Integrated Education Fund

Forge Integrated Primary School, situated just off the Ormeau Road in Belfast, celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary with an extra special summer Barbecue recently.

Despite a pessimistic weather forecast the event was blessed with sunshine and children, parents and staff, old and new were able to enjoy a great range of activities and have a bite to eat and a chat in a carnival atmosphere.

The evening got off to a musical start with pupils performing on the new outdoor stage (the school steps) to a packed audience of parents and guests. Two pupils Ellen Turbritt and Sian Humphrey, read their own heart warming compositions about what being at an integrated school means to them and were congratulated by Noreen Campbell the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.

Judy Heaney, a classroom assistant in post since the school opened in 1985, and Vice Principal Grainne Kerr in post for 21 years were presented with gifts from the children in recognition of their dedication to the school.

The presentations came to a close when a huge birthday cake was cut by Suzie Smyth, former pupil and now Integrated Education Fund projects officer and current pupil Ryan McCann.

After that it was time to eat and play and as the scent of barbecue filled the air the children were able to have a go at archery, arts and crafts, a climbing wall and dance mat activities. Faces were painted, burgers were devoured and everyone had a cracking good time.

Forge opened in 1985 at the same time as Hazelwood Integrated Primary School, following in the footsteps of Lagan College the first planned Integrated School in the province. The school, started by parents with a vision for a shared future for their children has grown over the years and remains dedicated, with its partner integrated schools to providing Integrated places for the children of South Belfast.

Chair of Governors, Michael Prendergast said, “The event was a huge success, it provided a chance for us to reflect on the good times and the challenges of the past but also to appreciate what we have here today in a happy, forward looking school where children experience the benefits of good educational outcomes and a sound social and emotional environment.”

The whole school community were out in force to make the event work. Principal, Neville Watson commented that the team effort from parents, staff, school governors and of course the children themselves was very much in keeping with the spirit of the school. The school would like to thank all of those who contributed of their time and resources.