5 reasons why Integrated Education has a bright future

Author: Cool FM Team Sponsored ArticlePublished 23rd Sep 2022
Last updated 29th Sep 2022

Independent research indicates that children who attend Integrated Schools are more likely to have positive social attitudes to, and have more friendships with, pupils with a different background to their own.

Integrated Schools bring together children, staff and governors from all religious and cultural traditions within a single school community where they celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

Integrated Schools are more likely to reflect the makeup of society at large, thus helping to prepare children for life after school where many are likely to work and socialise in a mixed environment whether in third level education or employment.

1. IT'S PEOPLE-LED

It's a people-led movement believing in and building peaceful social change through Integrated Education. Every Integrated School was formed or transformed by parents. Parental involvement continues to be a cornerstone of Integrated Education.

2. INTEGRATED SCHOOLS SUPPORT STUDENTS

Integrated Schools support students, parents, staff and governors to intentionally build inclusive communities, celebrating our distinctive local and increasingly global cultural mix. Children from Catholic, Protestant and other faiths and cultures learn together every day in the same school.

3. STUDENTS ARE AT THE CENTRE

Students are at the centre of how Integrated Schools work, within a caring environment where they feel involved, valued and respected.

4. IT'S ASPIRATIONAL

Students in Integrated Schools are able to achieve in all-ability settings and develop a love for learning with dedicated teachers helping them find their unique path.

5. COMMITTED TO FAIRNESS

Integrated Schools promote an anti-bias approach that challenges and informs the way we do school - through the curriculum, in the classroom and across the community. Integrated Education enables us all to learn together for a shared society.

Choosing the right school is really important for parents, carers, children and young people. There are over 26,000 children currently attending Integrated Schools. NICIE and the IEF work in partnership to support parents who would like to see their child’s school become integrated.

Visit Integratemyschool.com to learn more.