Erne Integrated College (EIC) last week held their Evening of Celebration of Student Achievement.

The celebration was held on September 29 and was the first time such an event had taken place in the school since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Principal Jimmy Jackson-Ware welcomed all to the celebrations, he said: “It’s great to see a full hall - good for the soul and all our sense of wellbeing. We especially thank those former students who have returned tonight to be with us.”

The principal thanked all of those who make the school a success; “Governors, for their tireless support; teachers, for their hard work and care for students and support staff, who are a rock of support.”

Mr. Jackson- Ware reflected on the how the last number of years have impacted EIC. Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, high-quality learning and teaching continued at the school with excellent exam results both at GCSE and A level. He noted that EIC “maintained the pre-pandemic levels of achievement".

The principal also took some time to highlight the findings of the ETI (Education and Training Inspectorate) Monitoring visit in April of this year.

The ETI stated: “Between 2017 and 2019, there has been a year-on-year improvement in outcomes attained by the pupils at KS 4. The proportion of pupils attaining five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C rose from 53.8 per cent in 2017 to 80.8 per cent in 2019.”

Mr. Jackson-Ware added: “Again we achieved 80 per cent in August 2022.”

Reflecting on the school, the principal said: “Erne Integrated College has now been in existence for 27 years and it is important to remind ourselves of our founding principles and core values as an Integrated school.”

Mr. Jackson Ware spoke on the importance of Catholics, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, all religions and atheist, learning and playing together and how this breaks down barriers and builds understanding and positive relationships.

He also emphasised the importance of the founding principles of the school being co-education and non-selective.

He said: “These three tenets are underpinned by the core values of respect, equality and acceptance”

He added: “Although always present, respect for and acceptance of people regardless of their sexuality or gender identity has come to the forefront of EIC’s ethos.”

Speaking directly to parents, carers, and other family members in the audience, Mr. Jackson- Ware said: “By your child attending this school you are a making a physical expression of support of our ethos and the conviction that this type of school and other integrated schools will continue to be a positive force for change to make an even better Northern Ireland.”

The guest speaker for the evening was Mrs. Terri McCanny, a former member of staff at EIC. Terri is now a fitness and life coach who has helped hundreds of people transform their minds and bodies to live their best lives.

The awards portion of the evening was compered by Mr. Sean Murphy and Mrs. Marice Cox.

Music was provided by pupils from various age groups including; Year 14 who performed ‘Ring of Fire’ by Johnny Cash, Year 12 who performed ‘Running Up That Hill’ by Kate Bush and Year 8 who performed Viva la Vida by Coldplay. Refreshments were served following the Evening of Celebration of Student Achievement in the canteen.