Celebrating 10 years of Integrated Education in Cookstown.
The future is bright for Phoenix Integrated PS
Integrated Education Fund (IEF) Campaign Chair Baroness Blood joined the party as they launched their celebrations of 10 successful years of Integrated Education in Cookstown this year.
Representatives from the main churches also joined the current and Founder Governors of the Phoenix Integrated Primary School to celebrate its success within the local community.
Gertie Connolly, first Chairperson of the school, commented on her pride on the development of the school. It was a nostalgic day, sharing special memories of the dedication and persistence of parents which led to Phoenix IPS opening but with a very clear focus on the future.
The whole school community then came together for birthday cake and a balloon release.
Phoenix IPS rose from small beginnings in 2004 with 12 pupils. In 2014, the school welcomed 180 pupils for the new term. Situated on a prime site on the Fountain Road, Phoenix is looking forward to major expansion this year as they move into their next phase of development.
The current Principal, Mrs Heather Watson, has been in post for three years and has overseen the growing enrolment and expansion of the school site. She describes the next phase of development: “We are looking forward to major improvement on site this year with the addition of two new classrooms, office space, a special needs room, additional storage and much needed additional play space for the children.”
This marks the next phase of development for the school and the local community are understandably excited about the improvements. Chairman of the school’s Board of Governors, Mr Marriott, says: “The next phase of building work will see state-of-the-art facilities at Phoenix IPS. These facilities will not only enhance the overall education of our pupils, but will also be a valuable resource for the local community.”
PRESCHOOL PROVISION
In addition to improved facilities, the school was successful in gaining approval for a Nursery class as part of their school provision, as Mrs Watson explains: “We are delighted that the Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved a recent application to develop Nursery provision at Phoenix IPS. This ensures equality of opportunity for parents and facilitates the growth of integrated education in the Cookstown area.”
The entire school community eagerly awaits the opening of the Nursery in September 2015 and those attending will gain confidence in a school setting, enabling a smooth transition into Year 1.
21ST CENTURY EDUCATION
The school continues to provide a high standard of education for pupils, offering a stimulating, varied curriculum in which all children are encouraged to succeed. At Phoenix, the staff work hard to not only inspire the pupils, but to engage parents and volunteers in the life and work of the school.
The most important thing for the staff at Phoenix IPS is the children’s happiness. Visitors to the school often comment on the relaxed, caring, happy atmosphere that prevails throughout the school. Great importance is also attached to academic achievement. The pupils at Phoenix IPS are confident and motivated. Great importance is placed upon the acquisition of skills and concepts across the year groups.
In order to prepare their pupils for the technological world in which they live, Phoenix IPS place great importance on the teaching and learning of ICT. Every classroom is equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard and pupils have access to iPads and laptops in their own classrooms. Teachers set homework using online forums, providing pupils with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss activities with their peers. Resources are made available to any pupil who does not have access to the online activities. At Phoenix, we aim for students to become both digitally literate and digitally adept. We look forward to developing pupil creativity and skill in this area with the introduction of Raspberry Pi, games/app development and computer coding.
PART OF THE COMMUNITY
As an Integrated school, Phoenix strives to promote the principles of integrated education both within the school and wider community in a range of ways. The school promotes shared education, working closely with local schools through projects such as: Speedwell Trust, Good Relations in Primary Schools and CRED.
The school is involved in the local community, leading church carol services and singing in the town centre for Christmas shoppers. The school takes an active role in various Council recycling schemes and a community garden is used as a learning resource, as well as a way of involving members of the community with the school. They also have an enthusiastic ECO Club and were acknowledged with the acquisition of their second ECO flag. Eddie the caretaker even writes a blog to share the successes in the garden and outdoor learning areas.
Through their involvement in the Extended Schools Program, Phoenix IPS have been able to extend the school day and offer both pupils and parents opportunities to learn new skills in a friendly environment. The school day starts at 8.30am with Breakfast Club and the children enjoy a range of curriculum-based activities after school. These include Film Club, Storytelling, Digital Media Activities, iPad Club, Drumming Circles, Cooking & Baking, Glee Club, Dance, Singing and many more.
To date, parents have had the opportunity to engage with activities such as Yoga, reflexology, Using iPads, Internet Safety Training and Curriculum Workshops.
Educational visits are an integral part of school life. Previous trips include residentials to France, England and Scotland. As well as a whole school trip at Christmas, every class go on a day trip in the summer term.
Due to their prime location the school is able to avail of the facilities at Cookstown Leisure Centre. Every pupil from Year 3 to 7 attends swimming lessons. The school also make use of the multi-purpose sports hall for PE lessons.
DENI GIVES PHOENIX IPS SEAL OF APPROVAL
Education Minister John O’Dowd recently visited the school to view first-hand the growth of the school and plans for future development. In discussing the great work of the school he said: “I commend the Board of Governors, the Principal Heather Watson, the staff, both teaching and non-teaching and the entire school community on their hard work and dedication to delivering education for the children of the area and wish them the very best for the future.”
If you come across a Phoenix IPS balloon, please contact the school as the children will be tracking their travels! Anyone wanting to visit the school should contact the principal, Mrs Watson. Phoenix IPS, 80 Fountain Road, Cookstown, BT80 8QF, Telephone: 028 8675 7096.
