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Beyond the Stereotype

25 January 2022/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

New research explores views of educational success and underachievement

A significant new research report into educational underachievement in controlled schools – commissioned and funded by the Transferor Representatives’ Council – has been launched by Stranmillis University College.

Beyond the Stereotype is based on group interviews with principals, teachers and pupils in eight primary and post-primary schools in suburban, town and rural areas, and also with school governors and other leaders in those communities.  The study aims to go ‘beyond the stereotype’ of the well-documented challenge of underachievement among Protestant working class boys in inner-city areas, and to ‘cast the net wider’ to provide a broader and more representative picture.  It raises important questions about the purpose of education and how we measure success.

The study finds that while pupils view educational achievement as largely related to success in external exams (such as GCSE and A-levels), many school and community leaders (including employers) place greater value on a wider range of skills and abilities, and pupils’ mental and physical health, self-confidence, happiness and willingness to learn.

Particular challenges in rural communities, which have not been reported extensively to date in previous studies, are identified with some school leaders speaking of the difficulty in motivating boys to work hard towards GCSEs.  Disadvantage across generations and a lack of educational aspiration, often associated with inner-city working-class contexts, are also reportedly strong features of many farming communities.

Beyond the Stereotype also finds that schools lack support in terms of sourcing standardised tests for pupils, which are bought in from private companies in the absence of government-funded tests.  A resulting variety of approaches in testing at primary level mean that post-primary schools often test pupils within their first few days at their new school; this, in turn, adds to an impression among pupils that post-primary education is about tests and scores.

School leaders are doing “sterling work” in keeping education going throughout the pandemic with one positive consequence of this crisis being that “schools and families are often now better connected than ever before” due to the increased use of remote technology.

Many community leaders speak of their passion for supporting schools and helping local children to succeed.  A range of perspectives – supportive and critical – on the role of Protestant Churches in education is heard; the study affirms that where school leaders are open to church involvement (which cannot be assumed) and where a local church engages meaningfully, tangibly and unconditionally in its local school, “there is enormous potential to improve educational outcomes.”

 

Beyond the Stereotype

Approaches to Educational (Under)Achievement in the Controlled Sector in Northern Ireland

 

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Praise for schools on Glengormley visit

5 November 2021/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

On a visit to Glengormley High School this morning, Presbyterian Moderator, Right Reverend Dr David Bruce, took the opportunity to praise the work of principals, teachers, governors and all who have worked in schools across Northern Ireland during the pandemic – and the pupils who have had to continue learning under such difficult circumstances. He also praised teachers and staff for the turnaround the High School had seen in recent years.

Dr Bruce was speaking at the school following a visit which formed part of his tour of PCI’s Presbytery of North Belfast, which takes in parts of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area as well. Each Moderator makes four such tours during their year of office, which are primarily to encourage the local Church and its members in each area, to see the work that they are doing and to encourage others who play a large part in the life of the local community.

“Earlier on in the week I had the opportunity to visit Mossgrove Primary School and I found there the same commitment to learning, the personal development and welfare of the children in their care as I did at Glengormley High School. Both schools, and indeed all schools during the last two academic years, have experienced extremely difficult times, not least when we were in the depths of the lockdown and home learning last year, then having to make special arrangements to return to school afterwards,” Dr Bruce said.

“The impact and the upheaval on everyone involved in education; governors, principals, teachers and support staff, has been considerable and I would like to add my tribute to everyone who has stepped up, rose to the challenge and went the extra mile in these exceptionally difficult circumstances. And I also include in that the parents who juggled working from home and home schooling, and the children, who had to try and learn through these abnormal times.”

During his visit that lasted all morning, the Moderator met with a range of staff and heard of the changes that had taken place and the process the school was undertaking to move to integrated status. As he toured the school Dr Bruce took part in a Year 9 RE lesson and a Q&A session on his life and faith journey with 6th Formers. He also sat in with 5th year GCSE students to talk about church leadership. At lunchtime he met with members of Glengormley High’s Scripture Union Club.

During his visit Dr Bruce learnt of the turnaround that the school had made since the Education and Training Inspectorate had raised considerable concerns on a visit in 2017 concerning a range of issues that had led to a severe deterioration of the school’s performance. “I was quite shocked to hear that in 2018, out of a potential school community of 1,200 pupils there were only 650, and how in that year’s September intake, when you might have expected over 200 pupils transferring from primary schools, only around 80 did so.

