‘Satellite’ solution for Co Antrim school during pandemic

Carrickfergus Grammar will be using a community centre to provide an additional “satellite school building” for the start of the new academic year.
Oakfield Centre.Oakfield Centre.
Oakfield Centre.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council  has approved the use of part of Oakfield Community Development Centre in the town by the school to accommodate up to 100 pupils.

James Maxwell, principal of Carrickfergus Grammar School, said: “Carrickfergus Grammar School is very pleased to be working alongside Mid and East Antrim Council in order to facilitate the use of Oakfield Community Centre as an educational satellite centre for our students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This creative solution to unprecedented challenges facing all schools means that we have been able to employ generous social distancing measures for our students and staff at Carrickfergus Grammar School - both in the main school building and in the satellite centre - and has allowed us to facilitate a full-time return to school for all our students.”

Carrickfergus Grammar principal, James Maxwell.Carrickfergus Grammar principal, James Maxwell.
Carrickfergus Grammar principal, James Maxwell.

Education Minister Peter Weir has confirmed he wants all schools in Northern Ireland to “return to more normal patterns of operation and attendance” which will see a full reopening rather than a phased approach.

This return will be on a full-time basis of five days a week for every pupil.

Schools have been closed in Northern Ireland since lockdown began in March due to the Covid pandemic.

The Education Minister has also stated schools will reopen for staff from next week and for key groups of pupils from August 24.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston.The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “I would like to first pay tribute to Mr Maxwell and Carrickfergus Grammar School for taking the initiative with this project at a time of many challenges posed by the pandemic.

“I would also like to thank all involved for making this possible, as we work with the school to ensure pupils return to learning in a safe environment.

“This is a great example of a school and council working together for the greater good and education of our local children.”

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has also said it will be making the Education Minister aware of the local authority’s willingness to work alongside schools and to consider similar requests.

By Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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