The Department of Education states that;

‘Integrated education brings together pupils, staff and governors from Protestant, Catholic and other cultural traditions within a single school community’ (Integration Works – Transforming Your School 2017)

This highlights the most recognisable feature of Integrated Schools in Northern Ireland but does not elaborate on the meaning of Integrated Education.  Nor does it refer to the need for Integrated Education to be delivered in a setting where structures and processes are put in place to allow for deliberate and intentional engagement with diversity.  Therefore any school considering Transformation should make itself familiar with the Statement of Principles for Integrated Education.  This essential document, which was first written in 1991 describes the key values and beliefs which underpin the Integrated ethos.  

You can find out more about the Statement of Principles in the video below.

A question that is often asked in relation to Transformation is ‘What would change within school as a result of Transformation’?  The answer to this question varies according to the circumstances and context of each transforming school.  

The short video below identifies some areas where changes are likely to be seen by staff, parents, pupils, and governors should their school become Integrated.