Integrated

BRINGING YOU NEW S FR OM THE NORTHERN IRELAND COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAT ED EDUCATION...

Education
Spring 2012

Girl from Bangor IPS at the Launch of IE Week 2012

Inside this issue...

Under the leadership of Nigel Frith, Chair of APTIS, the third annual APTIS/NICIE spring conference on 17th -18th April, provided an opportunity for principals, vice principals and governors to reconnect in the comfortable surroundings of the Glenavon House Hotel to reflect and discuss key issues. Dr Helen Flanagan of SHARES in Lancashire inspired and challenged as she recounted how restorative practice enabled significant improvement to be made in schools in the north of England while after dinner speaker Richard Moore (Children in Crossfire) captivated the audience with his

personal story, told with passion and humour. NICIE staff coordinated an exhibition of resources and delivered updates on the Excellence in Integrated Education Award, Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning and Area Based Planning. All participants had opportunity to share practice and learn together in a series of open discussions about integrated education in the 21st century. Sessions on making our schools more invitational and how best to market them to all students also generated worthwhile conversation. Good humour was woven through the con-

ference with carefully chosen video clips to stimulate thought and Sperrin Integrated Colleges drama students put teachers under the microscope in their engaging and lively pre dinner performance which certainly raised a few laughs. Thanks must also go to the choirs of Saints and Scholars and Phoenix Integrated Primary Schools for opening each day with song. Delegates noted the valuable sense of togetherness and left refreshed and supported with a stronger awareness of the united voice of APTIS.

IPE International Conference.

Launch of Integrated Education Week.

Sharing Classrooms: Deeping Learning Project Launched.

News from NICIE Projects & Communities.

School JotterNews from around the schools.

Up and Coming events!

Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education 25 College Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6BS

www.nicie.org info@nicie.org.uk Tel. 02890 972910 Fax. 02890 972919 1

The future face of Education

On Friday March 2, the launch of Integrated

The theme for the launch was Journeys and the audience was ably guided by the Nitty Gritty Integrated Drama Group that, acting as the

inspiring. Trevor Ringland, guest of honour, from the One Step Campaign speaking to the audience said: On our journey it is important to keep our focus on that goal of a genuinely shared and interdependent society. The future is there for us to grasp and to shape and develop that genuinely shared future, and the integrated education sector proves that it is a realistic aspiration that can be achieved, Friendship works and integrated education proves that, and can assist us on our journey to that better place.

Education Week showed what the future face of education in Northern Ireland should and could be. Children from sixty-two schools, primaries and colleges, children from both major traditions, Protestants and Catholics, children from a range of ethnicities and talents, joined together to celebrate the privilege they share of being educated together. Their daily experience should be the norm for all children.

Integrated Airways, led the audience on a programme that started with the Brownlow College Samba Band and ended with the choir from Lough View Integrated Primary School. In between children and young people told stories of their journeys: journeys of understanding of the lives of others, either through the opportunity to meet and mix with the other side, the challenge of working in Ethiopia or the challenge of learning to live in a new country. All were

Noreen Campbell, CEO of NICIE highlighted the positive energy and optimism that could be created when we educate our young people together. Parents, not politicians, have ensured that we have 62 integrated schools educating over 21,000 children together. We now need the political will to ensure that such an education becomes the norm, not the exception, that the entitlement to be educated together is extended to all young people. This time of educational change presents an opportunity for that to happen and to happen quickly if the political will exists.

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SHARING CLASSROOMS: DEEPENING LEARNING PROJECT LAUNCHED AT MAJOR CONFERENCE

The launch of a new project which will increase the skills and confidence levels of all post-primary school teachers who are teaching in shared classrooms was launched on Thursday 29th March at a conference in Armagh. The International Fund for Irelands Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning project is a three year initiative which is being managed by the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and is designed to help teachers create an inclusive environment in increasingly diverse classrooms as a result of the Department of Education's Entitlement Framework arrangements. Over the next three years, NICIE will provide training and support for schools and teachers, to equip them to work creatively, imaginatively and yet sensitively in the shared classrooms of today and in the future. The conference launch was attended by more than 100 delegates from across the educational sector and heard keynote speeches from Noreen Campbell, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, David Graham OBE, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland and Mr Mike Nesbitt MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and Vice Chairperson of the Education Committee. David Graham OBE, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said: The Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning Project is the latest in a series of ground breaking initiatives to be launched as part of our wider Sharing in Education Programme. The Fund along with the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education and others have long been exponents of the virtues of sharing education not just for the educational benefits that can be derived from such a system of educating our young people but for the wider societal benefits it can bring in helping us to create a truly shared society here in Northern Ireland. "Sharing education can bring with it its own unique set of challenges ensuring all pupils involved in the sharing feel welcome, ensuring that where pupils from different schools and often different traditions are brought together there is real mixing taking place. "The launch of todays project is designed to overcome those challenges and is therefore a further step along the road in helping to make sharing in our schools not only a project but more a way of life. Noreen Campbell, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) said: NICIE is proud to be associated with the Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning Project and values the importance of its work. In a society which has suffered historic division, education has a powerful role to play in overcoming barriers and in developing understanding and mutual respect. Increasingly our young people are sharing education, learning alongside each other in classrooms through Area

Learning Community partnerships or Sharing Education partnerships. The Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning project aims to build on the opportunities created when young people from different schools come together to learn in one classroom. Its aim is to deepen that learning so that students are learning about each other and from each other as well as learning with each other. This is a teacher driven project through which teachers develop the confidence and skills to create the open learning environment in which division can be addressed and diversity celebrated. Mr Mike Nesbitt MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and Vice Chairperson of the Education Committee confirmed that the Ulster Unionist Party supported the Shared Education agenda. The cross-community Sharing in Education Programme seeks to break down barriers from Northern Irelands historic conflict by providing a range of opportunities for young people to learn and work together. To date over 15m has been invested in the Sharing in Education Programme which was launched in 2009.

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PEACE SCHOOLS SURROUNDED BY CONFLICT

Teachers from Israel, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Croatia and Cyprus gathered in Belfast in March for a conference on integrated peace education, to look at the model of integrated education in Northern Ireland and discuss their experience of developing integrated education in other regions. During this conference an international spotlight was turned on Belfast as those involved in integrated education evaluated the progress that has been made and shared their experiences.

Delegates from some of the most discordant regions in the world also outlined their work in bringing children together to learn and grow across cultural and political barriers in an environment of openness and understanding. Ljuljjeta Brkic from Nansen Dialogue Sarajevo commented that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, education is segregated in three parts and the conference provided an opportunity to gain insight into integration processes in other places from other delegates. Teachers, academics and visitors from NGOs visited integrated schools in Belfast and toured sites in the city connected with the

Troubles. They also joined with NICIE staff and directors and representatives from integrated schools and the IEF at a dinner at Queens University. Dr Claire McGlynn, of Queens University School of Education, described the event as ...a unique opportunity to bring together the pioneers of integrated education from a number of troubled societies in order to share their knowledge and experiences. As a result of the conference an international network for practice and research in integrated education has been established which will provide support for the teachers and administra-

tors in societies planning integrated education initiatives. Dr Zvi Bekerman of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem added Paradoxically there is something nice about knowing that others might have similar problems. If you share your story you realise it is not so unique; gaining knowledge about others facing similar issues gains your perspective and - even more important knowledge of other peoples problems and solutions. Add to all this a serious attempt to learn and recognize historical and contextual differences and you get a basic idea of why this conference has been of significance

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The Journey of Integrat- integration: parents, ed Education

In preparation for the inaugural International Peace Education conference NICIE facilitated a seminar in order to capture the stories and experiences of those involved in integrated education. The seminar was held in the Canada Room in QUB and attracted over 50 people from all sections of

founding Achievements. There was a governors, n energetic buzz with principals, retired principals, sharing of stories. Pupils staff and pupils. from Brownlow IC and Ulidia IC made short presentations, Participants were as always the input of young encouraged to reflect on the people put the discussions in journey of integration looking context. at it in three stages: then, now and in the future. Each NICIE will be following up group was given a topic to on this session after Easter reflect on when discussing and are keen to gather as these experiences: Why, many stories as possible. If How, The challenges and you have anything you would

like to share: written, video, pictorial please send them to Cliodhna Scott-Wills at: cscott-wills@nicie.org.uk

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Centenary of Commemorations Project

2012 marks the beginning of a decade of potentially controversial historical centenaries, such as the Ulster Covenant, the Battle of the Somme, the Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence, the Government of Ireland Act and the Ango-Irish Treaty. Learning about these events in an objective way has the potential to enhance young peoples understanding of our shared past and what may be needed to help us build a shared future. NICIE has secured a grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, to promote a multi-perspective approach to the commemoration of these centenaries across a

range of subjects. The project is supported by Denise Morgan, who has

Conflict and Carmel Gallagher, who recently managed the revision of the Northern Ireland

Over the next six months an easy to use website will be developed which will provide a range of resources tailored to different age groups and subjects and ideas for their use, all aligned with the Revised Northern Ireland Curriculum and designed to assist the development of thinking skills, personal capabilities, cross-curricular and other skills. The first set of resources will be available for use by September 2012 in advance of the centenary of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant. A programme of professional development for teachers will also be offered as part of the RTU Summer School 2012, so please keep an eye out for the launch of the Summer School brochure and sign up for an active and exciting course.

completed a Master of Science in Education (MSc) at the University of Ulster and has recently carried out a study which examined Teaching History in a Society Emerging from

Curriculum. The team will engage with teachers and with a wide range of agencies involved in similar development work, north and south.

AiiD Achieving through integrating, inclusion and diversity

Recognising that schools are becoming increasingly diverse and that there are many newcomer families from different ethnic groups and world religions in many Belfast schools, in partnership with Belfast Education and Library Board, NICIE has recently commenced work with a number of nursery and primary schools from all sectors to capture current good practice, to share it with others and to support schools as they meet the challenge of providing quality education to a changing school population.

Given the policy context of CRED and Every School a Good School, every Principal is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment for all and through the programme it is intended that teachers involved will become more confident and comfortable in acknowledging and embracing the schools diversity in areas such as religion, cultural tradition, ability and gender.

ISFA
The Integrated Schools Finance association have had two productive meetings since Christmas. In January they held a day long seminar which was attended by bursars, administrators and

Principals from 17 GMIs. The day was divided into two sections: Labour Relations Agency delivered a session on Redundancy. The second part of the day was dedicated to a discussion with Ken Carson and Roisin Lilley from DENI. Topics covered were: Financial viability audit, Common formula funding, Staff Redundancy, Access to in year funding, Cash flow management, Special Education needs, Salaries and ESA. NICIE has a hand out summarising the discussion if you wish to receive it please contact Amanda Higgins at ahiggins@nicie.org.uk

SENCOs Committee
The SENCOs committee will be meeting on Wednesday 9th May, venue to be decided. It is hoped that a representative from DENI will present on using the SENCO Auditing Tool from the SEN and Inclusion resource pack. If you have any other agenda items please forward to Cliodhna Scott-Wills at cscottwills@nicie.org.uk

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Teachers committee
The Teachers Committee met on Wednesday 8th February in Glengormley IPS. The discussion focused round the upcoming Integrated Education week. There were good ideas which were shared with teacher representatives in all schools. The committee also put in place two further dates: Thursday 26th April @ 1.00 pm in Parkhall IC Monday 18th June @ 1.00 pm in Hazelwood IPS Teachers are asked to forward items for agenda at least three weeks before the meeting to Cliodhna

Scott-Wills at wills@nicie.org.uk

cscott-

APTIS
The second APTIS meeting of 2011-12 was held in the Dunsilly Hotel on 24 February, attended by representatives of more than 40 of the integrated schools and colleges. The main topic on the agenda was Area Based Planning so it was appropriate that five Department of Education representatives were in attendance to give an update on this important current issue and to respond to the questions of Principals and Governors in the audience.

Principals appreciated being able to engage in meaningful discussion with DE staff and while the discussion was wide ranging and lively it was very clear that there was considerable dissatisfaction and even anger that NICIE had not been included in the Area Coordination Planning Groups. Due to the strength of feeling evident in the debate it was decided to take time to meet in ELB groupings to consider the most important issues facing schools in each area board. Following time to engage with colleagues over lunch, the afternoon session focused on another

currently challenging topic, namely how to successfully manage redundancies. Alastair Donaghy of ATL and Karen Sims of NASUWT gave an informative presentation and then responded to a range of specific questions; this session proved to be very helpful to principals. A governor attending the conference reported that he enjoyed the vibrant debate immensely and left with a very positive sense of the work.

VP Forum Report
On a cold morning in February 23 Vice Principals and senior leaders travelled to North Coast Integrated College where they received a warm welcome and attended the VP Forum workshop on exploring effective working relationships. This interactive programme focused on the importance of communication, strategies for addressing situations in which people experience conflict and tools for resolving differences. Some very practical steps were identified to implement in school and the day was described by those attending as comfortable. non-threatening, enlightening and enjoyable. As always, the opportunity to chat informally was greatly appreciated.

Lots of thoughtprovoking ideas and skills to develop that can also be shared

a very real, practical event dealing with issues that are challenging for a VP

The atmosphere you created allowed honesty.

Enjoyed the day: it was informative while being informal and engaging

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Integrated Education Week!!

New-Bridge Celebrates To end the week, year 8 Integrated Education pupils put on an assembly Week based on the theme of Journeys. The assembly Integrated Education opened with Alana week took place from 5th McCourt who had comto 9th March. To cele- posed a song especially brate this, a group of year for the occasion. There 10 pupils from New- were other musical items Bridge Integrated College and presentations from went to Stormont. On arri- pupils about personal val they were greeted by journeys they have made their local MLA Jo-Anne and the journey to peace Dobson. They were giv- in Northern Ireland. en a tour of the buildings, took part in a debate in Parkhall IC the main chamber and To celebrate integration voted in a mock election. week students at Parkhall IC had the opportunity to learn about other cultures during workshops run by a cultural arts group Artsekta. Some Indian, African and local artists visited the school and demonstrated how to play the African and Bodhran drums, how to make Indian art with coloured rice and hand painting with henna dye and how to do hip-hop dance. The pupils then tried it out themselves and really enjoyed these new experiences. Also, all pupils were fortunate to hear the group A gathering drum perform on different drums at assembly and year nine pupils had a great time afterwards making music with boomwhackers, instruments made with large plastic tubes which make music by hitting them against each other. The tubes are all colours and represent how people can work well together despite looking and being different. This week allowed pupils to acquire new skills, learn about other cultures and recognise the importance of integrated education.

Local Schools come together for IE Week

Antrim Primary School

Rhea English & Amy Hunter (class 8A) with the finished work

Glengormley Integrated Primary School

Dylan Wilson & Charlie Adair (class 8A) enjoying playing in the drum workshop

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It started tweet..

with

nd a Friday 2 March in Stran-

Ever wondered what Twitter was all about? Have you thought it's too complicated, it's just about celebrity gossip, or maybe you think it's only for technology geeks. If so, you couldn't be further from the truth, in fact Twitter offers a whole lot more. Teachers all over the world use it as a medium for sharing ideas, discussing education and helping each other. Social networking sites such as twitter and facebook are normally frowned upon in the classroom but a group of teachers are utilising the sites for a new an innovative way of sharing meaningful expertise and information. The first ever Teachmeet event was held on

millis University College, which brought together educators from right across Northern Ireland. Heather Watson, Principal of Phoenix Integrated PS and Barry Corrigan, Vice Principal of Millennium IPS were among the organisers of the event, reflecting the innovation out there in our Integrated schools. Barry has already a long history of promoting innovation through technology in his teaching through his involvement in Microsoft Innovative Teacher of the Year and other projects in school. Heather Watson, is passionate about promoting improvement through sharing good practice in all areas of school, most importantly Leadership and Management. She has seen the impact of this on a re-

