News

‘Planning for the future of Catholic Education'

‘Planning for the future of Catholic Education'

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Over one hundred post primary Principals and Trustees from Catholic Maintained Schools across Northern Ireland, are among delegates attending a special conference organised this week by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). 

Over one hundred post primary Principals and Trustees from Catholic Maintained Schools across Northern Ireland, are among delegates attending a special conference organised this week by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). 

The conference, which is taking place at the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown, will offer delegates an opportunity to discuss the main educational issues facing Catholic Post-Primary Schools. In particular the impact of the Bain Recommendations, the implications of the Department of Educations ‘Shared Future’ Policy and the Raising of Standards.

The Council, which is the largest employer of teachers within Northern Ireland, has taken the lead in planning for the future. Over the last 3 months Council Officers have been engaged in implementing a review of all Nursery and Primary schools in every Diocese and Parish.  Developments in post-primary will be influenced by the Sustainable Schools Policy and on the creation of new post-primary structures.

The review, which is ongoing, will help to prepare Catholic schools for the challenges and opportunities, which lie ahead in a changing educational environment. 

Speaking at the Conference, Mr Jim Clarke, Deputy Chief Executive of CCMS said:

Today’s conference for our Post Primary Principals and Governors is a natural extension of the work already undertaken by the Council in relation to the changing educational environment and in planning for the future of Catholic Post-Primary Schools within this.

 ‘Ends’

  

For further information please contact

Paul O’Connor

Communications Officer

Telephone             028 9039 3891

Email             pauloconnor@ccmsschools.com


Notes to Editors

About CCMS

  • The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools [CCMS] is the advocate for the Catholic Maintained schools sector in Northern Ireland.
  • Established under the auspices of 1989 Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order, the Council’s primary purpose is the provision of an upper tier of management for the Catholic Maintained Sector with the primary objective of raising standards in Catholic Maintained Schools.
  • CCMS represents trustees, schools and governors on issues such as raising and maintaining standards, the school estate and teacher employment.
  • CCMS is the largest employer of teachers in Northern Ireland[8500 teachers]. 
  • CCMS plays a central role in supporting teachers whether through its welfare service or for example in working parties such as the Independent Inquiry into Teacher Pay and Conditions of Service.
  • CCMS supports trustees in the provision of school buildings and governors and principals in the effective management and control of schools.
  • CCMS also has a wider role within the Northern Ireland Education sector and contributes with Education partners to policy on a wide range of issues such as curriculum review, selection, pre-school education, pastoral care and leadership.