Baroness is special guest at Blackwater College anniversary event

Baroness is special guest at Blackwater College anniversary event

20 March 2019

BLACKWATER Integrated College in Downpatrick has celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Baroness May Blood, chair of the Integrated Education Fund, was the guest of honour at a special assembly last Wednesday.

She was asked to attend due to the significant work and support she has given to integrated education over many years.

The assembly also recognised the achievements of students who participated in the TRUST programme which included visits to Windsor Park and Croke Park in Belfast and Dublin respectively.

Speaking at the assembly, the principal, Mr Stephen Taylor, said: “Blackwater’s  journey over the last ten years has been challenging at times but also very rewarding and we are looking forward with great optimism about the future for all of the students at Blackwater. 

“Many of the original staff from 2008 are still here at Blackwater and it is testament to all their hard work over those years that so much has been achieved.

“We have also had fantastic support from Integrated Education Fund with initiatives such as Carson Bursaries, and IEF is represented today by Paul Caskey and Baroness Blood.”

Work on integration within the college is led by Mrs Helen McBrearty who organised the assembly along with students.

She and two students  spoke about their experience of the TRUST programme and how integration was an important part of everyday school life.