fax: 028 9023 6237 Tel: 028 9033 0331 Fax: 028 9033 0061 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nicie.org Website: www.ief.org.uk