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Growing together in Belleek

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The Church of Ireland’s Board of Education is delighted to support opportunities for schools and parishes to work and serve together in their local communities across Northern Ireland.

A garden in the grounds of Belleek Controlled Primary School in County Fermanagh – opened in warmer weather in September! – is one of several projects which have received funding through our small grants programme for parish–school projects in recent years.  To read the full story, please check out the report on the Diocese of Clogher’s website at this link.

School prayer garden officially opened in Belleek

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A colourful garden featuring sensory plants and a prayer space has been created at Belleek Controlled Primary School involving the entire school community but also the Church of Ireland parishes from the Garrison group.

Attending the official opening of the sensory and prayer garden at Belleek Primary School.

One of the driving forces behind the environmental project was the Revd Rebecca Guildea, Rector of the Garrison Group, who has children attending the school, who completed a series of sponsored runs over three months last year to raise part funding to be matched by the Church of Ireland Board of Education. As a result of the fundraising, Rebecca raised well in excess of the target, with £1,500 donated to towards the project.

The colourful garden created at Belleek Primary School.

The official opening of the garden took place on Tuesday, 26 September, when the ribbon was cut by local woman Sue Deacon, who had been assisting with garden design since the initial idea was suggested.

Also participating in the opening was the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr John Ovens, as well as principal, Mrs Nicola Young, and the Revd Rebecca Guildea, who led the prayers.

Some of the pupils singing at the official opening.

Attending were teaching, administrative and ancillary staff as well as many of the pupils and their parents.

Mrs Young said the school was in a rural setting and the new garden replaced old redundant play equipment. The new resource would be used by teachers. She described it as a wonderful outdoor space and the plan going forward is to encourage the pupils with its maintenance.

Mr John Ovens said the Board of Education had earmarked a grant of £1,000 to be match–funded by the local community. But Rebecca jogged 160 miles over three months to raise over £1,500. It was her idea of a sensory garden.

Rebecca said there were a lot of challenges along the way but their trust was in God that it would be created. She thanked everyone getting involved with digging and moving soil and described it as a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy and to take care for.

Everyone was invited for refreshments afterwards.

RSE Consultation

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The Department of Education has launched a public consultation process regarding the opt-out and implementation of the Secretary of State’s legislation and full details can be found in this document or by going to: https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/rse-consultation

We would encourage you to prayerfully complete this consultation and share with as many concerned parents, governors and teachers as possible.  The consultation opened on Friday, 1 September, and runs until Friday, 24 November.

 

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE): Proposed Changes Information Sheet

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In June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland introduced legislation regarding the teaching of elements of Relationships and Sexuality Education at post-primary level.

The legislation makes changes to the Learning for Life and Work Curriculum in the area of Relationships and Sexuality Education at Key Stages 3 and 4 – in post-primary schools – and requires that young people receive:

‘age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.’

Schools, including Boards of Governors, must have ‘regard to guidance’ issued by the Department of Education, and DE is also required to make provision for pupils, at the request of their parents/carers, to opt-out of these aspects of the RSE Curriculum.

DE has to be in a position to implement these new aspects of the curriculum by 1 January 2024.

DE continues to update its information on RSE and relevant developments on its website at Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)

 

CCEA & the RSE Hub

For a number of years now CCEA has hosted an RSE Hub on its website which can be found at Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) | CCEA. The Hub contains links to a progression framework and a number of resources related to each area of learning. There is no compulsion on any school or teacher to use these resources; the CCEA RSE Hub clearly states that “teachers should… review resources before using them to check that they’re appropriate for their pupils and in line with their school’s ethos and RSE policy”.

CCEA has been commissioned by DE to develop guidance on the new aspects of the curriculum covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion. TRC representatives are part of a stakeholder group which CCEA is keeping informed of developments.

