If Schools were Shared
The future of education is still a hot topic in Northern Ireland.
Some people argue that school is a good place for children from all communities to meet and learn about each other. Others believe that what we have is the best system.
Our society is still deeply divided and segregated. There are currently around 60 integrated colleges and primary schools. That is only 5% of schools and around 4000 pupils. Surveys show that the public opinion claims to be in favour of integrating schools, so why are there so few?
The budget is one of the biggest problems for the whole education system.
- The draft budget 2011 – 2015 will cut £65 million from the Education Department.
- A report published in 2006 said that £75m could be saved in the education budget if schools worked together.
- There are 50,000 empty school desks. That number could be reduced if schools shared facilities and services.
While some people see integrated education as a way to build a better future, there are others who are not convinced. Not everyone believes that integrated education is needed. Many people believe the way schools are organised now has worked well and will continue to work well.
A challenge for the integrated sector is to create an ethos based on diversity, sharing and multiculturalism. Parents and pupils will need to believe that their own values are protected.
This can happen if political and church leaders agree on the idea of schools working together and introduce policies to make that happen.
Do you have any experience of integrated education? Do you think it could lead to a more peaceful future? Or do you believe that it the way schools are organised now works?
