Integrated Education, by definition, is the education together of children and young people from different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs and of none, those who are experiencing socio-economic deprivation and those who are not, and those of different abilities. An Integrated school “intentionally supports, protects and advances an ethos of diversity, respect and understanding” between each of these groups. (Integrated Education Act (NI) 2022).
This ethos is deeply intentional in its practice and purpose. An Integrated school should strive not only for diversity and balance across diverse groups; it should also ensure that it utilises this diversity as an opportunity for those within the school community to learn with, from and about one another. This includes intentionally engaging with reconciliation processes and challenging issues we have faced historically and continue to face at present.
The Integrated ethos should permeate everything within the school; it is its DNA
The Four Principles of Integrated Education
Equality
Equality
The Integrated school promotes equality in sharing between and within the diverse groups that compose the school community.
Faith & Values
Faith & Values
The Integrated school provides a Christian based rather than a secular approach. It aspires to create an environment where those of all faiths and none are respected, acknowledged and accepted as valued members of the school community.
Parental Involvement
Parental Involvement
The support and commitment of parents is a fundamental element of Integrated Education and historically, parents have been central to the development of integrated schools.
Social Responsibility
Social Responsibility
The Integrated school delivers the curriculum on an all-ability and inclusive basis to all of its pupils. It respects the uniqueness of every pupil and acknowledges their entitlement to personal, social, intellectual and spiritual development in the attainment of individual potential.
You can read more about the ethos and values that Integrated schools agree to uphold in the full Statement of Principles (PDF, 3.3MB) document.