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Speaking at
the launch of the Specialist Schools’ pilot in St Louise’s Comprehensive on
Tuesday 14th March, the Minister, Angela Smith, said ‘When I invited
schools to apply for specialist schools status I indicated that the aim was to
include 10 schools.
I am pleased
to announce that I will be issuing letters of offer not to 10 schools but to 12
schools. I have been extremely impressed by the potential, by the innovation
and by the creativity within these bids.
They have
clearly demonstrated that not only do they wish to raise standards within
their own schools but are willing and able to share best practice for the
benefit of pupils in the wider community.’
Specialist
School status will enable Shimna to build on our record of academic excellence,
and to share good practice with our partner schools and partners in the
community.
Angela
Smith was keen to point out that ‘this initiative is not about introducing
another school type in Northern Ireland. It’s about enabling existing schools to
develop their own distinctive ethos.'
We will use
this opportunity to enhance our integrated ethos which supports our high
expectations of all our students.
Speech
in full
by the Minister: Angela Smith at the launch of the
Specialist Schools' pilot.
Further information about Specialist Schools can be found on:
DENI Site Relating to Specialist Schools
or
Specialist Schools Website
Languages and the international dimension are the focus of our specialism, which
will lay the foundations for academic achievement across the curriculum.
The successful bid will
attract: £100,000 capital grant and £100 per pupil each year for the next 4
years.
Contact us
if
you are interested in
finding out how Specialist Schools’ Status can help us support
you or your
child or your community group or business through languages and the
international dimension.
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