IEF learning together 23 Layout 2€¦ · In Parkhall Integrated College IIEW activities included investigating the science and technology of bridge-building, researching famous bridges

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Educating 2014News from the Integrated

Education Movement inNorthern Ireland

Children in integrated schools throughoutNorthern Ireland and across Europe havebeen ‘Building Bridges’ to mark this year’sInternational Integrated Education Week inMarch. The theme was interpreted in variouscreative ways, focusing on the power ofeducation to form friendships, cross dividesand promote reconciliation.

Enniskillen Integrated Primary School hosted thelaunch, illustrating the ‘Building Bridges’ themethrough drama. Oakgrove Integrated PrimarySchool was awarded the Excellence in IntegratedEducation Award (EIEA) at the event, inrecognition of the school’s hard work anddedication to the integrated ethos.

Noreen Campbell, Chief Executive of theNorthern Ireland Council for Integrated Education(NICIE), said “The international element ofIntegrated Education Week is important. Individed societies around the world people seekto build bridges through education. They look to

the model of integrated education here inNorthern Ireland for inspiration and adopt andadapt this model to meet their needs.”

Education Minister John O’Dowd said “I wouldlike to congratulate all those involved in thisspecial event and the integrated sector on all oftheir achievements thus far. The integratedsector is a vital and thriving part of our educationsystem. My Department has a statutoryresponsibility to encourage and facilitate thedevelopment of integrated education and I takethat duty very seriously. I have no doubt theintegrated sector will continue to go fromstrength to strength in the years ahead.”

To finish the week, there was a celebration atStormont, showcasing the talents of integratedschools through song and drama. Trevor Lunn,MLA, hosted the event and the guest of honourwas Joint Secretary, the British IrishIntergovernmental Secretariat, Barbara Jones.

Issue 23 Summer

Building bridges, forging links

INSIDE THIS ISSUE• Smart move as IEF

named charitypartner forprestigious businessshow

• Meeting demand:more places atintegrated schools

• Business leaders takethe integrationmessage to Stormont

• A big celebration fora Mini star: PaddyHopkirk honoured inBelfast

If you have any stories about sharing and

integration that you would like us to include in futurenewsletters please email

[email protected]

41-43 University StreetBelfast BT7 1FY

Northern Ireland

t: +44 (0)28 9033 0031f: +44 (0)28 9033 0061

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www.twitter.com/iefni

Celebrations at Enniskillen IPS

IEF learning together 23_Layout 2 07/05/2014 17:07 Page 1

2 | Learning Together Issue 23 2014

Integrated schools explored the ‘BuildingBridges’ theme by making beautifullyillustrated paper links, connecting eachstudent in each class around the school.Celebrations in different schools included artand writing workshops, ‘integration trails’, a football tournament, presentations andspecial assemblies.

The Drumragh Integrated College chain comprised linksmade by students, staff, parents and governors expressingtheir hopes and aspirations for the future of our country.

International IntegratedEducation Weekcelebrated around Northern Ireland

The theme was thoroughly explored at CranmoreIntegrated Primary School.

In Parkhall Integrated College IIEW activities included investigating the science and technologyof bridge-building, researching famous bridges in geography, making chains with localintegrated primary schools and, seen here, a drumming workshop for Year 8 pupils.

At Integrated College Dungannon (ICD) students made paper chains to decorate the collegehall for a special assembly on ‘Building Bridges not Walls’. The college’s Anti-BullyingAmbassadors used IIEW to launch their ‘Smile and Compliment Day’ which underlines howgestures and words are at the heart of building bridges between people.

Building bridges at Groarty IPS.The Bridge IPS team arrives at Stormont with their contribution to thepaper chain.


Learning Together Issue 23 2014 | 3

Primary pupils face ‘dragons’ with the help of technologyIntegrated College Dungannon were delighted to welcome 92 Primary 6 pupils and staff fromWindmill, Saints and Scholars and Portadown Integrated Primary Schools to take up thechallenge of using technology in a business context.

The project is funded by the IEF and aims to encourage children’s interest in STEM subjects – Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It also introduces primary pupils to the wider horizons ofsecondary school.

The contestants divided intoteams and some set to work inthe technology workshopscreating a wooden fish-shapedsurface protector, while otherteams designed advertisingslogans and posters, creatingpackaging and even a jingle anda film to advertise their product.This was just the first stage in acompetition which will finish inthe summer term, after a‘Dragons Den’ – style presentationincorporating multimedia. Eachprimary school will be visited byICD staff beforehand to offer tipson public speaking andcontestants are eagerly preparingfor their moment in the limelight.

Celebration of new facilities at growing schoolSchools in harmony on IEFscheme in LarneThree schools in Larne have beenworking together on a cross-community project fundedthrough the IEF’s PACT(Promoting a Culture of Trust)programme. Linn Primary, CorranIntegrated Primary and StAnthony’s Primary Schools haveunited pupils, staff, parents andthe wider community in a projectcalled ‘Different is Good!’

The scheme brought the threeschools together to exploredifferences and similaritiesbetween different cultures, throughart and music activities. Theprogramme involved P3 childrenbut it is hoped that therelationships forged through PACTwill enable the schools to continueto work together and extend thework to involve other age groups.

As well as making mosaics for eachschool and visiting differentchurches, the children enjoyedmusic workshops and put togethera performance for their familiesand the wider community,showcasing what they hadachieved together.

This was one of eight projects in thePACT 14 scheme. In all, 18 schoolsrepresenting all ages and abilitieshave been involved in sporting,educational and cultural activities inthis round of the programme.

Applications for the latest round ofthe programme, PACT 15, closedearlier this year and the successfulprojects will be announced later inMay. We are very grateful to BT forits support for the PACT scheme,and we are delighted that thePears Foundation has providedfunding to support PACT 15.

A Saints and Scholars IPS pupil works hard to meet the STEM challenge

Pupils from Linn PS, Corran IPS and StAnthony’s PS enjoy working together

Millennium IntegratedPrimary School has beengranted a temporaryvariation in numbers,meaning that theDepartment of Educationgave permission for adouble entry for P1 in 2013and again in 2014. The onlyproblem was where to putthe additional pupils... untilthe IEF and theMagheramourne Foundationstepped in to help, giving£75,000 to supply a newmobile classroom.

In January the school wasdelighted to welcome JennyCherry and Marie Baird,representing theMaghermourne Foundation.Jenny Cherry unveiled a plaque, acknowledging the support of the Foundation and the IEF, outside the newclassroom. After showing the visitors the new facilities, the children sang a special song of gratitude. Staffand pupils have been making the most of the increased space, which has enabled the school to improvesupport services including a fully-equipped sensory room.

Millennium IPS opened in 2000 after a campaign by local parents, and from an initial 10 pupils grew to anenrolment of 55 within a year. The school was then officially approved by the DE and has gone fromstrength to strength, with currently 228 children on the roll and 50 more at the pre-school facility.

Jenny Cherry said “I’m delighted to be able to visit Millennium IPS and see how our contribution works onthe ground. Meeting the children from all backgrounds, and seeing them working and singing togethergives me a fantastic idea of how important and successful the work of the Integrated EducationMovement is.”

Mary Baird and Jenny Cherry of the Maghermourne Foundation atMillennium IPS



Northern Ireland is entering a cycle of elections,beginning in May 2014 with voting for MEPs andlocal councillors in Northern Ireland. The partieswill be wooing the voters and it is up to us toassess who will manage public resources andadminister local communities in the best way.

Even in those elections where education is not in itselfan issue, community cohesion and a shared future willbe to the fore. For the first time we are being giventhe opportunity to vote in the new larger ‘supercouncils’, which will have additional powers andresponsibilities; this is an opportunity to ask for newways of working and planning.

Social cohesion will be an important issue in all areasand we have an opportunity to communicate topoliticians and political activists that integrated educationis a key element in building a united community. Yourlocal councillor is often your first link with a party. Theyliaise with communities, grassroots organisations andfamilies. They need to know what is happening on theground, and what you, the public, want – take everyopportunity to tell them! The new ‘super-councils’ havea duty and a commitment to consult with communitiesand reflect their needs and wishes.

Europe is also an important arena for discussing humanrights, equality and diversity. The EU has a mandate to

require member states to address discriminationon the grounds of race and religion. Moreover,EU goals in relation to immigration, economicgrowth and social cohesion all require a focus onintegration. Again, through the campaigningmechanism, the elections give the public anopportunity to engage with parties andpoliticians.

As we travel towards the Assembly elections in2016, the IEF will sustain and broaden thecampaign for education reform, engaging withorganisations such as industry bodies and tradeunions, and providing a platform for discussionsinvolving young people such as our EU hustingsevent this May. We are also publishing amanifesto for education (see pp 8-9) whichincludes achievable changes which would leadus to the single, coherent schools system whichopinion polls tell us the public wants.

The entrenched structures of divisionvisible across Northern Ireland impactall areas of development – social andeconomic - and hold us back fromthriving as a society in the modernglobalised economy.

Division means duplication of provision in the public sector, creatingan unnecessary drain on the public purse. This is particularlyapparent in the education sector, with tens of thousands of emptydesks across our schools estate.

At one stage, the cost of duplication in all areas of public spendingwas estimated to be more than £1 billion per annum. There is nodoubt the figure is a significant one: certainly much higher than thelikely impact on the block grant from a reduction in corporation tax, orthe bill we would incur to upgrade our water infrastructure. Yet whilstthese two issues are seen as economic challenges for the Executive,politicians hesitate over taking decisive action to deal with division.

One of the benefits of rationalising the provision of education wouldbe to allow the public estate to realise the value of some of itsunder-utilised assets. Currently we retain more buildings than weneed or can afford to maintain. Anyone in business can see that thisis not a sensible use of scarce resources.

I would like to see a holistic rethink of the education system, thedesign of a true vision for future delivery which uses public moneyto resource schools with the latest technology and with the supportneeded to make sure all students participate in and benefit fromschool life.

Young people would be better equipped to participate in work, intheir communities and in the cultural life of Northern Ireland. Wesurely cannot care more about preserving established structures thanabout the future which faces a sizeable portion of our young people?

It seems to me that working towards a new, unified educationsystem would be a powerful step towards creating a better, moreprosperous society.

Cousins Courtney Parke and Mark Parke from North Coast IC with (l) Trevor Lunn MLA whosponsored the IEF’s EU Hustings at Stormont and broadcaster Jim Fitzpatrick who chaired the event

Marie Cowan, IEF Chair

Ben Collins

The elections are coming...

