If you were to compare the state of California and that of County Armagh you would be hard pressed to find any obvious connections.
If you were to compare the state of California and that of County Armagh you would be hard pressed to find any obvious connections. For those unfamiliar with California, it has the 7th wealthiest economy in the world, with just over a Trillion dollar turnover each year and one in every eight Americans live in the state.
It would be true to say that California someone dwarfs Armagh in comparison. However one local secondary school from Armagh has made an impact on local education in California so much so that it’s academic and pastoral successes have been showcased by two of the states most reputable and prestigious schools.
Edna Cullen, the principal of St Brigid’s High School in Armagh says that the interest which has been shown in his school has come as quite a surprise.
Initially I was invited to America by Martin Catholic High School, to attend a football camp during the summer. What I found was a great deal of interest in our schools, the way that we worked and in our academic successes.
We are very proud that St Brigid’s is one of the top achieving ‘boys’ only’ secondary schools in Northern Ireland, having attained 59% 5A*-C in GCSE. This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the teachers and pupils of his school over the last ten years.
I think that our academic achievements combined with the sense of pastoral care and the emphasis on community has undoubtedly interested many especially in America.
As a result St Brigid’s has been approached by several other colleges including St Mary’s College High School in Berkeley.
Over the Halloween mid term break, the principal of St Brigids visited St Mary’s College High School to give a key note address to staff, parents and pupils about his school, their achievements and educational changes.
Edna Cullen says –
What I was struck by was when I spoke of collaboration and co-operation between schools in N. Ireland, staff at both schools had difficulty understanding the concept. Schools in California are in direct competition with other schools and enrolment fees can range from $8000 - $15000 per year for each student.
If I was to find any commonality it is this, that there exists a desire to provide the pupils and children regardless where they are, with excellence in education, in learning environments fit for purpose and where children are happy and healthy.
Both American schools were impressed that they have suggested and expressed an interest in visiting the Armagh school and setting up student and staff links.