Flagship status for Oakwood Integrated

Celebrating success at Oakwood Integrated Primary School are Matthew McDermott, chair of the Board of Governors, Mrs Loretta Joyce, Childrens Centre manager, Mrs Claire Howe, principal, Jeffrey Donaldson, MP, and Tom Wright, Board of Governors. INUS1114-OAKWOOD

Oakwood Integrated Primary at Derriaghy has become the first school in Northern Ireland to gain a prestigious ICT award.

The school has been awarded the Naace Excellence in ICT award and the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Flagship status.

“We are very proud to have achieved the prestigious Naace Award in recognition of the outstanding practice with regard to ICT in the school,” said principal Claire Howe.

“This has been and continues to be an ongoing process of development to prepare our children for life beyond school in a fast-paced technological age.

“The IQM Award recognises the diverse and inclusive nature of Oakwood IPS.”

“The school vision of learning, working and playing together epitomises everything that the pupils, parents, staff and governors of Oakwood IPS are trying to achieve on a daily basis.

“The IQM Award recognises the contribution that Oakwood IPS makes with regard to the personal, social and academic achievement of each and every child.

“The school has established its own vision of inclusion which is evidence throughout everyday policies, procedures and practice in the school.”

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson visited the school to congratulate them on the award.

Mr Donaldson said: “I am delighted that a Lisburn school has made such an achievement.

“This is a testimony to the excellent leadership provided by Claire and her team as well as the invaluable support given by both parents and pupils and the Board of Governors.

Mr. Donaldson told how he had seen the school grow over the years.

“Having first visited Oakwood when the school was located in temporary classrooms on a small site, I have seen it grow and flourish to the point where pupil numbers are at an all time high and there is a thriving pre-school facility as well,” said the Lagan Valley MP.

“The high standard of education delivered at Oakwood is matched by a strong ethos that brings children together in an inclusive and caring environment.

“During my visit I saw at first hand the priority given to ICT in the development of the children’s education and heard about plans to enhance the facilities that are available to accommodate the needs of an expanding pupil base.

“I offer my sincere congratulations to everyone at Oakwood and look forward to hearing of further success in the future.”