Comment: business sense tells us toend the structures of divisionBy Ben Collins, Director, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors NI


Business leaders brought a clear messageto Stormont this spring: we need toreform our education system for NorthernIreland to prosper - and the businesscommunity is keen to be involved inshaping education.

Representatives of business organisationsjoined the IEF, politicians and governmentofficials for the publication of the IEF’s report,The Business of Education, at ParliamentBuildings on 24 March.

The report represents a year of engagementbetween the IEF and the business sector. Itincludes a summary of an independent pollof business leader researching attitudes toeducation which was carried out byLucidTalk. The results clearly indicate that amajority of those questioned agreed that ade-segregated education system wouldimpact positively on economic growth.

Ken Cathcart, IEF Trustee, introduced thereport to the invited audience, saying:

“It gives a snapshot of a sector eager to helpin growing an education system whichprepares young people for working life. Awide range of entrepreneurs andindustrialists took the opportunity to join theconversation and made a valuablecontribution to the growing debate aroundthe future of education.”

John Armstrong, Managing Director of theConstruction Employers Federation, gave hisperspective on The Business of Education atthe launch, calling for a rationalisation of theeducation system as he believes that the

way forward is for schools to integrate andserve their locality, as opposed to creating a‘them’ and ‘us’ culture.

“Education should be organised in such away that funds are directed where they aremost needed: equipping schools andskilling staff to prepare young people forthe world beyond. Currently our educationmodel does not make economic sense. Itis also important to recognise that workand business take place in a diversesociety in a globalised economy and the

school experience should be reflectingthat.”

He also criticised proposals for sharedcampuses, as not dealing with the problem.“They’re shared facilities, but maintain thesame divisions.”

The Business of Education represents part ofa continuing programme of engagementwith business, unions and wider civic societyorganisations. The report can be foundonline at www.ief.org.uk/research

Smart Business Show partners with Integrated Education FundThe IEF is delighted to have been named as the official charity partner for the Smart Business Show 2014.

This unique event takes place at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Thursday 29and Friday 30 May. Organisers of the show, Clive, Gillian and Brian Corry,are expecting eight thousand visitors from the world of business andindustry to attend and explore how they could benefit from innovations intechnology. The Show’s business partners comprise many prestigiousorganisations including the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, theFederation of Small Businesses, the Northern Ireland Independent RetailTrade Association and the Institute of Directors. Media mogul DavidMontgomery, who is the IEF’s campaign president, will be opening theShow.

Presenting a company charity donation of £1000 to the IEF, Clive Corry said

“The Integrated Education Fund was a natural choice for our Charity Partner.I spent many years running a family business in an interface area during‘The Troubles’ and I have always believed that bringing people togetherfrom an early age is the best way to break down the barriers and heal thedivisions I witnessed at that time – many of which still exist today.”


John Armstrong (CEF), Wilfred Mitchell (Federation of Small Businesses) and Roseann Kelly (Womenin Business) with Ken Cathcart of the IEF

Pupils from Drumlins IPS with Clive Corry of Smart Business

Business leaders call for education reform


Katharine is a topvolunteerKatharine Paisley, who is just finishingher studies in Year 14 at IntegratedCollege Dungannon, has been namedone of the top 20 youth volunteers of2014. Katharine won a PramericaSpirit of Community Award, whichcelebrates youth volunteerismthroughout the island of Ireland.

Katherine helps with severalorganisations including DungannonSpecial Olympics Swimming Club,local Guides and Sunday school andKilnaslee Community DevelopmentGroup. She is a college ambassadorand also a member of the college’sSocial Action Committee andRestorative Team.

The awards are held in partnershipwith the National Association ofPrincipals and Deputy Principals(NAPD) and the General TeachingCouncil for Northern Ireland (GTCNI).Ivan Arbuthnot, Chairperson of GTCNI,visited ICD to present Katharine withher certificate. She also won anengraved silver medallion and €500presented at a ceremony in LoughEske Castle, Donegal.


Education Minister returns to Integrated CollegeDungannonMinister for Education John O’Dowd went to Integrated College Dungannon in December tolearn about restorative practices at the school. On a previous visit Mr O’Dowd had launched aninnovative green project linking Integrated College Dungannon with neighbouring GreinerPackaging, and expressed an interest in learning more about the school’s ethos.

Since 2007, ICD has embedded restorative practices in the life of the college. Each academic year,students joining Year 8 are trained in these practices, as are teachers during staff development days.

Minister O’Dowd listened to both staff and students explaining how restorative practice is alive inevery aspect of the college, supporting and underpinning the Student Support Team, Staff SupportTeam, Face to Faith programme, Paired Reading, Mentoring Programme, Student Council and manymore programmes in the college.

Minister O’Dowdcongratulated the staff andstudents of ICD saying “Thiscollege has reinforced theimportance of giving thestudents the ownership oftheir learning, theirbehaviour and thecontributions they can make.I am aware this is not theonly innovative programmeyou are involved in as Iremember your involvementin the project with GreinerPackaging. This school thinksoutside the box and I amvery impressed.” Education Minister John O’Dowd at ICD

Crumlin IC is agood neighbourto GaelscoilThe community at CrumlinIntegrated College have beenbreaking new ground and reachingout to their neighbours by sharingtheir site and working with pupilsfrom Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach.

