It's a 'yes' on integration for Downshire with 77% of parental votes in favour of this change!
We will be transforming to an integrated school in September 2025.
Everyone Valued, Everyone Encouraged, Everyone Achieving, Everyone Together.
“When Integration was first muted at the Board of Governors, I must say I was hesitant and uncertain. Although I firmly believe that all children should be educated together, I thought Integration meant that the Department would insist we had an immovable group of percentages which may curtail local children obtaining a place. However, as I listened to several people who had experience delivering Integration and I also read all the documents from the Department I discovered my fear was unfounded when it was explained the percentages were in line with the demographics of the area. That being the case I would recommend that we vote to go with Integration which will give future generations of children in the village the opportunity of being educated alongside their neighbours, to work together, play together and make for a much more enriched community. If given a positive vote, the Board of Governors are committed to make Downshire Primary School the very top Integrated Primary School in the country where all pupils will have the best education and will be treated equally, fairly and with respect.” Letty Lucas - Governor and Past Teacher of Downshire Primary School
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“Educating children together from different faiths and background, enables them to learn from each other and to deepen their understanding of other cultures and traditions. By becoming Integrated, we are fostering mutual respect and reinforcing the message that every child is equally valued and welcome in our school.” Heather Peters - Teacher
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“As neither my husband or I came from Hillsborough we felt very strongly that our children should go to the local village school so that they would have the opportunity to form strong and long lasting bonds with the local community and be able to call Hillsborough “home”. The compromise that we had to make was knowing that the school would not meet all their needs, particularly in the recognition and embracing of their faith. Downshire PS has nevertheless been a welcoming environment in which my children have thrived. As such, to many people it feels as though it is already an integrated school and question the need for the formality of the integrated process. However, whilst the school has striven to be as inclusive as possible, to us a family “in the minority” much more is possible to make all the children who consider Hillsborough their home to feel fully seen, included and respected. Integration is key to achieving this. All our children will benefit from this opportunity to open their hearts and minds to diversity and fuller inclusiveness.” Eimer - Parent
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“I prayerfully endorse the intended transformation of Downshire Primary School and Nursery Unit to attain Controlled Integrated Status. Its existing Christian ethos, long valued, will continue to be maintained, and will be enhanced by a more intentional way of demonstrating mutual knowledge of and respect for the increasing diversity of the populace in our local community.” Rev Dr Allen Sleith, Minister, Hillsborough Presbyterian Church
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