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Would you like your school to transform to become integrated?

What is Transformation?

Transformation is a process that happens when an existing school seeks to adopt integrated status.  This means that it wants to be recognised officially as an integrated school and to base its principles on those of Integrated Education. 

To read more questions and answers about the transformation process then please click here.

If you would like more information on how your school could transform to become an integrated school then please phone NICIE on (028) 9023 6200 and ask for Terry McMackin, Senior Development Officer.


Benefits of Integrated Education through Transformation

Pupils:

* Opportunity to make friendships with children from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

* Opportunity to explore difference in a safe environment, building respect and tolerance.

* Opportunity for personal development eg. through peer mediation, circle time and learning how to deal with diversity.

* Opportunity for broader range of experiences through events organised by NICIE such as Youth Conferences, Integrated Schools Sports Day.

Parents:

* Greater opportunity for involvement with school through membership of Board of Governors (extra places) or Parents Council.

* Children who have the opportunity to experience a broader range of cultural experiences and make friends with others from different backgrounds than the parents themselves may have had.

* Parents have the opportunity to interact with others from different backgrounds and can develop personally from this.

Schools:

* School has the opportunity to serve the whole community, this can increase the number of children at the school.

* Integrated schools tend to have a wider catchment area which may increase the enrolment.

* Schools may have a more sustainable future in the face of changing demographics.

* Possibility of accessing small amounts of funding for Catholic teachers and training.

* Membership of NICIE will enable access to a range of events such as training, annual conferences, membership of Schools, Teachers and Early Years Committees and Association of Principal Teachers in Integrated Schools (APTIS).

Teachers:

* Training in dealing with contentious issues and learning about different religions can increase personal and professional confidence.

* Working in a school which could have a more sustainable future can increase job security and perhaps enhance career progression.

* Access to Teachers and Early Years Committees through NICIE allows the facility to network and attend training.

Community:

* An integrated school can be viewed as a neutral and safe environment and a venue for cross-community and other cultural events.  Such venues are in demand by many groups.

* Opportunity for ‘safe’ interaction is increased for all involved in the school and the wider community.