Children from P4 – P7 at the Gaelscoilmoved to two classrooms at Crumlin ICin November, whilst their new schoolis being built on the Glenavy Road.

The young pupils have been enjoyingusing resources including the canteen,gymnasium, computer suites andtechnology workshop.

“We do not feel like visitors here,” said Máirín, a Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach teacher, “we feel very much part of the school. The children lovethe facilities and it is very much supporting the learning environment. It is a great resource to make available to us.”

Senior CIC pupils agree that having both schools together on the one campus is a great idea and some have been helping in class with theyoung visitors. The school has staged joint activities at Christmas and during International Integrated Education Week.

Members of Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach and their hosts at Crumlin IC



Integrated schools have been celebrating developments which are allowing them to grow andmeet local demand for places in integrated education.

Enniskillen Integrated Primary School and Omagh Integrated Primary School have both been grantedan increase in places, with each doubling their entry (i.e. their P1 enrolment) from September.Shimna Integrated College will expand its 6th form and gradually increase its admissions at Year 8,building to a maximum enrolment of 620 pupils.

It has also been announced that, aspart of area planning for education inthe East Belfast area, PrioryIntegrated College will increase itsenrolment to 500 with furtherexpansion a possibility over time.

Meanwhile Glengormley IntegratedPrimary School is embarking on anambitious building and modernisationprogramme to accommodate itsgrowing enrolment.

Drumlins Integrated Primary School ishoping that their long wait forpermanent accommodation is over nowthat they have been granted permission to take over the former Library headquarters site in Ballynahinch.The school has functioned in mobiles on an industrial estate since 2005 – although the site has not putprospective parents off and Drumlins IPS enrolment continues to grow. The IEF has helped provide a newmobile classroom to meet the school’s immediate needs, with the support of the Irish AmericanPartnership.

However Portadown Integrated Primary School has been left disappointed after its application toexpand was turned down on the grounds of a lack of space. The Education Minister John O’Dowd haspromised to consider how best to meet the local demand for integrated education provision.

Schools expand to meet demandJourneys tointegrationLoughries Primary School, justoutside Newtownards, held aparental ballot for transformationto integrated status at the end of2013, which received a a strongresult in favour of transformation.The school, which was rebuilt in2001, has now been serving thelocal community for over 170 years.

The IEF and NICIE look forward toworking with the school as itcontinues on its transformationjourney. If you would like moreinformation, please contact theschool Principal, Mrs Jo Thompsonon 028 9181 7528 or Claire Jonesfrom the Friends and Parents ofLoughries Primary School Group, [email protected].

A parental ballot at ClintyclayPrimary School in County Tyronehas also found overall support fromtransformation. Clintyclay PS is thefirst Maintained school to hold aballot on transforming to integratedstatus.

Enniskillen IPS, which welcomed the Prime Minister and President Obama during last year’s G8, will welcome more pupils from September

Priory IC will increase enrolment from September



Alternative Manifesto for Education launchedAs politicians and commentators gear up for two years ofelections, policies and promises will be under the spotlight. Thedevelopment of a truly peaceful, shared and diverse society willbe a key issue as voters are asked which candidate and partythey trust to take us forward as a community.

Education reform is central to creating an inclusive society. We needa unified, coherent education system. This manifesto sets out ourshared vision for an inclusive and equal Northern Ireland society freefrom social and cultural barriers. It is a ‘road-map’ indicatingopportunities to deliver sustainable change and alternativeapproaches to key areas of Northern Ireland’s education system.

Our roadmap to the future We are publishing a manifesto setting out a vision shared bysupporters of the Integrated Education Movement, of a schoolsnetwork free from social and cultural divisions. It is a road-mapindicating essential, achievable steps to deliver sustainable change tokey areas of Northern Ireland’s education system.

We advocate a move away from the current divisive nature of oureducation system, where approximately 90% of pupils from bothtraditions in Northern Ireland attend schools largely or exclusivelysegregated by religion.

A recent poll identified that 79% of parents in Northern Ireland wouldback a move to see their children’s school change to integratededucation.* Little choice, however, exists for parents when only 62schools are integrated. Unless support is given to achieving a unified,coherent education system, the vast majority of parents will neverhave the opportunity for their children to be educated together.

Northern Ireland lacks area based planning that is citizen shaped andled, balancing parental choice, a shared future and fiscal realities.Attempts to deliver the long awaited Education and Skills Authorityhave, to date, only resulted in a squandering of public money. The NIExecutive should demonstrate strong leadership and reform the currenteducation administration to establish a single authority. This will help toreduce duplication and streamline management structures, subsumingthe functions, assets and liabilities of the eight education bodies. Thiswill also remove the need for publicly funded sectoral bodies.

* LucidTalk poll result in Belfast Telegraph February 2013

Zoe Doherty (Oakgrove IC) and Adam Hefferon (Malone IC) present the Alternative Manifesto to Education Committee members (l-r) Sean Rogers,Trevor Lunn and Danny Kinahan


All Children TogetherAll Children Together, which wasfounded formally in 1973, were thepioneers of the Integrated EducationMovement. After 30 years ofcampaigning they began to winddown their organization, and since2003 have directed their funds tosupport various projects promotingintegrated education, such as thecommunications and lobbying teamwhich was based at NICIE. They alsoprovided an income to maintain theannual Dunleath lecture, which isgiven during International IntegratedEducation Week and explores issuesfacing the integration of NorthernIreland school pupils. ACT alsoinitiated research into therelationship between the churchesand integrated schools and theschools’ Christian ethos. (This workwas completed by MacaulayAssociates and published in 2008.)And finally ACT commissionedhistorian Jonathan Bardon to writethe history of All Children Together,providing a record of what theirstruggle achieved in those 30 years.

