Taking the Next Step – a Blueprint for Educate Together Second-level Schools

Comments and Quotes, June 2009

This is, in effect, a blueprint for a new standard in second level education - a standard that places equality at the heart of school practice and policy. In this school diversity is a resource, stereoptypes are eliminated and young people are empowered to participate constructively in our diverse society. Educate Together will serve us all well in bringing this blueprint into fruition.

Niall Crowley, former CEO of the Equality Authority

The Blueprint for Educate Together Second Level Schools is a visionary and exciting plan for a new development in Irish education.  It is firmly based on research and on innovative thinking from major Irish and international policy documents and educational research.  It also draws on the philosophy and insights and experience of Educate Together’s primary schools. It establishes a holistic and creative model for Irish second level education.

Professor Sheelagh Drudy, Chair of Education, UCD

This comprehensive blueprint is both visionary and realistic. It is an excellent document which will provide an invaluable guide and support for founders, parents and teachers in future Educate Together Second-level schools... This blueprint provides a compelling case for recognition.  There is no excuse any more for the Department’s prevarication.

Professor Áine Hyland, Former Professor of Education, University College Cork and co-founder of the Dalkey School Project

Very impressive and enlightened….a long overdue development.

Dr Jim Gleeson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Education and Professional Studies, University of Limerick

A thoughtful and well-argued document. It has great clarity and coherence in its conceptual basis and the arguments are strongly rooted in principle/values and evidence.

What is central to the realisation of children’s rights is the link between voice and influence. The integration of the concept (of student voice) and its actualisation in real terms throughout the document in teaching and learning, governance and school design suggests its coherence and strength as a concept within the blueprint.

Dr Fionnuala Waldron, Chair of Human Rights Education, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra

I find this visionary approach to second-level education most exciting. We have to break the mould of cloze-thinking, the pre-eminence of the high-stakes test, and start a process of genuine learning. As we see our society undergoing seismic changes – socially, ethically and economically - we need to re-examine and re-focus our value system. This blueprint offers that prospect, but Educate Together will need all its strength, resolve and resources to bring this about!

Derek West, Arts Administrator for Creative Engagement, National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals and former

Principal of Newpark Comprehensive School

This is a revolutionary document amalgamating the best from current systems provision. There is a holistic approach to the development of the child as a unique human being while allowing him/her to grow in an environment that respects individuality and difference.

Rose Tully, National Parents Council (post-primary)

The publication of Educate Together's Blueprint for Second-Level Schools marks a truly exciting and ambitious expansion into the landscape of Irish second level schools. It offers a vision for change that not only provides a framework for schools to meet the requirements of the 21st century but that also provides hope to many students who for a number of reasons currently do not feel part of our education system.

Sandra Gowran, Director of Education Policy, GLEN - Gay and Lesbian Equality Network