Integrated schools provides a learning environment where children and young people from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds, as well as those of other faiths and none, can learn with, from and about each other. The promotion of equality and good relations extends to everyone in the school and to their families regardless of their religions, cultures or social background. Integrated education is value-driven and child-centred. It is through a holistic approach with an empahasis on developing every aspect of a child's potential.
The key principles of Integrated Education
Equality
Integrated schools promotes equality in sharing between and within the diverse groups that compose the school community. This occurs structurally at every level amongst students, staff and the board of governors, as well as culturally within the overt and hidden curriculum of the school.
Faith and values
Integrated schools provide 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
The support and commitment of parents/guardians is a fundamental element of Integrated Education and historically, parents/guardians have been central to the development of integrated schools.
Social responsibility
Integrated schools deliver the curriculum on an all-ability and inclusive basis to all of its students. It respects the uniqueness of every student and acknowledges his/her entitlement to personal, social, intellectual and spiritual development in the attainment of individual potential
Statement of Principles are available here.