ACT asked the IEF to administer thefinancing of these activities andentrusted their funds to the IEF in2003. Now, in 2014, all the projectsare completed and ACT has donatedthe balance of their funds to the IEF.

Congratulations to ACT for all youhave achieved and thank you forhelping the IEF to carry on your work.

Oakwood IPS leadsthe wayCongratulations to OakwoodIntegrated Primary School onbecoming the first Inclusion QualityMark (IQM) flagship school inNorthern Ireland. Joe McCann, CEO ofthe IQM scheme, is originally fromNorthern Ireland.

Oakwood IPS first achieved an IQM in2010 (the first primary school inNorthern Ireland to do so) and hasnow not only been approved for afurther three-year term but has alsobeen awarded the higher status offlagship school.

The IQM is awarded on the basis ofeight key indicators. Claire Howe,Oakwood IPS principal, says theaward is a celebration of everythingthe wider school community does.


In order to achieve a unified, coherent education system,the NI Executive should deliver:• Ring fenced funding to support schools in their progress towards integrated

education, measured against key indicators, with particular emphasis in thecurriculum and daily routines on understanding, accepting and respectingpolitical, cultural and religious differences

• Area-based planning which is shaped by the community and which reflectsparental choice, community needs, desire for a shared future and fiscalrealities

• A single authority for the administration of education

• A single teacher training system, where teachers of all faiths and none aretrained together on the same courses at the same locations

• A single model of governance for all schools

• The extension of fair employment legislation to the recruitment of teachers

• The application of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to schools

You can download the full manifesto here: www.ief.org.uk

OURPRIORITYDEMANDS


Parkhall IC studentstalk the talk...Congratulations to Jack Kirkpatrick, aYear 8 pupil at Parkhall IntegratedCollege, who is the winner for hisage group in the Antrim BoroughCouncil Environment Youth SpeakCompetition. Jack addressed thequestion “How can we make ourschool more sustainable?” and usedthe opportunity to highlight theemphasis pupils and staff of ParkhallIC place on recycling and caring forthe environment. The competitioninvolves all local council areas andnow Jack goes on to represent AntrimBorough in the regional finals. Praiseis also due to Jack’s colleague in Year8 at Parkhall IC, Reece Sloan whomade a great impression on theaudience.

Oakgrove IPS cleans upOakgrove Integrated Primary andNursery School is delighted to havebeen awarded the Green Flag for itsenvironmental education programme.

Green Flag assessors looked at thework of pupils, parents and staff inraising environmental awareness andexploring energy saving initiatives,such as planning to switch to abiomass boiler. Oakgrove IPS wasparticularly praised for its active eco-committee, and its engagement withthe local community. The pupilsenjoyed cycling trips and the schoolis benefitting from lower fuel billsthanks to everyone’s green efforts.

Mill Strand IPS is ‘STOMPing’ out litterAfter a clean-up session at a North Coast beach, Mill Strand Integrated Primary School children havetransformed items of rubbish into musical instruments and clothing and their creativity has beencelebrated in a show called ‘Stomp’.

‘Stomp’ is a music and danceroutine, a new sensation around theglobe, using recycled materials asinstruments. The pupils of P6 at MillStrand IPS worked with musicianJames Hamilton to develop a routineusing drums and shakers made fromthings found on the local WestStrand.

The project, supported by theChallenge Fund 2014, helped thewhole school to learn more aboutprotecting the marine environmentand opened up engagement withwildlife and conservationorganisations. The work culminatedin a performance of ‘Stomp’ for the local community on 27 March.

Each class designed and made an outfit from discarded rubbish and these were displayed on thenight. The winning class – the Nursery – was rewarded with ice cream thanks to the generosity ofTanya Whyte Morelli.

Nitty Gritty players on theinternational stageTwo members of Nitty Gritty Theatre Company – the drama companyfor integrated school students, supported by the Carson Awards -will be travelling to Scotland this summer to be part of the culturalcelebrations around the Commonwealth Games. Ciara McGrath andJonathan Moorhead will be in Glasgow in July, as part of the TinForest International Performing Company, selected from a huge fieldof aspiring actors. The project is presented by National TheatreScotland in association with the Scottish Youth Theatre.

Ciara and Jonathan will be working with young people from Australia,Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, SouthAfrica, Wales and of course Scotland. The company will perform in various locations around Glasgow,adding to the buzz and energy on the streets of the city whilst the Games are in progress.

Floored by fundraising at Round Tower IPSThe P7 class from Round Tower Integrated Primary School have been busy helping improve theirschool with a major fundraising drive running since September. Although the school has a fine newextension this highlighted the shabby state of the original building and the class council decided toform a ‘Carpet Committee’ to help purchase new flooring.

