As part of Good Relations Week 2024, educationalists, community activists, statutory representatives and members of the public gathered at the Stormont Hotel on 18 September to discuss the future of education in Northern Ireland and the OpportUNITY to create a brighter, inclusive future for all.
The event was organised by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) in partnership with Ulster University with Professor Una O’Connor Bones from Ulster University as host.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr Keir Bloomer, Chairperson of the Independent Review of Education which published it’s report at the end of 2023. Dr Bloomer discussed the many elements that had to be considered when compiling and completing the complex review.
He also highlighted the importance of education for society as a whole, saying:
‘We see education as the most important investment that society makes in its future.’
Following this overview of the many challenges facing education, Dr Bloomer expounded the Independent Review of Education’s recommendations that they believe will change the landscape of education in Northern Ireland for the better, building on its strengths but also tackling weaknesses within the current system.
Dr Stephen Roulston and Dr Jessica Bates from Ulster University presented their recent research, with Dr Roulston focusing on the latest paper in the Transforming Education series, ‘Isolated Primary and Post-Primary Schools in 2024.’
Dr Roulston commented:
‘Many communities around Northern Ireland continue to have duplication of education services. For example, new research from Ulster University has shown 63 maintained and 63 controlled primary schools in pairs right across Northern Ireland, less than a mile from each other. These schools are delivering the same curriculum by teachers with identical qualifications but to different communities. This duplication may impact on the long-term sustainability of education in some areas.’
Dr Jessica Bates presented an update on the Future Schools Project. The aims of the Future Schools Project are to support school communities who wish to explore whether there might be a more sustainable solution to primary school provision in their geographic area and provide guidance on how they could move forward with this in practice. She discussed the importance of community conversation and dialogue in these areas, where communities are at risk of losing their local school provision due to concerns over sustainability.
A panel of key stakeholders were then invited to respond to the presentations, followed by questions from the audience. The panel was comprised of Majella Corrigan (Director of School Planning & Provision, Council for Catholic Maintained Schools), Nick Mathison (Chair of the Education Committee and Alliance Party MLA), Michael McConkey (Head of Area Planning, Education Authority) and Rachael Power (Community Relations Development Officer, Rural Community Network). The panel discussion focused on the many considerations when looking at any change in the current education sector, whilst highlighting the opportunity for real change at this time.
Paul Caskey, IEF Chief Executive, said:
‘We want to thank all those who gave of their time to present and attend the event today. The IEF was delighted to be part of such an engaged and lively discussion. The discussion was extremely fitting given the theme for Good Relations Week 2024 is ‘OpportUNITY to create a brighter, inclusive future for all.’ Whilst there is no denying the many challenges facing education in Northern Ireland today, there are undoubtedly many opportunities to make a real and lasting positive change. It is important to note the crucial role of Integrated Education in that change and the positive benefits that it brings to society as a whole.’
