Press Release - Friday 18th October 2013
Education Projects Celebrate Success in Bringing Schools Together
Two special projects which helped 38 schools in the Southern Education and Library Board area work closer together, were celebrated at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre today (Friday 18th October 2013).
Over the last three years, the Welcoming Schools and the Primary Curriculum Partnership projects engaged with more than 8,400 pupils, 1,000 school staff and 550 parents to promote equality of opportunity, good relations and respect for diversity and identity.
Funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s Sharing in Education Programme and managed by the Southern Education and Library Board, the projects supported the sharing of classes, resources, expertise and quality professional development for all staff.
The Welcoming Schools Project enabled schools to foster a welcoming ethos and atmosphere, build on the principles of inclusivity, respect for others and an embracing of diversity with their own school culture. Meanwhile, the Primary Curriculum Partnership Project built cross-community partnerships between 20 primary schools working together to deliver Personal Development and Mutual Understanding elements of the curriculum in shared classrooms.
International Fund for Ireland board Member, Billy Gamble, said:
“These projects are about bringing schools and communities together. They show the educational and societal benefits that can be secured when young people have chances to share in educational opportunities. Both projects have helped give teachers, classroom assistants and parents confidence to discuss important questions and guide children towards positive understandings of our society.
“Interventions like these have a part to play in a genuine shared future and are timely given Programme for Government commitments to advancing shared education. They give policymakers practical examples of how young people can participate in shared educational experiences.”
Speaking at the event, Education Minister, John O’Dowd MLA said; “I believe that every school should be promoting a ‘welcoming ethos’ and striving to fully engage with their local community. Equipping today’s young people with the skills they need to take their place as active citizens in society is just as important as achieving academic excellence. That is why the curriculum includes personal development and mutual understanding, citizenship, cultural understanding, human rights and equality. These subject areas are supported by my Department’s Community Relations, Equality and Diversity in Education (CRED) Policy.
“Commitments within the Programme for Government to advance shared education seek to deliver tangible educational benefits while promoting equality, respect for diversity and community cohesion. The learning gained through Welcoming Schools, the Primary Curriculum Partnership and the other projects that make up the International Fund for Ireland’s Sharing in Education Programme will provide helpful, relevant advice on how to progress Shared Education here.”
Speaking at the event John Unsworth, Assistant Senior Education Officer said;
“I have followed the progress of both projects and I am delighted with the achievements of all schools involved. Both projects closely align to the Department of Education’s policies, in particular, CRED and Every School a Good School and I have no doubt as schools see the benefits of their work, they will continue to work together to embed the work and learning into everyday school life.”
Mr Plunkett Campbell presented the 20 schools involved in the PCPP project with their award and commented on their success;
“I am delighted to be here today to recognise the achievements of the schools. Pupils, all staff and parents have all benefitted by participating in the projects. Both projects are to be commended for their achievements and in advancing the aims of sharing in education.”
Dr. John M. Novak, Professor of Education at Brock University, Ontario, Canada was involved in the early stages of the Welcoming Schools Project. He said:
“The Welcoming Schools Project is a wonderful example of dedicated educators working together to make schools places where all people want to be and want to learn. I have been very impressed with the participating educators' heartfelt commitment, serious thinking, and creative practices. This project has truly been a growing collaborative effort whose positive effects are just starting to be seen. Connecting with educators throughout the world who have been involved in similar projects will enable this project to gain even greater recognition. Ms Jayne Simms should be congratulated for her inspiring vision and artful articulation in enrolling participants in this life-changing initiative. Keep up the good work and celebrate your successes.”
Ends
Media enquiries:
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Stephen McGrath (Weber Shandwick) on 028 9034 7310 or on mobile 07989475561.
Further Information:
- The International Fund for Ireland is an independent, international organisation established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986. The Fund’s main objectives are to promote economic and social advance and encourage contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Unionists and Nationalists throughout Ireland. Contributors to the Fund are the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Since its inception, the Fund has committed more than £707 million/€890 millionto a wide variety of projects in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties of Ireland. Developing and funding initiatives that tackle segregation and promote integration to build a lasting peace in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties is a key priority for the Fund.
- The Sharing in Education Programme was set up to support the strategic objectives of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) by providing funding for projects that enable young people to participate in shared education. Since November 2008, the IFI Liaison Team within the Department of Education (DE) has managed the programme; it ‘works with providers in education, registered youth organisations and related services to support educational experiences which are shared between young people representative of the two communities.
- The Welcoming Schools Project aims to enable the participating schools to engage effectively in shared education through the development of a ‘welcoming’ ethos at all levels. The project trains staff in issues related to diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, respect for different cultures and traditions, citizenship and mutual understanding. The learning focuses on developing the knowledge, understanding, expertise, critical thinking skills and attitudes necessary to develop a ‘welcoming’ school. There are 18 schools involved in the project: 14 primary Schools and 4 post-primary schools of these there are 10 maintained schools, 6 controlled and 2 integrated.
- The Primary Curriculum Partnership Project is a cross-community project, whereby schools within the same community or town but from different religious backgrounds, have been working in partnership with each other. By bringing teachers together and encouraging them to share the delivery of key ‘Mutual Understanding’ aspects of the curriculum knowledge and expertise is shared. The project has focused on whole school improvement and shared lessons on issues such as; flags, symbols and emblems, similarities and differences in the celebrations, churches, sports and cultures within Northern Ireland. The overall aim is for children and teachers to recognise and appreciated different traditions and cultures and to develop the skills and capabilities to live, play and work together.
Schools Involved in the Primary Curriculum Partnership Project (PCPP) – 20 schools working in 10 partnerships all within the SELB
•Fivemiletown Primary School and St. Mary’s Primary School, Fivemiletown
•Aughnacloy Primary School and St. Mary’s Primary School, Aughnacloy
•Dromore Road Primary School, Warrenpoint and St. Bronagh’s Primary School, Rostrevor
•Hart Memorial Primary School, Portadown and Presentation Primary School, Portadown
•Walker Memorial Primary School, Castlecaulfield and Blessed Patrick O’Loughran Primary School, Castlecaulfield
•Moy Regional Primary School and St. John’s Primary School, Moy
•Howard Primary School, Dungannon and Edendork Primary School, Dungannon
•Churchill Primary School, Caledon and St. Joseph’s Primary School, Caledon
•Markethill Primary School and St. Patrick’s Primary School, Crossmaglen
•Drumsallen Primary School and Our Lady’s Primary School, Tullysaran
Primary Schools involved in Welcoming Schools Project
•St Patrick’s, Newry
•The Armstrong, Armagh
•Mount St Catherine’s, Armagh
•Tannaghmore, Lurgan
•St Mary’s, Stewartstown
•Clinyclay, Dungannon
•St Joseph and St James’s, Poyntzpass
•Presentation, Portadown
•Cookstown Primary
•Phoenix Integrated, Cookstown
•Clonalig
•Windsor Hill, Newry
•Woods Primary, Magherafelt
•Poyntzpass Primary
Post-primary schools involved in Welcoming Schools Project
•Lurgan Junior High
•St Mary’s High School, Newry
•Integrated College Dungannon
•St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley