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Integrated Education

 
 
 
 
 

Ballyhenry Primary School voted, "YES"!

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and all the stakeholders involved for your engagement and the positive energy you have brought to our discussions about the principles of integrated education. It is a true privilege to be part of such a forward-thinking, warm, and supportive community. Together, we share a wonderful vision of a school where everyone feels welcomed, comfortable, and happy in their environment. Our aim is to ensure that every child reaches their full potential, making the most of their unique abilities while facing no barriers to their education.

As you may already know, our ballot closed in November 2023 with a yes vote of 85.5%, and we successfully submitted our Case for Change in May 2024. The public consultation wrapped up in November 2024, and I’m pleased to share that our development proposal has reached the Minister of Education as of January 2025. From what I understand, Minister Givan is currently taking the time to consider the evidence we have provided as well as the results of the public consultation. Our governors felt it wise to share some evidence of the progress we have made towards our shared vision in the 10 months since our Case for Change and development proposal were submitted.

You might have already noticed an increase in diversity during our celebration assemblies, which is a reflection of our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. We’re eager to hear your thoughts as we move forward and will be reaching out to find out more about the celebrations and traditions that are important to you and your family. We would also like to create a parent focus group to gain valuable insights into how we can better support your child’s educational journey.

Letters of Support

In the meantime, we would appreciate your assistance in providing additional information to the Minister. We invite all governors, staff, parents, friends, and neighbours of Ballyhenry Primary School to send letters or emails of support to lknocker496@c2kni.net. Collecting these messages into a comprehensive update for the Minister would be tremendously helpful. If writing letters or emails isn’t quite your thing, you can always express your support by completing the "expression of support" form linked here.

Expression of Support

Ballyhenry Primary School motto: “Achieving Success in a Caring Environment”

Ballyhenry Primary School is dedicated to cultivating positive relationships between educators, pupils, parents, and the local community, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy towards others. The school is committed to providing an environment that nurtures the self-esteem and confidence of its pupils, prioritising their emotional well-being and academic development. It is vital that the environment is diverse and inclusive to all. Embracing the principles of Nurture, Ballyhenry PS ensures that pupils feel secure and content, recognising that a safe and supportive setting is integral to effective learning. Underpinning its ethos is the "Ballyhenry Way", encapsulated by the principles of being safe, ready, and respectful, which collectively contribute to a conducive learning environment characterised by mutual support, understanding and personal growth.  The school aims to be progressive, moving with the times and being at the leading edge of education.

In alignment with the Integrated Education (NI) Act 2022, Ballyhenry PS caters to children of diverse abilities, advocating for inclusive education and individualised support to meet the distinct needs of each student. It is dedicated to enabling every child to access the curriculum fully and reach their maximum potential. The school's emphasis on addressing the social, emotional, and educational requirements of its students is a testament to its unwavering commitment to their holistic development. Notably, the establishment of a Learning Support Centre with a second class confirmed for September 2024, underscores the proactive approach to meeting the needs of children with additional requirements, benefiting from the advantage of smaller class sizes and tailored attention.

As an integral part of the community, Ballyhenry PS regularly conducts outreach initiatives such as the Tots Programme, Community Coffee Mornings, and the Back-to-School Roadshow, actively contributing to the welfare of the local residents. Additionally, the school is actively engaged in environmental conservation efforts, evidenced by the conscientious tree planting and the ongoing development of an outdoor classroom with raised beds and a pond, in collaboration with the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.

The embodiment of the school's collective efforts is encapsulated in the cherished School Song, celebrating the spirit of community, growth, and the intrinsic value of every individual within the school. Ballyhenry Primary School stands as an exemplar of nurturing, inclusive, and environmentally conscious education, dedicated to the growth and well-being of its students.

Through Transformation of Ballyhenry PS from Controlled status to Controlled Integrated Status, the school’s current model and ethos will be strengthened to reflect the NICIE Statement of Principles of Integrated Education:

Transformation will enable Ballyhenry Primary School to continue to develop an inclusive ethos for all in a deeply intentional way which is reflective of these Principles, and which is expressed within the Three-Year Transformation Action Plan 2024-2027.

2       RATIONALE FOR PROPOSAL

2.1     Ballyhenry Primary School – Why Transform?

The key objective of the proposal to transform to Controlled Integrated status is to enable Ballyhenry Primary School to meet the demands of the school community.  There is a desire for the school to reflect the changing demographics of the area.  Stakeholders have expressed a desire for there to be an Integrated pathway from primary to post-primary for Integrated Education in the area. This demand has been clearly demonstrated through the parental ballot, which took place in November 2023 and resulted in 85.5% of participants voting ‘Yes’. The Transformation of Ballyhenry PS to Controlled Integrated status is a no-cost option for the Department of Education (DE) to fulfil this demand, and in turn adhere to the Integrated Education Act (NI) 2022.

In addition, Transformation would enable Ballyhenry PS to develop its inclusive ethos and encourage greater diversity within the school community. Integrated Education brings great benefits and opportunities for pupils, parents, schools, and society as a whole. Students have the chance to learn alongside peers from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, fostering understanding and mutual learning. It also offers a clear pathway for those wishing to transfer to local Integrated Post-Primary Schools. At present, Integrated College Glengormley is the most popular post-Primary destination for Ballyhenry PS pupils by a considerable number, as demonstrated in Table 1, and the school achieving Integrated status would enable the majority of Ballyhenry students to access a fully Integrated educational experience, from Primary 1 to, potentially, post-16.

Parents/carers can engage more actively in school life, as Integrated schools typically have increased parent representation on the Board of Governors, and the NICIE Statement of Principles emphasises the centrality of parents within the school. Schools themselves can better serve their entire community, while society benefits from a new generation that appreciates and celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and difference.

At Ballyhenry Primary School, we pride ourselves on our inclusive ethos and the diversity of our student population. We value the opportunity Integration provides to further embrace and engage with this diversity, creating an even more inclusive learning environment that is deeply intentional in its efforts to achieve this and to celebrate it.

Our commitment to providing a broad and balanced curriculum that caters to a wide range of pupils remains unwavering. The Board of Governors is dedicated to continuous school improvement and views the concept of Integration as an occasion to enhance our existing practices and deliberately celebrate inclusivity and diversity within our school. Our focus lies in building upon our compassionate and respectful ethos, strengthening it further rather than diluting it in any way.

As a school community, we aim to perpetuate the "Ballyhenry Way," nurturing a respectful environment wherein every child can thrive and achieve their full potential. We are eager to embrace the opportunities that Integrated Education presents, enhancing our students' learning experience and contributing positively to our wider community.

Do you want a child-friendly way to understand Integration?

"The Bees and the Wind" is a picture book written to celebrate 40 years of Integration.  It gives a simple and clear explanation of how together we grow through mutual understanding and respect.  It takes all sorts of flowers to make a beautiful garden. The Bees and the Wind.

Author: Amelia Kai

Illustrator: Jamie Beard

Do you have concerns?

We understand that some may have reservations or objections, and we want to assure you that any adjustments will be implemented gradually, with consideration for the perspectives of the entire school community. Should you have any concerns, please feel free to drop in for a discussion or contact me via email at lknocker496@c2kni.net. It is imperative to emphasise that we value every individual's input and are committed to working collaboratively as we progress toward our common goals.