Learning Together Issue 5 2007 UK’s Biggest Electrical Retailer News in Brief Helps Integrated Primary School Mary Roulston, Principal of Millennium, said “These laptops will be used on a daily A DAY AT basis by children with Special Educational Needs in the Primary THE RACES 3 to Primary 7 classes. Our school has recently been chosen as a participant in the Studio ON programme, by the South Eastern Education and Library Board. Studio ON is an exciting and imaginative programme for students and teachers to learn Mike Wilson, PC World with Mary Roulston, Principal and students of and express themselves Baroness May Blood MBE, Lady Stella Millennium IPS through digital Empey and Gerry Kelly enjoying the day Pupils from Millennium Integrated Primary multimedia technologies at the races School, Saintfield, have been given a major boost and the arts. This very generous donation by to their ICT lessons thanks to the generosity of DSG Retail will take the classroom learning A Day at the Races proved a real the UK’s biggest electrical retailer, DSG Retail, experience to the next level.” winner for Integrated Education whose companies include Dixons, PC World Mike Wilson, Manager at PC World, when 140 friends and supporters and Currys. The company presented the school Sprucefield said “We are delighted to be able came along to Down Royal Race Day with £5,000 worth of state-of-the-art computer to support Millennium Integrated Primary at the end of August. The event was equipment and software, which will enhance the School and we are pleased that our ICT a colourful and exciting occasion classroom experience for pupils and teachers. equipment will be making a real difference.” - an opportunity to see racehorses and jockeys close up and for some novice punters to rub shoulders Rowallane Integrated with experienced tipsters to help raise money for Integrated College Takes Centre Education. Stage for US Envoy The programme included a four course lunch in the Down Royal Children attending Rowallane Integrated College Moscow Flyer Suite with broadcaster were paid a special visit by the United States Gerry Kelly kindly giving his time to Special Envoy to Ireland, Paula Dobriansky at the act as host for the day. school’s temporary site at Belvoir Park Hospital, Hospital Road, Belfast. The Fund is indebted to Killultagh Companies, who acted as title Dr Olwen Griffith, Principal of Rowallane IC said “It sponsor for our event, and Fire was a tremendous honour to welcome US Special IMC for their excellent pro-bono Envoy, Paula Dobriansky to our school particularly Paula Dobriansky with students from Rowallane IC promotional materials. as Northern Ireland moves into a new era of reconciliation. Integrated Education reflects the kind of society we hope to become – a society in which The Fund would also like to our children can grow up free from prejudice and mistrust and with open minds.” take this opportunity to thank our individual and corporate supporters, here in Northern IEF Commits A Further £180,000 To Projects Ireland and abroad, for their continued generosity and At their June Board Meeting the IEF Trustees PACT VIII,14 new projects will be supported, support. committed over £120,000 in further funding benefiting schools of all management types, through the Supporting and Developing not only Integrated, who are engaged in work Integrated Education Programme (SADIE) and celebrating cultural and religious diversity and over £60,000 through the Promoting a Culture of the development of paths of reconciliation Trust Programme (PACT). through education.

The additional 15 projects to benefit from SADIE This support is in addition to ongoing funding include a transformation support package for commitments made to schools and projects Ballycastle IPS and the development of a new under previous allocation meetings and to the Pre-School at Glencraig IPS as well as additional independent Integrated schools. accommodation for Braidside IPS. In terms of Learning Together Issue 5 2007 The Integrating Education Project GCSE Success for Mill Strand Integrated The Integrating Education Project, which was News in Brief funded from September 2005 to October 2007 by Primary School Pupil! the International Fund for Ireland has given NICIE an opportunity to explore some of the principles, policies, practices and resources that are alive in Integrated schools. In the spirit of partnership and sharing, NICIE has been able to offer support to schools that are formally Integrated and want to develop their Integrated ethos further and schools that are not formally integrated but who want to develop the concept further within their setting. This pilot project focussed on three key aims:

1) To assist schools to realise integration in Cliodhna Scott Wills (Governance Officer), Dean practice Lee (Good Relations Officer), Roisin Marshall (Project Manager), Kelly McKeaveney (Secretary), 2) To develop and disseminate examples of Terry McMackin (Ethos and Culture Officer) and Constantine Arnscheidt celebrating his double good policy and practice in Integrating Judith Searle (Peer Mediation Officer) GCSE success Education Constantine Arnscheidt, a Year 7 pupil at Mill 3) To work with other educational providers Strand Integrated Primary School, Portrush, is to facilitate the development of relevant This project has helped schools to reflect and initiate celebrating a double GCSE success having attained models of Integrating Education things that they can do to promote integration in remarkable A* grades in both German and their own setting. The challenge is to proactively Mathematics. 67 schools of various management types have encourage those from minority faiths to come to availed of the services of the Integrating Education their schools. This project has helped to collate and Constantine joined Mill Strand in Year 5 with Project to realise ‘Integration in Practice’. The disseminate some principles, practices, policies limited English but his ability became clear to intensity of support has varied, but it is significant and resources to support schools to do just that. It staff at the school at an early stage, as Principal that this number of schools feel that ‘Integration has also helped schools to manage conflict, take Philip Reid explains, “Constantine is a very in Practice’ is an important part of their school risks and deal with difficult issues in a safe way. intelligent yet modest pupil. He quickly mastered development. The team worked with the Council for The resources developed through this project have the English language to the extent that his NFER Catholic Maintained Schools, the five Education and all been underpinned by ethical social research standardised English scores were off the top of the Library Boards and Comhairle Na Gaelscolaíochta to conducted in partnership with a consultant from attainment chart by the time he had reached Year identify the schools. Queen’s University Belfast. 7. Integrated schools are essentially child centred and strive to meet the educational needs of each In total, 155 schools were visited and offered The employees in NICIE will continue to offer individual pupil. In Constantine’s case we decided, support in terms of developing integration. As support to people in schools who want to develop following consultation with Constantine and his well as this, schools were asked to share any ‘integration in practice’. The team would like to take parents, to enter him for GCSE German and higher developments that may occur through their this opportunity to thank the International Fund tier GCSE mathematics.” involvement with the project as well as any practice for Ireland and NICIE for their support in this pilot that they felt has worked to proactively encourage project. integration. A publication will be available to all Dates for your diary schools in the autumn term 2007. 1. Gala Dinner Event: Le Grande Bal Integrated Schools Celebrate their Academic Success Date: Saturday 20th October Location: Europa Hotel The GCSE and A Level results this year have shown Integrated College, Coleraine, commented on his the immense wealth of talented young people own school’s results, “Results showed a marked BC Plant JCB Ltd will host a Gala Dinner in support of attending integrated colleges today. They are also a improvement since 2006, with 44% achieving an A* the Integrated Education Fund on the 20th October at reflection of the dedication of the staff who continue - C grades in 5 or more subjects, while 98% attained the Europa Hotel, Belfast. to offer a first class education to their pupils. an A* - G.” Four hundred and fifty guests, including corporate partners, donors, volunteers and friends of Integrated Oakgrove Integrated College pupils Kieran Pradeep Drumragh Integrated College students now look Education will come together to celebrate the and Darren Moore, both aged 16, received forward to moving on to study at universities all over achievements of the Fund and to help raise money exceptional GCSE results this summer as they both the United Kingdom, including Stephen Webb who for the future growth and development of Integrated came in the top five of the 37,000 students across received three A grades at A Level and is now looking Education. the UK who took the English Literature GCSE. Their forward to studying Civil/ Structural Engineering English teacher, Noreen Carolan, said, “We are at Newcastle University and Kieran McCusker who 2. Symposium particularly delighted to have not one pupil in the is heading to Liverpool to study Psychology after Event: The role of Education in Promoting top five in the UK but two; it is superb. Traditionally attaining A, B and C grades at A Level. this is a subject that girls excel at so this is a Equality and Social Cohesion testimony to the fact that boys can do well Date: Wednesday 21st November in it too.” Location: W5 at the Odyssey Pavilion, Belfast Students leaving Integrated College Dungannon also obtained some remarkable Trevor Philips, Chair of the Commission for Equality results, with the Head Girl, Emma Church, and Human Rights, will be giving a public lecture on and Head Boy, Colin Gervin, setting a the subject of ‘The Role of Education in Promoting commendable example to their peers. Equality and Social Cohesion.’ Emma received four A grades at A Level, securing her place at Edinburgh University to Integrated Education Fund study medicine. Colin received one A grade 41-43 University Street, and two B grades at A Level which ensures Belfast BT7 1FY his entrance to study Law and Criminology Tel: 028 9033 0031 Fax: 028 9033 0061 at University of Ulster, Jordanstown. Shimna Integrated College, Newcastle, also enjoyed GCSE E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ief.org.uk and A Level exam success. Students pictured above are Alec Jim Frizelle, Principal of North Coast Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education Coole, Kerri Smith, Ryan Doran and Cary Buchanan 13-19 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NA Tel: 028 9023 6200 Fax: 028 9023 6237 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nicie.org News from the Integrated Education Movement in Learning Northern Ireland Issue 5 Together 07