During his visit that lasted all morning, the Moderator met with a range of staff and heard of the changes that had taken place and the process the school was undertaking to move to integrated status. As he toured the school Dr Bruce took part in a Year 9 RE lesson and a Q&A session on his life and faith journey with 6th Formers. He also sat in with 5th year GCSE students to talk about church leadership. At lunchtime he met with members of Glengormley High’s Scripture Union Club.

During his visit Dr Bruce learnt of the turnaround that the school had made since the Education and Training Inspectorate had raised considerable concerns on a visit in 2017 concerning a range of issues that had led to a severe deterioration of the school’s performance. “I was quite shocked to hear that in 2018, out of a potential school community of 1200 pupils there were only 650, and how in that year’s September intake, when you might have expected over 200 pupils transferring from primary schools, only around 80 did so.

Speaking about the visit, the principal of Glengormley High School, Ricky Massey said, “The school has enjoyed a close relationship with Ballyhenry Presbyterian Church and has received support through the North Belfast Presbytery. The Moderator’s visit was a natural culmination of these relationships and was such an encouraging experience for the pupils and staff of Glengormley High School.

“Dr Bruce participated in a range of lessons and met our 6th Form for a question and answer session with a wide range of questions relating to faith and everyday life.  The pupils were taken aback by his personal journey from being a young atheist to becoming a minister and Christian leader in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Massey concluded by saying, “Our members of the school Scripture Union club were delighted that the Moderator was fully involved in their games, which he followed up with an insightful interview. This visit has been one of the highlights of our school calendar.”

The photos above, in order from the top of the article, picture:

(1) Dr Bruce with the principal of Mossgrove Primary School, Elaine Sinton, and the minister of Ballyhenry Presbyterian Church, Rev Niall Lockhart. (2) Dr Bruce at Glengormley High with Trevor Long, Clerk of the North Belfast Presbytery, Lynda Greer, Head of Business Studies, Rev Niall Lockhart, Ricky Massey, Glengormley High’s principal and Margareta Cummings, teacher in the special educational needs department. (3) Dr Bruce with Glengormley High School 6th Formers. (4) Dr Bruce with Stephen Dodds, Associate Pastor at Glengormley Baptist Church, at Glengormley High’s Scripture Union Club.

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Transferor Representatives’ Council thanks schools for continued commitment

7 October 2021/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

The Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) – representing the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the Methodist Church in Ireland in educational matters in Northern Ireland – has again expressed its thanks and deep appreciation to school principals, staff and governors for their commitment to management, teaching and learning, pastoral oversight, and financial control in these unprecedented times.

Speaking on behalf of the TRC, its Chairperson, Miss Rosemary Rainey OBE, said: “Schools have experienced enormous pressures since the pandemic began. We, as a society, owe a great debt to principals, teachers, support staff and school governors who have had increased workloads, and had to change methodology, including adapting to remote and blended learning and teaching, prior to the re–opening of schools to all pupils, a return to face–to–face classroom experience and children spending time together again with peers.

“The TRC recognises and applauds the tremendous contribution of school governors, who work tirelessly on a purely voluntary basis in the interests of schools, children and young people. They deal with – alongside other commitments – finance, staffing issues, appointments, complaints, inspections, and school policies, and attend functions in schools on a regular basis. During the pandemic, more responsibility fell to chairpersons who dealt almost daily with their respective principals to ensure that schools continued to deliver teaching and pupils continued to learn. Their service to schools and to our society is vastly undervalued. The TRC commends them and all school governors who faced particular challenges but continued to serve the local community faithfully and well.

“Governors’ tenure has now been extended for a further additional year so it is both fitting and appropriate that we pay tribute to their service at this time. Schools cannot operate without governors yet their sterling service often seems to go unnoticed and unappreciated by society in general. The TRC gratefully acknowledges the variety and wealth of skills, knowledge, and experience that governors bring to schools. Principals value their support and guidance, often relying on them to be critical friends.

“The TRC thanks all school governors for their service and assures them of the prayerful support of the three Churches, their respective Boards of Education, and their membership as a whole.”

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Congratulations for Robin McLoughlin OBE

14 June 2021/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

The Church of Ireland Board of Education (Northern Ireland) has congratulated the Principal of Banbridge Academy, Mr Robin McLoughlin, on his award of an OBE for services to education in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.  Mr McLoughlin is a member of the Board of Education.

