Creative Education for the modern Belfast child

Well done to this week's whiz kids!

Thank you to Rachel from Finaghy Methodist Church for a lovely assembly this morning!

P6 started their first week of a very exciting arts programme called 'For Arts Sake', which is running all year. This term's focus is drama and everyone had the opportunity to develop their drama skills through a range of games.

There has been much media coverage in the last week about the Education Minister's statement on 'Reasonable Numbers' in Integrated Schools and the discussion has been in and around whether integrated schools attract pupils right across the community. You may be aware that the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education promotes a breakdown of 40:40:20 as a method of ensuring that no community feels undermined. Maintaining a religious balance can at times be challenging for integrated schools as a few pupils leaving or arriving can knock the balance. It can be challenging based on the context of the school and the make up of the local population. In Cranmore we strive to have a balance of 40:40:20 and we are proactive in trying to achieve and maintain this. As of today we have a perfect balance of 40% pupils from a Protestant background, 40% from a Catholic background and 20% designated as others or none. Whilst we are proud of our balance it does not define us as an integrated school as this comes from our ethos and the day in and day out lived experiences of all our staff, pupils, parents and governors. Our integration is intentional, inclusive and inspiring.

Some lovely photos from the first week in Primary 1!