The IEF teamed up with Parentkind and Parenting NI on Saturday (19 October) to host a family fun and learning day. The event, held at Titanic Belfast just before Parenting Week 2019, was devised to engage and inform families and to celebrate the role that parents play in schools.

Parenting NI is the charity for parenting support in Northern Ireland. Parentkind, Formerly PTA UK, champions the many ways parents engage in their children’s education. The two organisations led workshops for the adults on parenting styles and on working together with schools to benefit their children. (more…)

Schools and integrated education supporters joined the IEF at a packed Ormeau Baths in Belfast on 17 October to celebrate the winners of the annual Carson Awards. Broadcaster, journalist and IEF supporter Maxine Mawhinney flew in from London especially to compère the event, as did the founder and sponsor of the awards, Tony Carson.
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The latest paper in the Ulster University “Transforming Education” project has been published, turning a spotlight on the influence of religion in NI schools.

“Transforming Education” shares the findings of academic research through a series of accessible briefing papers illustrated by infographics. The project aims to examine and illuminate issues which reinforce the segregated nature of the education system.

The paper, Religion and Education by Dr Matt Milliken is the second in the series. It highlights the role the four main Christian churches play in many aspects of the NI education system. Church representatives not only draw up the RE syllabus for schools but also have places on governing and management bodies and planning authorities. (more…)

More than 70 young people in integrated education across Northern Ireland had their say on mental health issues at a conference at Drumlins Integrated Primary School, Ballynahinch, on Thursday 10 October 2019 – World Mental Health Day.

‘Listening … A Mental Health Conference’ was organised by the IEF in partnership with NICIE and was supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Harry McGoldrick, a Year 13 student at Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh, one of the conference’s young keynote speakers, said it was very important to him to be involved:
“Now in Year 13 it’s my turn to give back to the community by focusing on improving mental health training and services in Northern Ireland. I am thrilled to be a guest speaker at this event. It is such an honour to be a part of something that could help all of us make changes to how we look at and deal with our mental health and well-being.” (more…)

The IEF and NICIE are hosting a joint Nursery School conference called “Integrating in the Early Years, STEM and Outdoor Play”. This will be held in Oxford Island, Craigavon on Thu 17 Oct 2019 and will run from 09:30-14:30.

The keynote speaker for the day will be Julie Mountain, Director of Play Learning Life who will also provide interactive workshops for participants. (more…)

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor John Finucane, hosted a reception for representatives of the integrated education movement at City Hall on 07 October to celebrate their Nobel Peace Prize nomination. (more…)