Archbishop John McDowell.

Archbishop John McDowell, Chair of the Board, said: “I would like to add my congratulations to those of Robin McLoughlin’s many friends within and beyond education. Robin’s wise counsel and extensive knowledge and experience will continue to be greatly valued by the Church of Ireland Board of Education (Northern Ireland).”

Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary of the Board, added: “I have known Robin for many years through Scripture Union and Summer Madness, and lately through my role in education both on the Board of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council and our own Board of Education. Robin always brings great energy and passion to his work, and has an unbounding desire to see young people reach their full potential. Many congratulations on this well–deserved honour.”

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Church of Ireland Board of Education (NI) thanks schools and youth organisations

8 June 2021/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

The Church of Ireland Board of Education (Northern Ireland) has expressed its concern for the welfare of children and young people, who as a group have been severely affected by the Covid–19 pandemic, and its thanks to all schools and to all organisations that support children and young people.

Archbishop John McDowell.

The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, Chair of the Board, said: ‘As a Board of Education and as a Church, deeply involved in education at all levels, we wish to commend the work of all principals, teachers, staff and governors in their work to maintain learning, and to support children and young people in their education at this time of great social upheaval. It is difficult to think of words which are emphatic enough to commend the achievement of our schools.

‘The Board is also conscious of the vital work being undertaken by youth workers and volunteers (including those serving through activities run by the Churches) and other statutory and voluntary services. The Board wishes to particularly thank those involved in work to calm tensions and provide positive leadership to young people in areas where there has been a potential for violence.’

Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to the Board of Education, stated: ‘For many years, youth workers and volunteers have been the unsung heroes of supporting young people with their mental health and many other issues.’

The Board welcomes the Independent Review of Education being undertaken as a commitment from the New Decade New Approach agreement, and the Board looks forward to engaging with the panel once it is appointed.

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Transferor Representatives’ Council thanks schools for commitment, professionalism and service

16 February 2021/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

The Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) has written to the principals and boards of governors of all controlled schools in Northern Ireland to thank them and all of their staff for their continuing work.

In particular, the TRC thanks principals, teachers, all other school staff, and governors “for their commitment to pupils and their mental health and wellbeing, the delivery of education, their dedication to the schools and for their service at this time of global disruption and anxiety.” The letter adds: “Their professionalism is recognised and their service deeply appreciated.”

The Chair of the TRC, Miss Rosemary Rainey OBE, said, “At a recent meeting of the TRC Executive, many heartfelt tributes were paid to school principals, senior leadership teams, staff and governors for the manner in which they had all responded to the additional demands and extra workloads associated with the delivery of the curriculum to pupils throughout the current pandemic.

“In writing as we did, we wanted to commend principals and staff for putting in place arrangements to enable remote learning and for maintaining regular communication between teachers, parents and pupils.  Together, the TRC recognises that boards of governors have continued with their responsibilities for oversight of the curriculum, finance, health and wellbeing of pupils, the provision of education for pupils with special educational needs, and maintaining links with the community. We also wanted to recognise those teachers who have undertaken further professional development to enable pupils to learn by means of online teaching and supervision over the past year – all of which is a credit to them and the profession.”

All school governors in Northern Ireland serve in a purely voluntary capacity and, in respect of controlled schools, boards of governors are representative of the Department of Education, the Education Authority, the TRC, and parents and teachers.

The TRC concludes by encouraging “everyone who believes in the power of prayer” to keep school principals, senior leadership teams, teachers, support staff, pupils and school governors on their regular prayer list: “All need support, encouragement and pastoral care at this time.”

The full letter from the TRC can be read here.

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Thank you to schools as Christmas break approaches

14 December 2020/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

The Church of Ireland’s Board of Education (Northern Ireland) has expressed its thanks to all those involved in the life of our schools as the Christmas break approaches.

Speaking in his role as Chair of the Board, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, said: “As schools prepare to break up for a well–deserved Christmas break, I simply wanted to offer my heartfelt thanks to all teachers, pupils, governors and support staff of every kind, for the truly remarkable achievements of the past term.  Probably for many principals and senior leadership teams, it has seemed as though term began in the middle of the summer when, at very short notice, you were required to prepare for opening schools to all pupils in September, for the Autumn term.  To have done so, and to have maintained the regular rhythms of teaching and learning and pastoral care when the ground was shifting underneath our whole society is a truly remarkable tribute to your professionalism, resourcefulness and dedication. No–one could failed to be impressed by this immense effort.