With an ambitious target of £1000 thechildren sold cakes, and second-handbooks, toys, and school uniforms. Theyinvested some of their takings to runcompetitions and hosted a movie nightwhen children (and some staff!) turned upin pyjamas and onesies to watch a filmand eat popcorn. The children not onlyorganised the events, but also madeadvertising posters and gave speechespublicising the activities.

Everyone is delighted that the childrenexceeded their target and, since halfterm, have been benefitting from newvinyl flooring in their classrooms.


Dress for success: the nursery’s winning creation

Jonathan Moorhead in actionwith Nitty Gritty Theatre Co.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkanat Oakgrove IPS

The carpet committee at Round Tower IPS


Two students from Blackwater Integrated College have completed an amazing swim for charity– the equivalent of Dover to Calais and back!

Jamie Hamilton (Year 11) and Aaron Cooper (Year 9) have been fundraising for Aspire, a charity whichhelps people who have suffered spinal injuries.

The charity challenged supporters to complete 22 miles in their local pool, which would equal thedistance of a cross-channel swim.

Jamie and Aaron did not just meet the target but swam more than 44 miles each – all withouttravelling further than the pool in Downpatrick Leisure Centre. Not content with this, the boys wenton to sell buns in Blackwater IC during December to supplement their fundraising.

Soccer stars at Parkhall ICParkhall Integrated College were celebrating soccersuccess in November for two star teams. A team ofYear 8 girls became Northern Ireland Vauxhall IndoorFootball Champions, winning the final against BelfastModel School for Girls. It’s worth noting that thistournament was for players from Years 8 and 9,making the Parkhall IC girls one of the youngest teamsinvolved. The college’s pride was increased whentheir senior boys’ soccer team lifted the mid-AntrimCup for the second time in three years. Parkhall ICbeat Slemish Integrated College 1-0 in the final.

Drumragh IC students try theirhand at a new sport

Ever keen to try out something newand expand the students’ sportsrepertoire, Drumragh IntegratedCollege’s PE department havefounded a handball team. Theteam recently competed againstother schools in the TyroneChampionship at Holy TrinityCookstown. They are the firstintegrated school to take part inthis event. Drumragh IC handballplayers are pictured with coachingstaff Mr Toner and Mr Gallagher.

Grace goes for goldCongratulations to Grace Ewing!She represented HazelwoodIntegrated College at the BritishSchools Judo Championship inSheffield in March and won gold inher age group.


The victorious Parkhall IC girls

The champion boys at Parkhall IC

Going the distance: Jamie Hamilton (l) and Aaron Cooper (r)

Jamie and Aaron go the distance for charity

Sporting success


The IEF was delighted and honoured to beone of two charities to benefit from thePaddy Hopkirk 50th Anniversary Gala inBelfast on 22 February. The eventcommemorated Belfast driver Paddy’s winin the Monte Carlo rally in 1964, drivingthe Mini Cooper which quickly became theiconic car it is today.

Paddy led a cavalcade of more than 200Minis and other classic rally cars fromStormont Buildings to City Hall where he wasmade an Ambassador for Belfast by LordMayor Mairtin O’Muilleor.

Later, at the Titanic Slipways, an invitationalautotest contest involving around 40professional drivers attracted spectators fromfar and near. Hundreds of fans queued forautographs from motorsports stars such asAri Vatanen, Rosemary Smith, Jimmy McRae,John Watson, Cathal Curley and of coursePaddy Hopkirk himself. Proceeds from salesof programmes and souvenir shirts went tothe IEF and SKIDZ, an organisation offeringmotor mechanic training to youngsters facingchallenges in school.

Racing suits were swapped for evening suitsas more than 500 people attended a galadinner in Titanic Belfast. The entertainmentincluded the Hazelwood Integrated CollegeCommunity Choir, musician and songwriterPhil Coulter, soprano Margaret Keys andentertainer Olivia Nash as well as the BrightLights dancers from East Belfast. Theevening was compèred by motoringjournalist and TV presenter Jason Barlow.

The IEF and SKIDZ also benefited from anauction, by Ian and Chris Wilson - the star lotbeing a Mini, kindly supplied by DonnellyBrothers and custom-painted by renownedartist and supporter of integrated education,Neil Shawcross.

The IEF is very grateful to everyone whocontributed to the occasion – notably sponsorsJohn Mulholland Motors and NI Plastics - andspecial thanks are due to all the car clubs andstewards who gave up their full day.

Dr Beatty Crawford led the organising teamof Plum Tyndall, Conn Williamson, CathalCurley and the IEF’s Brian Small.


Belfast Lord Mayor Mairtin O’Muilleoir greets Paddy Hopkirk

Paddy and Jenny Hopkirk, Beatty Crawford, Jimmy McRae and Plum Tyndall

Star quality

Pauline Gullick and Rosemary Smyth

Belfast honours Paddy and IEF benefits



Pledge of support from punk legendsStiff Little Fingers were in town on 14 March for a homecoming gig in Belfast, which launchedtheir first studio album for more than a decade and also continued their support for integratededucation.

The band, who declared their backing for the IEF on their last tour in 2012, are also helping the Fundvia their latest release. The album is called No Going Back! and the loyal SLF fan base was invited topledge money to buy the disc or download and so finance independent production of the new album.They could also buy memorabilia or a range of experiences such as a handwritten lyric sheet, or thechance to perform with the band.

