About CASE
CASE aims to build a culture of good relations amongst children and young people in a school based setting. Delivery is through the provision of direct, sustained, curricular-based contact between children and teachers from all backgrounds.
Through working in partnership, the participating schools will promote community cohesion, enhance educational outcomes for all pupils and provide shared professional development. CASE is open to all schools in the six Border Counties of Ireland and schools in Northern Ireland which are not currently involved in the DSC Signature Project for Shared Education.
This project is supported by the European Union's PEACE Programme, managed by the Special EU Programme Body.
Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) programme
This consists of a suite of short courses covering a range of strategic areas to help develop collaborative working practices and support school improvement.
The provision of a Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) programme for school-based staff is a specific element of the CASE Project. Its aim is to provide teachers and school leaders with a clear learning framework that will enhance the skills, capacity and confidence needed to embed effective practice in Shared Education.
During 2019/20 up to 8 different CASE modules will be delivered each term; all suitable for audiences comprising NI teachers and ROI teachers.
The modules will take place over a 3 day period, 2 days back-to-back with a follow-up day approximately 4 -6 weeks later. As part of each module teachers will jointly undertake a short partnership-based learning exercise designed to enhance collaborative working and encourage professional dialogue. Each module is designed to reflect a blend of research-based theory and practical classroom content.
All teachers in schools involved in the CASE Project are eligible to participate in the TPL programme.
Registration for all courses will be released in early September and further details are available from school principals and CASE Link teachers.
News from around the partnerships
Teacher Professional Learning Underway
The 2020 TPL courses commenced on January 13th with ‘Delivering Effective Collaboration and Sharing in Primary Schools’. The first of a series of modules which will be rolled out in different venues until the end of the school year was delivered in Letterkenny by Stranmillis College.
The second programme held was on ‘Understanding and managing diversity within the shared classroom’ run by Queens University Belfast QUB was very thought provoking.
Meanwhile ‘Supporting Shared Education through online Collaboration’ was delivered by Ulster University in Antrim Board Centre.
Here’s what participants are saying about these courses:
“Before the course I would’ve been a bit worried or anxious about teaching diversity to my pupils but the course has given me a good entry point and given me loads of practical ideas for how to start teaching diversity within the shared classroom”
“I wanted to learn ways to open up discussion on how we are different and the course has given us loads of different ideas and practical things to do with the younger children without even having to explain that you are talking about diversity”
‘A really well thought out course. Roger and Esther were amazing and great at explaining things. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to getting started with my children’
‘The course has been very relevant to further my understanding of blended learning. I will also take back to my school knowledge of Office 365 that could benefit other members of staff’
‘The warmth of welcome, personal interaction and clarity of course content put us at ease from the start..great feedback from Julie and Ashlene who brought us their first-hand experience of blended learning….very useful, informative and looking forward to kids getting started’
Ashgrove PS and St Michael’s PS – Shared Education in action – a report by St Michael’s PS
The frosty start didn't deter any of the P7 pupils who buzzed with excitement as we made our way to the imposing front doors of the Castle.
Ready to greet us were two members of Historic Royal Palaces staff, who told us we were about to meet someone very special.
As the large doors swung open to reveal a grand hallway, we were beckoned in by a tall lady in Victorian dress. Introduced to us as the Housekeeper, we were quickly informed of our position as new servants in the busy household. We examined our surroundings for evidence of wealth in this big "Irish House."
From dressing up to role play, the 45min house tour revealed lots of information about Hillsborough Castle during the Victorian era. From royal portraits to stately chairs, we marvelled at the luxurious items in this stately home.
However, as newly appointed servants we were given lessons in posture, daily grooming (all nails must be clean) and the "rule of discretion" which means that we were never to reveal what went on within the Castle walls!
Everyone got involved in this truly immersive experience...
From the Footman to the Butler, the Lady's Maid and the Scullery Maid, we tried on bonnets and aprons to appreciate the differences in style and clothing today.
Back in the activity room, we consolidated our learning with pre-prepared worksheets and activity sheets before a short walk in the garden.
Everyone enjoyed their trip back in time.
Florence from St Michael's PS loved the dressing up and couldn't wait to tell everyone at home what she had seen today!
Ethan from Ashgrove PS loved "taking part" in all of the interactive activities as well as getting to meet the costumed character.
Cara enjoyed looking "at the beautiful furnishings" while Kate really loved learning about life in Victorian times.
Vice Principal of Ashgrove PS, Mrs Karen Flaherty enthusiastically spoke about the merits of the programme hitting "valuable curriculum links" on the study of Victorians.
"I also thought the costumed character was highly beneficial in teaching the children about history in a fun and interactive way," she concluded.