in this issue Two New Integrated Schools Open

Last year the Integrated Education movement celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Lagan College. This September we celebrate the opening of two new US Consul General Dean integrated schools Pittman Honoured Rowandale IPS, Moira, and newly transformed Kindle CIPS (formerly Crumlin High School’s Tyrella PS). The two Journey To Integration new schools bring the total number of Leading Philanthropists Fly integrated schools in Northern Ireland to 62. In To Visit Integrated Schools The new Principal, Frances Hughes (3rd from left), parents and children Rowallane IC and Clogher celebrate the opening of Rowandale Integrated Primary School in Moira. Valley IPS, which have UK’s Biggest Electrical both been funded independently through the approval in 2004, closed its doors at the end of Retailer Helps Integrated IEF continue in their bid to secure government June 2007 due to the continued demographic Primary School funding. Clogher Valley IPS which was awarded decline in the area. conditional approval by the Department Antrim parents also received a setback when The Integrating Education of Education in March, continues to pursue in June Parkhall College held a parental ballot enrolments to meet the Department’s to transform to integrated status but narrowly Project requirements of 12 P1 pupils for this academic failed to produce a positive result. However year. parental activity in the Antrim area continues Rowallane IC and Down Academy, an with a development proposal for Sixmile established controlled integrated school in Integrated College, a new GMI school, being Downpatrick, have set up an Interim Board of prepared. Parental activity in Ballymoney and Governors made up of representatives from Strabane has also encouraged local schools to both schools and this September will submit consider integration. a Development Proposal to the Education Interest in transformation continues to rise. In Minister, Catríona Ruane, outlining their Belfast, Suffolk PS parents recently voted 100% If you have any stories that you plans for a new 550 place, grant-maintained in favour of transformation and Cliftonville would like included in future integrated college in the wider Crossgar area. PS will proceed with a parental ballot in the Integrated Education newsletters The Interim Board was formed following the autumn. Parents at Knockbreda PS and Conlig then please contact Emma Hassard previous Education Minister Maria Eagle’s PS have voted overwhelmingly to resubmit at NICIE or Siobhán McKenna at IEF acknowledgement that there was a gap in the their bids to transform after being turned down provision of integrated post-primary places in last year. the mid-Down area. As long as parents continue to demand places Email: [email protected] Other parents across Northern Ireland have not for their children, the drive for Integrated Phone: 028 9023 6200 been so fortunate in realising their vision to Education will be sustained through the provide an integrated choice for their children. dedicated work of both NICIE and the IEF and Email: [email protected] Groomsport PS, which received conditional their supporters. Phone: 028 9033 0031 Learning Together Issue 5 2007