Describing the IEF as “a charity project that’s very close to our hearts and ethos”, the Stiffs announcedthey would donate 5% of all the profits from the pledges to support the Fund’s work. Even before theclosing date, the scheme had raised more than 350% of its target.

The Fund is very grateful for this contribution and for the continuing public support for our work fromthe band. The London Kentish Town show brought in £250 in donations, and thanks go to past pupilShauna Mulligan for being on hand to help. Thanks are also due to the Stiffs’ fans in Glasgow whoauctioned memorabilia at the SLF St Patrick’s Day gig and raised £1000 for the IEF!

Supreme day as Motown star attends Lagan College opening ceremony Pupils, staff and governors at Lagan College were delighted towelcome two special visitors to help celebrate the opening ofthe school’s new building on Thursday 27 February. AfterEducation Minister John O’Dowd officially opened the newaccommodation, the school community and guests wereintroduced to Motown singer Mary Wilson.

Lagan College, Northern Ireland’s first planned integrated school,opened in 1981 and after more than 30 years’ wait finally movedinto purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities last September.

Mary Wilson, formerly of The Supremes, chatted to members of theschool before performing a selection of songs with her backingsingers, intermingled with extracts from her motivationalpresentation “Dare to Dream”. Mary told students that everygeneration has obstacles to overcome and neither background norera matter. The young people were told to work hard to make theirdream come true.

Mary said “When you dare to dream, you can make changes, and it’sup to each and every one of us to make those changes... you can dogreat things, and we all expect great things of you!”

Mary was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the USA in 2003 and, having overcome racial segregation herself and having used self-belief anddetermination to make the most of her talents, is an excellent role model for the students at Lagan College and certainly won over her youngaudience with her performance. Mary was visiting Northern Ireland as part of the US Department of State cultural ambassadors programme andthe IEF collaborated with the US Consulate in Belfast to facilitate the event.

Digging down to the roots to explore diversitythrough musicA visitor from the USA, bringing withhim Brazilian rhythms and Bluegrasschords, joined pupils at MaloneIntegrated College last October toexplore themes of unity anddiversity through music.

Clay Ross, lead singer with the rootsband Matuto, came fresh from successat Belfast International Festival. As aUS Cultural Ambassador, Clay waskeen to show how elements ofdifferent cultures and traditions canwork together to produce beautifulsounds, and he saw an integratedschool as a reflection of this idea. Thevisit was arranged by the USConsulate in Belfast.

Students fromLagan College andForge IPS with StiffLittle Fingers

Malone IC music students enjoy a jam session with Clay Ross

Lagan College Head Prefects Michael Lynch and Sophie Millar withPrincipal Amanda McNamee and Mary Wilson


Supporters fly infrom Australia to seeprogress atRowandale IPS

Pupils at the flourishingRowandale Integrated PrimarySchool got the chance to thankintegrated education supporters inAustralia when a director of theAustralian Ireland Fund (AIF)visited the school at the end ofthe Christmas term.

Dr Iain Watson, who is originallyfrom Moira, and his wife Heatherwere welcomed by PrincipalFrances Hughes and Paul Caskeyof the IEF. Rowandale IPS openedin 2007 near Moira with just 18pupils and now has an enrolmentof more than 200 children frompre-school upwards. The AIF andSir Warwick Fairfax Trust havebeen instrumental in helpingprovide accommodation for thegrowing enrolment. The school isusing the AIF mobile building tocreate a library and resource area,significantly enhancing thefacilities available for pupils.

Margaret urgesbusiness leaders toback integratededucationThe Mansion House in London, setting for theChancellor of the Exchequer’s annual speechon the state of the economy, saw a businessguru from Northern Ireland expound theeconomic sense of integrated educationearlier this year.

The lawyer and TV presenter MargaretMountford urged a gathering of London-Irishbusiness figures to give their support to theIntegrated Education Movement in NorthernIreland. The ‘Apprentice’ star was speaking at areception on 20 February to celebrate the workof the Integrated Education Fund.

Margaret, who is originally from Holywood, said“There’s more going on in Northern Ireland than

the news we see and hear in London. I’mfortunate enough to get a better view. On arecent visit to Hazelwood Integrated College Isaw a fantastic image of what the new NorthernIreland can be as young people from differentbackgrounds and cultures worked together toprepare for the world ahead of them.” WhenMargaret visited Hazelwood IC last Decembershe met business studies students and touredthe new post-16 centre. Hazelwood IC receivedfinancial support for the new facility from the IEFand the Belfast Trust for Integrated Education.

The Mansion House event was opened by TVjournalist and producer Andrea Catherwood whoalso introduced India Fahy, a past pupil ofOmagh Integrated Primary School and DrumraghIntegrated College. Guests were welcomed bythe Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman IanLuder, and Margaret Mountford was introducedby Guy Beringer QC.

Margaret Mountford said she hoped the eveningwould inspire more people to support the IEFand integrated schools.

Children’s Laureate at Hazelwood ICChildren’s Laureate and acclaimed author Malorie Blackman met students at Hazelwood IntegratedCollege on Wednesday 19 March as part of the Arts Council ‘Stories’ Tour organised by Booktrust NI.

Malorie, who has been Children’s Laureate for the UK since last June, writes literature and televisiondrama for children and young adults. She has used science fiction to explore social and ethical issues,as in her popular Noughts and Crosses series which explores racism and community division.