 

RSE policy within schools

It remains the case that the RSE policy of a school should be agreed by the Board of Governors, in line with a school’s ethos which, within controlled schools, is a non-denominational Christian ethos. There should also be consultation with parents, and the RSE policy should be made available on the school’s website.  None of these provisions have been changed by the new legislation.

For more information on school ethos please visit www.csscni.org.uk/ethos

 

Consultation

DE have opened a period of consultation (Friday, 1 September to Friday, 24 November) on the proposed opt-out provision which will allow parents/carers to withdraw their pupil from aspects of the RSE curriculum. Details can be found at Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Consultation | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)

As yet there has been no sign of a consultation on the guidance being developed by CCEA on prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.  The latter consultation may also take the opportunity ask for views on the recent NI Human Rights Commission report on RSE and the Education and Training Inspectorate report on the Preventative Curriculum.  The consultation on the guidance should  indicate the full extent of the changes proposed by DE and provide an opportunity to offer feedback on those changes.

In the meantime, TRC will continue to engage with CCEA, DE and relevant elected representatives on these matters.

For more information please Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to TRC as per details below.

c/o Board of Education NI
Church of Ireland
Floor 2, 18-20 Hill Street
Belfast
BT1 2LA

Tel: 028 9082 8860

Email: edunorth@rcbcoi.org

A PDF  version of this information sheet for sharing or printing is available at this link.

 

 

 

RSE public consultation deadline ‘unrealistic’

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The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has described the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s deadline for his Public Consultation on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) at Key Stages 3 and 4 as ‘unrealistic and insensitive’.

Following a request for comment from the News Letter on the launch of the Department of Education’s consultation on RSE a spokesperson for the Church told the newspaper: “When the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced his decision back in June to bring forward legislation relating to the provision of Relationships and Sexuality Education in post-primary schools the Presbyterian Church in Ireland described his actions as ‘flawed’ and ‘a patronising imposition of a series of measures on the people of Northern Ireland with little or no consideration of their views’.

“The Secretary of State’s deadline of 1 January 2024 for the introduction of his revised RSE curriculum to post-primary schools is a further example of his unrealistic and insensitive approach to these matters, given that school leaders are already facing enormous pressures including those caused by reduced funding.”

The spokesperson continued: “PCI has previously stated that RSE should be taught in a sensitive and inclusive manner, where teaching is reinforced and supported by policies and processes that schools have in place around bullying, safeguarding and pastoral care. Young people should also have the opportunity to explore their own personal morals, values and beliefs including the moral and ethical considerations around sensitive issues like abortion and the prevention of early pregnancy.

“The Department of Education consultation, announced today, is the first, and apparently only, opportunity for teachers, governors, parents and other interested stakeholders to have their say on the Secretary of State’s legislation. Like other stakeholders PCI will take time to consider the content of the consultation and respond accordingly. However, we also call upon the Secretary of State to reconsider his timetable so that Northern Ireland’s Department of Education can conduct a truly meaningful consultation with all stakeholders on these most sensitive of issues.”

New guide helps local churches support Northern Ireland’s schools

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When a clergyperson takes up their role in a parish, he or she is often asked to become involved in the life of local schools – a great way to serve our communities and also a potentially daunting area of ministry.

The Church of Ireland’s Board of Education (Northern Ireland) has therefore published a Clergy Guide to Schools to share information on how schools work, and what a clergyperson might be expected or asked to do while ministering in Northern Ireland.

This seven-page booklet covers a brief history of the school system, what is involved in being a school governor in a primary school and a post-primary school, collective worship and Religious Education, and providing pastoral support to principals and members of staff.

The Church of Ireland, alongside the Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church, has a right to nominate ‘transferor’ governors – a term referring to the historic transfer of most of their schools into state control in return for a continued Christian ethos and role for Churches in controlled schools.  Clergy are encouraged to not feel any pressure to take on the role of governor but to make sure that the right person is appointed; schools may welcome a conversation about what skills and experience, from clergy and others involved in church and community life, would be helpful for them.

These are some of the many ways in which our local churches help schools, week in and week out, throughout the year and around the country.  More a fifth of Church of Ireland parishes in Northern Ireland already have engaged with their local schools in new and innovative ways, which may include helping to fund projects such as gardens or prayer spaces or providing volunteer reading assistants, help with extra-curricular clubs, and supporting parents in their language and study skills.

Launching the guide, Archbishop John McDowell, who chairs the Board, remarked: “The Church’s involvement in education is part of the contribution we make to the well-being of children and of society in general. In other words, it is an act of service and of discipleship for which we can and should equip ourselves as well as we can. I know that this short guide will help in that practical work of preparation for all transferor governors, and I commend it to you.”

Several projects which we’ve come across are listed in the guide, and the Board may also be able to provide funding to help in developing these important local relationships between schools and parishes.  For further information, please contact the Secretary, Dr Peter Hamill, at edunorth@rcbcoi.org

The Clergy Guide to Schools is available on the Church of Ireland website through this link: https://tinyurl.com/ys667dhr

Are you interested in serving as a school governor?

Watch our video to learn about this rewarding and challenging role in supporting children, parents, teachers and communities.  Please get in touch with your respective Education Officer to find out more.

Congratulations Jessica!

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Excellence in religious education is recognised by the TRC Award which is presented each year to a Stranmillis University College student at who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to creativity and innovation in this subject area.

This year’s recipient was B.Ed. Primary Education graduate Jessica Thompson, who was presented with the award at the College’s 2023 Graduation Celebration on Friday, 30th June. Geoffrey Cherry, Principal of Pond Park Primary School in Lisburn and a former Stranmillis student, was the guest speaker at the celebration and made the presentation.

Congratulations to Jessica and to all teachers who are starting out on what we trust will be a rewarding career.

Range of school issues under the spotlight at Church of Ireland’s General Synod

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Many pressing issues facing education were highlighted at the Church of Ireland’s recent General Synod when the annual report of the Board of Education was presented and debated.  General Synod meets annually and this year’s in-person gathering was in Wexford on Friday, 12th May, and Saturday, 13th May.

The Revd Catherine Simpson addresses General Synod.

Speaking from the perspective of Northern Ireland, the report’s seconder, the Revd Catherine Simpson, said that in aiming to improve the educational experience for children and young people, the Church must focus on supporting children in both formal and informal settings. She highlighted good practice in the northern dioceses of Armagh, Down and Dromore, Connor, Clogher and Derry and Raphoe.

Ms Simpson, who is also a member of the Transferor Representatives’ Council, observed that there had been much reporting about the funding crisis in Northern Ireland and churches were helping to plug the gap in whatever ways they could. However, she said more needed to be done as the lack of investment in the education system would cause social problems in the future. “Now is the time for our churches to invest in our local schools by creating new connections and strengthening existing ones, all the while radiating and demonstrating Christ’s love,” she stated.

She conveyed the thanks of the Board to all who serve as governors, saying: “In an era when some political representatives might like to remove church representatives from Boards of Governors, it is vital to demonstrate the contribution and invaluable impact churches have had on our education system since its inception, with church volunteers on Boards of Governors across Northern Ireland.

“Our school system,” she added, “would not be able to physically function without transferor representatives on Boards of Governors helping with school development plans, finance planning and human resources – all functions of good governance.  As a Church, we acknowledge and are grateful for our Christian witness in schools and the Christian ethos that underpins our education system and are grateful for it.  Thank you to all those, lay and clergy alike, who serve as trustees and as members of Boards of Governors; we thank you for your hard work and your vital Christian witness.”

She also acknowledged the poor morale among school staff and encouraged all churches to reach out and support schools in every way possible.

The 2023 General Synod in session. Photo credit: Annette McGrath.

In the following discussion, Judith Cairns said she appreciated the work of the Board of Education. She spoke about the Board’s support for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE). She said that the Church could provide additional support for teachers and in homes. Mrs Cairns expressed concern about the imposition of a compulsory standardisation of what is taught in RSE and urged members to continue to support the input of Christian values in this area.

The Revd Adrian Dorrian said he found being a school governor one of the most fulfilling parts of his ministry. He highlighted the drastic cuts to funding for schools and encouraged the Board of Education to rail against these funding cuts because there was no expectation that the results coming out of these schools would change in any way.

William Oliver also spoke about the lack of funding for schools. He said the situation was unbelievable and that the system of education needed to be transformed so that it could be properly funded.

Concluding the debate, Archbishop John McDowell added his thanks to the Church’s Education Officers for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Dr Peter Hamill and Dr Ken Fennelly.

The Board of Education’s full report to General Synod can be read here.

Transferor Representatives’ Council responds to Human Rights Commission’s RSE report

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Responding to the launch of a report by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) on a case for reform of Relationship and Sexuality Education in Schools (RSE) today (12th June), the Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC), which represents the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church in education issues in Northern Ireland, has criticised the Commission for ‘a paper–based exercise’ that doesn’t reflect the day–to–day reality of how RSE is taught in many of Northern Ireland’s schools.

Speaking about the report, Dr Andrew Brown, Chair of the Transferor Representatives’ Council, said, “TRC will take time to consider the report from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and its recommendations. However, a few issues immediately stand out for comment.

“That the NIHRC was able to access RSE policies from over 120 post–primary schools across Northern Ireland is in stark contrast to claims within the 2018 CEDAW Report, which formed the basis for the Commission’s investigation, that RSE is ‘underdeveloped or non–existent’.”

“It is very disappointing that during the course of their 16 month–long investigation the NIHRC did not speak to teachers, students, governors, or parents, or find time to observe the teaching of RSE in the classroom. The recommendations put forward in the report are based on a paper exercise and not at all reflective of the day–to–day reality in many of our schools, or of the professional competence and capabilities of our teachers.”

Dr Brown continued, “It is also highly concerning that the NIHRC is advocating that RSE can be delivered in the classroom in a way which is value–neutral and outside the parameters of school ethos. High–quality RSE within our schools is much more than just information based on legal, biological or medical facts. It involves consideration of behaviours, values and attitudes that bring meaning and purpose to our understanding of healthy and flourishing relationships.

“As an organisation committed to our schools, their governors, teachers, and pupils, TRC also remains committed to supporting the delivery of excellent RSE within our schools, which respects the needs of young people, and provides them with the opportunity to explore their own personal morals, values and beliefs.”

Concern at announcement on Relationships and Sexuality Education

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The Transferor Representatives’ Council, which represents the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church in education issues in Northern Ireland, has expressed deep concern at Secretary of State’s announcement on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and highlighted several flaws in a process of making policy for local schools from Westminster.

Dr Andrew Brown, Chair of the Transferor Representatives’ Council, said: “Laws and policies for Northern Ireland should be made in Northern Ireland by ministers who have been locally elected by its citizens – an electorate which includes parents, teachers, carers and guardians.  The announcement’s timing, right in the middle of the exam season for schools and before the summer holiday, is questionable and greatly reduces the time available for any meaningful consultation with teachers and boards of governors.

“The value judgments made in the 2018 CEDAW Report that RSE is ‘underdeveloped or non-existent’ were unfair and unfounded, and run against the evidence reported by the Education and Training Inspectorate.  All schools are required to develop their own RSE policy, based on the ethos of the school, with each policy subject to consultation with parents and pupils.

“We are supportive of high-quality RSE at age-appropriate levels in line with the Department of Education’s current guidance and would welcome an updated curriculum, to cover issues such as consent and attitudes to women.  We remain supportive of this approach which respects the needs of our young people and the communities in which we live.”