Clogher/Kilmore Project
Post-primary schools in the dioceses are facing a number of
significant challenges that will require a fundamental review of current provision and structures within the sector.
What is the Clogher/Kilmore Project about?
Post-primary schools in the dioceses are facing a number of
significant challenges that will require a fundamental review of
current provision and structures within the sector. These
challenges are:
* A sustained reduction in pupil numbers
* Significant curriculum changes
* The requirement to increase access to a wider choice of
subjects for all pupils
* The proposed abolition of academic selection
The Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education, which
represents the Senior Trustees of all Catholic-managed schools,
propose to manage the implementation of the changes to the post
primary educational provision by means of projects operating at a
local level. A Diocesan Project Board has been established to take
forward the review of post-primary education provision in the
Dioceses of Clogher and Kilmore.
Which schools are involved?
* Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Enniskillen
* St Aidan's High School. Derrylin
* St Comhgall's Secondary School, Lisnaskea
* St Eugene's College, Roslea
* St Fanchea's College, Enniskillen
* St Joseph's College, Enniskillen
* St Mary's High School, Brollagh
* St Mary's College, Irvinestown
* St Michael's College, Enniskillen
All of these schools will be working closely together over the next year to review current structures and provision and to discuss options for future delivery of post -primary education within the dioceses. The primary sector will also play a significant role in this process.
What will be the outcome?
Building on current strengths, which will be enhanced rather than reduced, the long term delivery of excellent post-primary education in the Catholic-managed sector in the Clogher and Kilmore ioceses underpins the current review.
The schools will be required to review the delivery of post primary education and design options and plans for the future which will meet the challenges they are currently facing. The project will also address the need to work collaboratively with other education sectors and providers in the region for the mutual benefit of all pupils. Moving therefore towards the goal of implementing a non-selective, inclusive system of post-primary education, the project
aims to ensure that the proposals for future provision are subjected to the widest possible consultation with all relevant stakeholders including parents, teachers, pupils and the wider community.
The review process will be supported by the Post-Primary Review Team which has been established by the Senior Trustees of Catholic education in Northern Ireland to oversee the changes and to ensure that there is a structured and consistent approach to change. It is important to note that any final decision on the preferred option for future provision will not be taken until March 2007. This final option will also be subject to scrutiny by the Department of Education and a final decision is not expected until Autumn 2007.
Central to the review process is the fact that all post-primary schools in the Dioceses are envisaged as being encompassed within a dynamic structure which will increase access and choice and ensure optimal quality educational outcomes for all pupils across the Dioceses far into the 21st century.
The key principle underlying the project is that the child should be at the centre of all future post-primary provision. The Projects will also reflect the principles articulated in the Costello Review of Post-Primary provision in Northern Ireland:
- Equality all young people are highly and equally valued;
- Quality of teaching and learning;
- Relevance to society and economy;
- Access to education which fulfils potential and fosters Lifelong Learning;
- Choice parents and young people are able to make informed decisions;
- Respect tolerance and reconciliation through understanding and respect for diversity;
- Partnership between pupils, parents, teachers, educationservice and wider community.
All options considered will, where possible, encourage trust and good relations between all communities and ethnic backgrounds.