Peace Wall at Hazelwood Education Minister Visits Priory Integrated College Integrated Primary School On 30 May Education Minister Caitríona Ruane accompanied by Lady Sylvia Hermon, the MP for North Down, visited Priory Integrated College, Holywood. They were given a tour of the school and met Two pupils from Hazelwood IPS’s Nursery some of the students and Despite Northern Ireland moving into teachers. Acting a new era with devolved government, Principal Peter the Northern Ireland Office has plans to McCreadie Caitríona Ruane with Lady Sylvia Hermon at Priory Integrated College erect a 25ft high security fence within the commented “The visit gave perimeter fence of Hazelwood Integrated demonstrated by a 1,500 signature long Primary School in North Belfast. our governors and parents the opportunity to make the Minister aware of the situation petition, 400 supportive letters and an e- The NIO said it was being erected to protect regarding the proposed new build of the petition directed to 10 Downing Street website Catholic residents in the nearby Throne school. The support for the new build was with 590 signatures.” Park area after attacks last summer and the decision had only been taken after extensive consultation with residents, political representatives and the school. Setanta It has been suggested that youths may have crossed through the school grounds to gain entry to the area. Cup Final Michael Wardlow, Chief Executive Officer of NICIE, commented “We are Forge Integrated Primary looking to a future with shared schools School pupils support the and more shared space, where sharing ‘Football for All’ Anti-Racism must take precedence over separation Campaign at the Setanta Cup for social, moral and economic Final, Linfield vs Drogheda, on 12 May reasons. However, we also recognise that we are emerging from conflict and that we are in a huge period of transition. Crumlin High School’s Journey to Integration Once they go up, so-called peace Transforming a school to Integrated including reviewing school policies, updating resources, walls don’t come down overnight. status is a challenging process. Crumlin and changes to uniform and signage. Only when talking ultimately fails, High School is one of the most recent and only if the security situation The school’s new signs now say ‘Crumlin Integrated schools which has taken a commitment to absolutely demands it, then we College’. This proud declaration reflects the school’s make further changes in order to become may have to accept that a wall commitment to adopting all that Integrated Education even more accessible for everyone in their does go up. If it comes to this, entails. It also is a signpost for the future as the community. it is imperative that ongoing school continues to thrive under the ethos and values discussions continue to take place. Crumlin High School opened in 1962 and has of an education where children, parents, teachers proved itself to be a popular school which has and governors from Protestant and Catholic traditions The situation with this proposed always welcomed pupils from both sides of the alongside those of other faiths or none can learn together. new wall is a reflection of where community. The school has become formally The school received a total of £45,000 in grants through we are at right now in Northern integrated from September 2007, following a Ireland, it is a microcosm of the IEF’s Supporting and Developing Integrated Education parental ballot where 75% were in favour of the (SADIE) grant making programme, to assist in the our current situation as, while change. there is a new co-operation transformation process. The Headmistress Dr Annabel Scott explained ‘This and sharing in government at For more information on Crumlin Integrated College is an exciting time for the school and the decision Stormont, the divisions on our please contact the Headmistress, Dr Annabel Scott, at the will give local parents from all communities another streets remain and have yet to school on (028) 9445 2497. be resolved. If we can solve choice for their children’s education.’ this problem, imagine what Following this decision, the school has relished the For further information on how NICIE can else we can solve within and opportunity to modify existing practices and resources support transforming schools, please contact across Northern Ireland?” to ensure that the Integrated ethos is fully and Terry McMackin, Transformation Officer, unequivocally immersed in every area of school life on 9023 6200. Education Minister Visits Priory Integrated College US Consul General Dean Pittman Honoured On 11 June, Ulidia Integrated College hosted Highlights of the evening included the of Directors said “We wish a fond and sad a poignant farewell event for US Consul contribution by former Ulidia Integrated farewell to Dean Pittman. Since the opening General Dean Pittman during his last month College students Rosie Hassin and Shannon of Lagan College in 1981, we have had the in post. Graham and Year 8 pupils, Tony O’Malley and active, personal support of the US Consul Ryan Montgomery from Rowallane Integrated Generals often, as in the case of Dean Pittman Baroness May Blood MBE, Campaign Chair of College. They spoke of how Dean Pittman and his predecessor Barbara Stephens, because the Integrated Education Fund, stated “You are provided them with a once-in-a-lifetime they had personal experience of the negative truly a great friend to Northern Ireland and the opportunity to represent the Integrated impact of segregation in their schools and their Integrated Education Movement.” Education Movement at a closed meeting with communities.” President Bush at the White House in 2005 and 2007 respectively. Baroness May Blood MBE said “Dean devoted an enormous amount of time to Integrated Education. The amount of personal commitment he has invested in Northern Ireland issues in general and more specifically Integrated Education should never be underestimated. There is no doubt his support and encouragement has helped to raise the profile of Integrated Education to the highest levels in Washington. I want to extend best Dean Pittman on a visit to Strangford IC wishes to him, for the future.” Dean Pittman and Jan O’Neill at the launch of Colm Cavanagh, Chair of the NICIE Board Rowallane IC prospectus

