The theme of Integrated Education week this year was ‘Harmony’ and therefore a number of events and activities took place in school which displayed the importance of working well together and which involved music and dance.

Stormont celebration

To launch the week all integrated schools were invited to a workshop and talk at Stormont parliament buildings.  Four of our year 10 pupils and Mrs McIver were delighted to have the chance to visit the impressive building with its beautiful grounds and lavish interior.  They worked with pupils from many other integrated schools in Northern Ireland to create a drama and dance performance which portrayed how they interpret harmony at work.  They performed this confidently to politicians, teachers and NICIE and IEF representatives.  They were also fortunate to have the chance to be given a tour by Adrian Cochrane Watson, local MLA.

Drumming circles

Year 8, 11 and 12 pupils enjoyed the drumming workshops led by ‘Releasing Rhythms’ and ‘The Gathering drum’ , who have visited the school several times.  Creating harmony through tribal beats on African drums the pupils made impressive music which they then performed at assembly for the rest of the school.

Worldwide Arts

Year 9 pupils had the opportunity to make Indian and Polish art with the cultural arts organisation ‘Artsekta’.  They especially enjoyed decorating their skin with Indian art using henna dye

Primary art

For the fifth year Primary 6 pupils from local schools visited us for an art workshop led by Mrs McIver and Mrs Crossey, Head of Art.  The pupils discussed the importance of harmony in integrated schools and made instruments decorated with their personal ‘harmony’ symbols.

Equality

Year 10 have been learning about equality and rights and during the week had the chance to watch the film, ‘Suffragette’ which focuses on the  fight against injustice towards women in England at the turn of the 20^th century.   The pupils were moved by the events and were reminded of the importance of respecting others and defending their own rights.

Cultural Dancing

A special assembly to celebrate harmony and integration led by Mrs McIver took place at the end of the week.  Pupils talked about what about what they had learned from the week’s events.  The assembly closed with very special performances from two of our talented girls.    Katie-Ann Bailie from year 9 treated us to a tap dance routine which she has performed to large audiences at the Christmas light switch on at Victoria square Belfast.  Also, Jezliah Geogy, a year 8 pupil performed Bollywood dance to the school in Indian costume.  This was a perfect way to show the diversity at our school and the importance of fostering everyone’s individual interests and talents which also  echoes the philosophy of the Integrated education movement.