“And I wish too to thank all pupils and students who have had to face a changed learning environment and have adapted so well to it. It has not been easy at times and I have no doubt there have been anxieties and stresses, but I trust you have a justified sense of achievement and can look forward to relaxing over large helpings of Brussels sprouts.  All concerned have much to be proud of and I hope can find a renewed sense of joy as we celebrate the coming into our world of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.”

Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to the Board, added his best wishes for the Christmas season: “We have all a great deal to thank you for and you have every reason to enjoy the Christmas break, perhaps more than in any other year. There may have been fewer or smaller planned events than in other years but, under immense pressure, you managed to carry on and provide an excellent education for all pupils and students. The Church of Ireland wishes to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. May they have a restful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”

Similar messages of thanks to schools are being shared by Church of Ireland bishops with dioceses covering the Republic.

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Church of Ireland Board of Education (NI) commends teachers and schools

22 September 2020/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

The Church of Ireland’s Board of Education (Northern Ireland) has expressed its appreciation to all principals, governors, teachers and staff for their dedication on the commencement of a new school term in these most difficult and unprecedented times.

The Chair of the Board, Archbishop John McDowell, said: ‘The fact that all of our schools, in every sector, were ready to welcome back all pupils on the first day of term, required careful planning, enormous effort, and tireless dedication.

‘The educational and social well–being of all children have been affected over the last months.  The mental health of many families has also come under strain, and amazing efforts of schools to get up and running, in a way that seeks to meet the needs of all pupils, have been admirable.’

The Secretary to the Board, Dr Peter Hamill, commented: ‘The welfare of children and young people is paramount to the Church.  We are acutely aware that many challenges in education still need to be overcome and are concerned, particularly, about the need for more support for children in their P7 year and pupils in post–primary schools who will be preparing for state examinations next year.’

The Board advocates on behalf of the Church of Ireland at levels of education through the Transferor Representatives’ Council, alongside representatives of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland.

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Church of Ireland Board of Education (NI) encourages responses to post–primary transfer survey

28 July 2020/in News /by TRC_Adm1n

The Church of Ireland’s Board of Education (Northern Ireland) is encouraging members of the Church to respond to a short questionnaire on the post-primary transfer procedure, published by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Education Committee. The survey – which is available at http://nia1.me/448 over the summer months – only takes five minutes to complete and the Board would encourage as many people as possible to take part.

“Education is facing challenging times ahead and I encourage you to pray for all the children and staff returning in the next few weeks,” Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to the Board, added. “For many children, school is the only place they encounter Christianity and never has there been a more vital time when Christians can witness the love of God to young people.”

A recent meeting between the Chair of the Education Committee, Chris Lyttle MLA, and the Transferor Representatives’ Council – representing the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church, and the Methodist Church – included a discussion on the impact of the pandemic on schools, and particularly the emotional and social impact on the incoming P7 class.

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A tribute to Mrs Helen McClenaghan

5 June 2020/in News /by TRC_Adm1n
The Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) has paid tribute to Mrs Helen McClenaghan OBE, who died yesterday afternoon (4th June 2020) following a lifetime of service.

Mrs Helen McClenaghan OBE.

The Chair of the TRC, Miss Rosemary Rainey OBE, remarked: ‘I have known Helen McClenaghan for many years as a person of integrity, faith and professionalism. She was a highly respected educationalist who had shown wise leadership, especially during her time as Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Education and Library Board.

‘Her knowledge, experience and insight, her resilience, her sterling service and contribution to the field of education and her concern for people were legendary. She was never too busy to make time for people and their problems, as a mentor inspiring and influencing many during her lifetime both within education and the women’s sector. She will be greatly missed by all who knew, admired and worked with her.

‘Although only a recent appointment to the TRC, she, as always, made a huge contribution to discussion, debate and decision–making. We regret her passing and extend our deepest sympathy on their loss to her husband Stephen, daughter Frances, and the whole family circle, while assuring them of our prayerful support at this time.

‘We thank God for Helen’s life of service, her dedication and commitment, her wise counsel and her genuine sincere friendship. She is now at peace and “with Christ, which is far better,” (Philippians 1:23) and in that we rejoice.’

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