Baroness May Blood MBE and Dean Pittman hit Dean Pittman with pupils from Portaferry IPS Dean Pittman with Ryan Montgomery, Tony the right note at Glengormley IPS O’Malley and Rosie Hassin

The Irish Consul General to Scotland Praises Integrated Education Leading political, church, civic and in Northern Ireland. She said business figures from Scotland “It’s a pleasure for me as and Northern Ireland attended Consul General to welcome a special reception at the Irish representatives from the Consulate in Edinburgh to mark Integrated Education Movement 25 years of Integrated Education on this first official visit to in Northern Ireland. The event, Scotland. The contribution being hosted by Irish Consul General in made by integrated schools is Scotland Cliona Manahan, took vital to help tackle sectarianism, place on Wednesday 27 June at foster genuine reconciliation and Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh. work to build a society based on the celebration of diversity for a Speaking at the event were peaceful and prosperous future Baroness May Blood MBE, Rosie for Northern Ireland.” Irish Consul General to Scotland, Cliona Manahan, with Baroness May Blood MBE Smyth, former Head Student at and Colm Cavanagh Lagan Integrated College and Colm Cavanagh. ...The contribution being made by Integrated schools Cliona Manahan praised the is vital to help tackle sectarianism... work of Integrated Education Learning Together Issue 5 2007 Leading Philanthropists Fly in to Visit Integrated Schools

Some of the world’s leading The Ireland Funds are key supporters and believe they have an integral part philanthropists from the Ireland of Integrated Education and provided to play in building a shared future in Funds, the world’s largest charitable $350,000 to help complete the Oakwood Northern Ireland. The Fund is delighted to foundation of Irish Diaspora, arrived facility and to date have pledged be able to see at first hand the difference in Belfast to be guests at a celebration $1million to support Rowallane as an our support has made to the pupils at to mark the completion of a new independent school. Oakwood and Rowallane.” pre-school and after school facility at Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Jack and Jackie McDonnell, of The June. They later attended the first year American Ireland Fund said “We have celebrations and prize giving ceremony strong links with Northern Ireland and at Rowallane Integrated College near it means a lot to us to think we can Belfast. support parents who want to send their children to an Integrated school. We are firm believers that children being educated together in an environment where culture and diversity are celebrated will lay the foundations for a peaceful and prosperous future for Northern Ireland.”

Kingsley Aikins, Chief Executive Officer of The American Ireland Fund said “We have been long Jack and Jackie McDonnell presenting the trophy standing supporters for excellence in Mathematics, which was donated by George Moore from Belleek Pottery Jack and Jackie McDonnell at Oakwood IPS of Integrated schools Schools Receive Top UNICEF Award Oakgrove Integrated Primary School and College and Clogher Valley Integrated Primary School have each been awarded a UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award.

Paul Clark, Northern Ireland UNICEF Ambassador, and Patricia Lewsley, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, presented the schools with their prestigious awards at the North Eastern Education and Library Board Centre in Antrim, on Wednesday 13th June.

The UNICEF ‘Rights Respecting School’ initiative which puts the teaching of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s ethos, is currently being piloted in Northern Ireland. Oakgrove Integrated Primary and College and Clogher Valley IPS Receiving their UNICEF Award