A visit to Priory Integrated College

Abstract

Priory Integrated College is a co-educational secondary school for students aged between 11-16. Situated at the peripheries of Belfast, Northern Ireland, the school had been given an integrated status in 1998. Thus, it is open to students from all cultures, religions and beliefs. Our visit to the school during the first two weeks of November 2003 focused on the various aspects of school life and the organization and management structures at the school. The introduction outlines a brief history of integrated education in N.I. and also describes the school building and layout. The first chapter deals with the organisation and management structures, the distribution of authority and communication networks at the college. All these aspects were discussed in the light of literature reviewed. The second chapter outlines in detail all the aspects of the school’s work, from curriculum planning and monitoring, school climate, ethos, discipline, pastoral care and assessment to extra-curricular activities amongst others. Again, all these aspects were discussed in the light of educational theory from reviewed literature. Chapter three describes a number of school policies. Chapter four highlights the various teachers’ roles, the role of the heads of departments and the relationships with parents and outside agencies. It also gives an extensive review of professional development opportunities. The conclusion to this report portrays Priory College as a college with a self-evaluative ethos and one where professional development is a priority. All these aspects were discussed in the light of the Maltese NMC and their relevance to the local educational system.