gional scale through her couraged to keep tweets work on the ESaGS.tv short and snappy. We project. decided not to follow a set order for speakers The Teachmeet team either by using a name stressed the informality of generator, while those the occasion to suit its who couldnt make it online beginnings as a could also contribute via weekly chat on Twitter Skype. where teachers from all sectors and phases were Teachmeet 2012 was invited to come and share broadcast live online from ideas through short Stranmillis Colleges Cenpresentations. Teachers tre of Excellence for who trialled ideas in their Leadership, Innovation own classrooms showed and Learning, and it is peers how to try the hoped the success of the same with their own pu- first meet will inspire the pils, while the future of idea at a local level the entire sector and how across the North. to adapt with it was discussed among attendees. If you are interested in learning more check out We are the people our Wiki site at where you weve been waiting for will find all the information you need about how to We aimed to keep it join and you can watch informal and allow every- the presentations delivone to take part in their ered on the night! own way. This wasnt a http:// conference where you sit tmbeland listen to a few speak- fast.wikispaces.com/ ers talk for hours on end, its much more open than Follow Heather and Barry that and everyone is al- on Twitter by searching: lowed two to seven minutes to give their own @he4therw4t5on short contribution. In that sense its a bit like Twitter @mrmalcontent itself, where youre en-

Rathenraw IPS & Parkhall PS with the finished Art Project

Pupils from Round Tower IPS

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Glengormley IPS gets a visit from the US Consulate

The guests saw the pupils Easter cards and decorations and were very interested to see a Children at Glengormley project on the Titanic. Integrated Primary School They heard how the chilwere delighted to show some special visitors their classrooms and share their Easter celebrations this week. Acting US Deputy Consul General Penny Wilkinson and her colleague Margaret Katsumi, the consulates political and economic officer, toured the school with Principal Nigel Arnold after the Integrated Education Fund had arranged for them to see how the school works with children of varied backgrounds, cultures and nationalities.

dren are forging links with supporters of integrated other schools in Northern education. Ireland and abroad and viewed IT facilities which have been developed with Principal Nigel Arnold the help of international said We are always glad to show our school and our work to visitors, and I think the childrens questions and conversations with our American guests showed how outwardlooking they are. We are very aware that young people today are global citizens and the diversity they encounter both within and outside the classroom prepares them well for their future.

Malone College Finalists

Film ville have both reached the

Two Malone College Moving Image Arts students are hoping for Titanic success in two different competitions, with short movies featuring Belfasts infamous unsinkable liner. Year 14 pupils Conor Maguire and Joel Somer-

finals of separate prestigious contests for student filmmakers. Both students adopted Titanic themes for their work, with Conor shortlisted in the top three finalists for the Best School Film category at the upcoming British Student Film Festival.

Integrated Dungannon

College ODowd and also Patricia relationships. Photograph Form

On 6th February, Students Niamh and Michal along with Assistant Vice Principal, Colin Holmes, attended an event in Parliament Buildings to showcase restorative justice practices in NI. The event saw the launch of a restorative justice guide for young people and was attended by several community representatives, the justice minister David Ford, minister for Ed John

Students, Lewlsey, NI Commission- of Justice Minister, David and Michal. er for Children and Young Ford along with Sixth People. While restorative justice practice is used in some schools in NI, Integrated College Dungannon (ICD) is the only college to have a fully trained Sixth Form Restorative Justice Team. Niamh and Michal represented the Sixth Form Restorative Justice Team from ICD, acting out a role play showing how Restorative Justice is used in the college to help strengthen

Niamh

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Shimna Students Double Triumph

Two groups of Shimna students were successful in the Dermot Curran Awards, this year. Shimnas xl group won the Award in the Business and Enterprise section and Shimnas Amnesty International branch won in the Culture and Citizenship section. Both teams were absolutely delighted and Shimna staff member, Joan McAllister, who travelled with them to the Award ceremony pointed out that both Awards were a reflection of months of hard work and commitment above and beyond the school curriculum. The students were treated to a slap-up lunch and took part in a panel discussion organised by Down District Council. The Dermot Curran Awards are made annually to reward young people who take the initiative and succeed in various walks of life, and who make a real contribution to the community. The xl group ran a Fair Trade awareness raising programme in the Autumn term, culminating in a Fair Trade tuckshop for

students, both at breaktime and at the Hallow Een disco. The Amnesty International group has worked tirelessly this year to bring to everyones attention cases of people across the world who are imprisoned for their ideas or their beliefs. They also organised a mass petition within the school against the International Arms Trade. They have just come back from winning and I havent a photo yet. Will be scanning the Award certs and will forward.

school in NI being given the chance to attend this event so we are sure this will generate media attention! This has been partially funded by Young Enterprise. The Young Enterprise Company Programme partners young people with business advisors, who support them in establishing and running a business throughout the academic year. Healthy Highs has enjoyed a very successful year in business and are delighted to attend this trade fair to learn more about business in an international context.

