Write a commentLearnSpark, an educational training service based in Newry are highlighting the Assembly’s Shared Education Bill and what shared education means to local school goers.
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MLAs have given the green light to Shared Education as the Shared Education Bill passed its Final Stage in the Assembly this week. The Bill will ensure Shared Education is encouraged and facilitated as an integral part of the future education system.
Shared Education can be an answer to what many believe is the current fragmented Northern Ireland education system but it can also be seen as a solution to the financial restraints facing many schools and colleges.
Education expert, Paul Gray from LearnSpark, a Northern Ireland based company that provides training and support services to the education sector and works directly with school leaders, teachers and pupils, said Shared Education provides an exciting but challenging opportunity to schools and colleges across Northern Ireland.
“Shared Education is essentially co-operation between schools in Northern Ireland and can have a positive impact on teacher professional development. It will also allow for greater sharing of facilities and resources. Additionally, it will strengthen cultural understanding and cohesion between communities.
“For example, schools or colleges may choose to share sports fields, music and drama studios, computer facilities, specialist teacher expertise and administrative work. This will in turn create stronger links within communities,” he insisted.
“At its core it’s about school leaders, teachers and pupils working within strong learning communities, sharing resources, building and developing networks and relationships, as well as forging strong partnerships as they move forward.”
Paul is optimistic about the implementation of Shared Education. “LearnSpark has recently supported numerous schools engaged in Shared Education and seen the benefits first hand for all stakeholders.
He added, “The key for many schools and colleges moving forward will be to be flexible, courageous and open-minded.”
To find out how LearnSpark can help your school or college visit our website: www.learnspark.co.uk or call Paul Gray on 028 3083 7664. Alternatively, you can email Paul: pgray@learnspark.co.uk