At Hazelwood IC, Year 8pupils and A-level Literaturestudents, who have all beenreading Malorie’s books,made the most of a questionand answer session with theauthor. She said she wasthrilled to be making her firstvisit to Northern Ireland andalso praised a formerHazelwood IC pupil - authorand illustrator Oliver Jeffers -describing him in aninterview as “absolutelybrilliant” at communicatingideas.


Margaret Mountford addressesguests at the Mansion House

Dr Iain and Heather Watson atRowandale IPS

Malorie Blackman with A-level literature students at Hazelwood IC


Christine Trueman isa founding parentand a governor ofMillennium IPS. Sheis a committedsupporter of IEFfundraising. Growing up in Northern Irelandholds the greatest of memories forme but like most kids of mygeneration, it wasn’t without itschallenges. I mostly grew up as aCatholic in predominantly

Protestant areas of Belfast. This afforded me the opportunity ofrealising that Protestants didn’t have horns but it also left mefeeling that I didn’t quite fit in and caused me to be confused aboutmy cultural identity.

When I had my own children I was adamant that they should havea stronger sense of belonging. I had heard of the IntegratedEducation Movement and after I waded through thescaremongering I was delighted to learn that the ethos of theschools was more than I could have anticipated. Unfortunately Iwas soon to learn that provision was sparse and places in very highdemand. I learned from other local parents that our nearestintegrated primary had only places for seven new pupils whoweren’t siblings of existing students.

To cut a long (15 years to date) story short, we were told that ouronly option was to start our own school. This didn’t inspire me withmuch confidence until I visited other integrated schools, saw theamazing work they were doing, spoke with other parent groups andmost of all met the children. It’s true what they say, there is aunique atmosphere in integrated schools; difficult to put your fingeron but it’s real. I knew then that I had to do whatever it took tomake sure our children could avail of this nurturing, safe,questioning and confident environment.

In September 2000 Millennium Integrated Primary School openedits doors to 10 children; it currently has over 226 in the main schooland 50 children in nursery. The journey has been tough, butrewarding. I’m delighted to say that not only have the children hada fantastic education, but I personally have gained among otherthings a cultural identity, a sense of belonging and an incrediblesense of pride. The IEF has been behind Millennium IPS from thestart, and I’ve been glad to give something back – whether that’sthrough a 26-mile sponsored walk around Dublin or attending thePaddy Hopkirk gala.

At the IEF’s event atthe Mansion Housein London in March,past pupil India Fahy(now a student atLSE) spoke of herexperiences inintegrated education.This is an editedextract from herspeech:

Having attended Omagh Integrated Primary School and laterDrumragh Integrated College, I am a product of 14 years ofintegrated education.

So much has been achieved since Lagan College in Belfast openedits doors in 1982. But so much remains to be done.

Though sectarian divisions still run deep and we must not take 15years of peace for granted, many of the younger generation arecasting off their parents’ past and looking ahead.

During my A-levels I had the privilege of being taught by a brilliantyoung teacher called Catherine Seeley. Catherine moved on andwas, until recently, teaching at a school in north Belfast.

Catherine was subjected to a campaign of sectarian abuse by somein that community – because, as well as being a teacher, Catherineis a Sinn Fein councillor. Thus a talented and passionate teacherwas intimidated out of that school.

Yet in the midst of this dreadful episode we can find hope. Many ofCatherine Seeley’s pupils stood by her. Catherine said that theyinspired confidence in the future.

The demand for integrated education is there. Poll after poll tells usso. In my class of 30 pupils in Omagh Integrated Primary School,when choosing post-primary schools, five children chose to leavethe integrated system. Within two years, four of them hadreturned.

Unfortunately, demand for places exceeds supply; the Executive andthe Department of Education need to work to meet that demand.So other children can get the same opportunities and the sameexcellent education as I did.


Christine Trueman India Fahy

Join us online for daily discussions, polls and debates on the latest education topics that matter to you. Have your say on the bigissues by joining up on www.facebook.com/IntegratedEducationFund or by following us at www.twitter.com/iefniPlease help us to spread the word by encouraging your friends to join too!

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Neil Shawcross art sale supports the IEF

The IEF is delighted to announce that, due to the amazing generosity of the artist, we have somelimited edition prints by Neil Shawcross for sale. Having already customised a Mini car which wasauctioned at the Paddy Hopkirk anniversary gala, Neil has now very kindly donated an exclusive

edition of 50 prints to the Integrated Education Fund.

This distinctive artwork (above) commemorates Paddy Hopkirk’s historic win at the Monte Carlo Rally 50 years ago. Youcan own one for £500, beautifully framed, or £400 unframed. This is a marvellous opportunity for art collectors and

historic car lovers to own a limited edition Neil Shawcross print whilst helping the Integrated Education Fund. We are verygrateful to Neil for his continuing support over many years.

We anticipate a high demand for this special piece of art. Supply will be on a strictly first come, first served, basis.

The prints are 79cm x 75cm framed, and 56cm x 50cm unframed.

To purchase a print please contact Brian Small on [email protected].


Documents

IEF learning together 23 Layout 2€¦ · In Parkhall Integrated College IIEW activities included investigating the science and technology of bridge-building, researching famous bridges