The first part of this paper will give a short overview on the historical development of education, in general, in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the structure and the current situation of the Northern Ireland school system are shortly summed up.
In the second part, I will provide information about NICIE. This includes their history, work, organization, as well as their aims as a group, that wants to offer support and to encourage the peace process in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, NICIE’s own definition of integrated education, as well as responses and recommendations to official bodies.
Three studies will be presented in the third part of this paper. Two studies, which were set up and published by Claire McGlynn and a opinion poll, which was employed by NICIE.
Northern Ireland, since its partition from Southern Ireland, had always been confronted with religious tension. The result has been conflict and for many years one was faced with the challenges of solving the problem of secular segregation. Children, who grow up in a society or community, where prejudice and intolerance are part of every day life, can never develop into mature and liberal human beings. By bringing Protestant and Catholic children together in one school, in order to learn with each other and from each other, will eventually lead Northern Ireland to peace and reconciliation.
Table of Contents
0. Introduction
I. Northern Ireland
I.1. History of Education
I.2. Education System
II. Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education
II.1. History
II.2. Transformation
II.3. Aims and Principles
II.4. Integrated Education explained by NICIE
II.5. NICIE’s response to A Shared Future
III. Studies on Integrated Education
IV. Summary and conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the development and impact of the integrated education movement in Northern Ireland since 1981, evaluating its role as a potential catalyst for peace and reconciliation within a historically divided society.
- Historical evolution of the Northern Ireland education system
- Role and organizational structure of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE)
- Principles of integrated education and its influence on social identity
- Evaluation of academic studies regarding integrated schools and social cohesion
- Public perception and the impact of integrated education on sectarian division
Excerpt from the Book
II.3. Aims and Principles
The members of NICIE define integrated education as followed: “Education together in school of pupils drawn together in approximately equal numbers from the two major traditions with the aim of providing for them an affective education that gives equal recognition to and promotes equal expression of the two major traditions. The integrated school is essentially Christian in character; democratic and open in procedures and promotes the worth and self-esteem of all individuals within the school community. The school as an institution seeks to develop mutual respect and consideration of other institutions within the educational community. Its core aim is to provide the child with a caring self-fulfilling educational experience which will enable him/ her to become a fulfilled and caring adult.”
Additionally, NICIE provides guidelines on issues like equality, religion, parental involvement and educational philosophy.
Equality of positions shall be kept for the two major religious groups, as well as an equality of respect and treatment for all children. Furthermore, there shall be a 40:40 balance of students and teachers of the two main denominations, namely Protestants and Catholics. This equality should be part of education in order to encourage children to learn about their shared and different cultures, beliefs and traditions. Furthermore, to learn what is special about other traditions and one’s own tradition and to be democratic on all levels.
Summary of Chapters
0. Introduction: This chapter outlines the paper's goal to trace the growth of the integrated education movement in Northern Ireland and introduces the role of NICIE.
I. Northern Ireland: This section provides a historical overview of the educational system and the structural context of religious segregation in Northern Ireland.
II. Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education: This chapter details the history, aims, and organizational response of NICIE regarding the official document 'A Shared Future'.
III. Studies on Integrated Education: This part reviews academic research, specifically studies by Claire McGlynn, regarding the impact of integrated schooling on reconciliation.
IV. Summary and conclusion: The final chapter reflects on the necessity of integrated education to promote peace and its future potential for society.
Keywords
Integrated Education, Northern Ireland, NICIE, Peace Process, Reconciliation, Sectarian Segregation, Education Reform, Shared Future, Protestant, Catholic, Educational Philosophy, Social Cohesion, Coeducation, Parental Involvement, Tolerance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The paper explores the integrated education movement in Northern Ireland, specifically how it has developed since 1981 and how it aims to contribute to peace and reconciliation.
What are the central themes of the work?
Key themes include the history of education in Northern Ireland, the role of NICIE, the principles of integrated schooling, and the impact of these schools on student identity and tolerance.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to determine if integrated schools can act as a catalyst for peace by bridging the divide between Protestant and Catholic communities.
Which methodology is used in this paper?
The research is primarily a descriptive analysis based on organizational literature provided by NICIE and a review of existing academic studies and public opinion surveys.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers the history of the Northern Ireland education system, the specific work of NICIE, and the results of various studies regarding student experiences and public support for integration.
What are the characterizing keywords of this study?
The study is characterized by terms such as integrated education, sectarian segregation, reconciliation, social cohesion, and the Northern Ireland peace process.
How does NICIE define 'integrated education'?
NICIE defines it as education for students from the two major traditions in approximately equal numbers, providing an affective education that recognizes and promotes both traditions equally within a Christian, democratic framework.
What evidence is there that integrated education impacts social identity?
Research by Claire McGlynn cited in the paper shows that while many students maintain their religious identities, they often develop a stronger sense of "tolerant Christianity" and increased respect for others, with a measurable increase in mixed-friendships.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Janine Rothe (Autor:in), 2006, Integrated Education in Northern Ireland: A chance for peace?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/52890