Healthy Highs at New I feel this is a wonderful Birdge opportunity for our stuAs part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, New-Bridge Integrated College Healthy Highs has been offered a wonderful opportunity to go to a European Trade Fair with the companys successful product, their healthy lifestyle family planner complete with healthy eating recipes and great ideas for family activities . This is to take place in Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday 28th Friday 30th March. We are the only dents to meet others their

of different nationalities. The trade fair itself will be an exciting event where they can showcase their healthy lifestyle family planner and promote our country as our product has been modified to feature all of our tourist attractions alongside delicious recipes donated by members of our school community. Europe Without Borders has allowed Healthy Highs to create a partnership with a Portuguese school company whom we are excited about meeting in Zurich as so far we have just corresponded via email. I know this trip will be something that our students can talk about when interviewed for their university places and in their future careers. Thoughts from 2 of the 4 students going:

Aoibhin McKay I cant wait to go to Zurich. Im looking forward to seeing new things and meeting age from all over Europe new people. and at the same time promote their company prod- Sam Leonard I feel uct. I know they will bene- lucky to be given this opfit from a business work- portunity to travel with shop in Zurich and will Healthy Highs and trade enjoy making new con- with people from other tacts as they share meals countries. with other young people

Cranmore Pupils Shout the Quistest when the School of Silence Production Team arrived.

Parkhall Integrated Primary School

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Date 9th May 10th May 17th May 1st June 28th August

Event SENCO Meeting VP Forum History and Citizenship: Them or us or we Roles and Responsibilities Governor Training Integration Day

Location Glengormley IPS TBA Cathcart Room, Queens University, Belfast North Coast IC TBA

Time 1.00pm 12.30 4.00pm 2.00 4.30pm 6.00pm TBA

Calling all History and Citizenship Teachers NICIE Community Relations Week seminar 17 May As part of this years Community Relations Week, NICIE is hosting a seminar to consider the contribution that teachers of History and/or Local and Global Citizenship can make towards developing young peoples thinking about community relations. The main contributors to the debate will be Two prominent History and Citizenship Educators - Dr Alan McCully, University of Ulster and Lesley Emerson, Queens University. This important issue has been highlighted as a priority in ETI reports. It will be a stimulating afternoon. Please come along and join us to find out how best to respond to the requirements of the Revised NI Curriculum. The seminar will take place on Thursday 17 May from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. in Queens University School of Education, (Cathcart Room) 69 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HL If you are interested in attending please contact: carmel.gallagher@qub.ac.uk (Travelling expenses will be available) Dis Nation Tomorra So wid mi innocent skin Me walk een pon a war dat already wagin Bomb already blazin; Fire ignited an silently burnin Across di divide, beyond di peace line In di peace wall shaddow where di sun dont shine Dats where dem tell mi seh daffodil dont grow So den mi check miself: what mi really know Bout di deep-rooted distrust of the other? Catholic ? Protestant,? Dat nuh bother me Ma a live free from dem label, jus a-try fi be me Tryin to put food pon mi table an raise ma family To be upstandin citizens in a progressive lan Where di information revolution Have di potential fi turn mi bwoy into a man Fi tek mi teenager dream dem turn dem into a plan An tek im plan dem turn reality lence. While di politician dem busy wid di economic recovery plan The community speak With dem pocket an wid dem feet. Fi dem food hamper is an alternate voice Bouyed on by the churchs But bam we turn casualty! choice Dat brick thru di window To intervene, to rescue, to Not simply sayin Move out comfort cause yuh skin colour is An Oasis of caring in action wrong resolves accommodation Not simply Youre different Food supplies arrive daily or Youre strange. and transportation - regularIt emphatically declarin You ly dont belong! It sayin Youre a stranger! But in mi teenage yout mind And on St. Patricks hill, that What mean more? spells danger; Di emphatic declaration And the traditional response Of im alienation? is violence! Or the repeated affirmation An in the ensuing si We care! We support the fact that you are here.? So mi mus up sticks an leave im dream dem behind? Will the nightmares recur an render him blind To di power of reconcilliation Till him become part of di perpetration Of di violence I so detest? Children learn what they live! de say So what education do I give in dis island today To shape dis nation tomorrow? Rainbow Ashwood Jamaican (copyright and ownership)

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What is Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning?

It is a new and exciting project that provides professional development for post-primary teachers, who, as a result of the Entitlement Framework collaborative arrangements between schools, teach classes comprised of students from different schools. Many schools are already availing of professional development through the project. Please contact us if you would like any more details or information.

Professional Development for Teachers Strengthening Confidence in Managing Diversity Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment Building Trust, Peace & Reconciliation

What does the Project aim to achieve?

As well as supporting teachers with the confidence and skills they need to manage the increased diversity in their classrooms, the project seeks to help teachers maximise opportunities for, relationship and trust building with Area Learning Community colleagues and between young people in our communities. Training will support teachers to create open and welcoming learning environments in order to deepen learning and help all students to reach their potential.

Project Aim
The Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning Project provides professional development for teachers by increasing skills and confidence in exploring and using diversity in shared classrooms in order to deepen learning and promote reconciliation. The project works with teachers in all Area Learning Communities to promote trust and relationships at all levels of the school community.

Contact Us Clare Murphy

Project Administrator Email: cmurphy@nicie.org.uk Tel:028 9097 2811

Bernie Kells
Project Manager Email: bkells@nicie.org.uk

The project is funded by The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and managed by the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE).

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SPORT
Oakwood FC News.
The atmosphere was tense at Windsor Park as Oakwood FC took to the field for their first competitive game of the season. The P3, P4 and P5 team became even more excited when they were allowed to hold the Irish League Trophy! However, this did not distract them from their match against local rivals Our Lady Queen of Peace! It was an incredibly close clash, with both sides deserving at least a point. Our Lady Queen of Peace scored after ten minutes with a shot across the box into the left corner. Being one nil down made Oakwood FC hungrier for victory. Dillon Duff and Jonathan Gray powered through the defence to deliver crosses to Jamie Schmidt and Michael Helmcke, only to have their efforts saved by the solid goal keeping of Our Lady Queen of Peace. A close game and plenty to build on for the rest of the season!

Parkhall Integrated College has hosted the PACT (Promoting A Culture of Trust) through sport programme, funded by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF). The programme has three elements: primary, secondary and community, each co -ordinated by Parkhall and delivered by Peace Players International. The primary element involved the P6 pupils of four local primary schools: Round Tower, Crumlin, Maine and Rathenraw. PACT combines basketball coaching, provided by Peace Players International, with workshops on identity, cultural awareness and diversity. The event is organised by Parkhall Integrated College to strengthen community relations in the Antrim area. The secondary element of PACT involved year 8 pupils

from Parkhall and St. Benedicts, again using basketball as a medium to promote tolerance through sport. This relationship between our schools has been strengthened over 3 years of IEF funding with various year groups being involved. This year our 8L pupils wrapped up the programme by acting as mentors, referees and scorers at the recent primary schools basketball tournament organised by Antrim Borough Councils Community Relations team.

Yr 10 Netballers of Ulidia Integrated College are the 2012 Champions of the Integrated Cup

It was with sheer delight that the Yr 10 Netballers of Ulidia Integrated College accepted the Integrated Championship trophy at Lagan College. The Team were nervous as they journeyed to the venue and deliberated tactics, but after theyd warmed up and familiarised themselves with the surroundings they focussed on the goal and within the first quarter were 7 goals ahead! This was the objective for the The community aspect of Team; they have always been PACT centres around the youth clubs within the borough, and bringing together 9-13 year olds and 14-17 year olds from different backgrounds and communities. Again hosted by Parkhall and delivered by Peace Players International these events encourage our young people to learn together and achieve an ONC youth leader qualification.

finishers, but are somewhat slower to begin, and so with life spoken into them, their coaches watched with delight and nerves as they ploughed ahead with each quarter. The Team encouraged one another, worked together and were motivated by the scoring of many goals! They completed the match and deservedly won by 22 goals to 7. The organiser of the matches presented the Award and the medal to the teams and commended Anna Maguire, Player of the Match on her capacity to shoot and score.

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