Support for Blackwater College

SIR, — I would like to support a recent correspondent who (Down Recorder, June 6) in his support of Blackwater Integrated College following the publication by the Department of Education of a school inspection report.

I found the report to be blatantly contradictory in itself. My child also attends this school and the support received is second to none from every member of staff at this school. My child also has improved greatly in subjects that have always proved difficult thanks to the excellent teaching and caring approach of dedicated staff.

I was particularly dismayed to read the way it was reported of the school’s well below average performance in GCSE results which showed that the school had an average of 27.9 per cent

of year 12 pupils obtaining grades C or above (against the NI average of 34.9 per cent). I feel the school should be congratulated on closing this gap from 20.1 per cent three years earlier to the current 27.9 per cent.

Dr. Olwen Griffith has created an easy learning atmosphere and has a very natural, down to earth, attitude with students and parents alike. I feel if more schools were encouraged to take this approach and treat our children as human beings, as is the case in Blackwater Integrated College, children would be more responsive. When children are treated with respect like this they give respect in return.

This is an excellent school and in my opinion is going from strength to strength, and without doubt any issues that have arisen will be resolved as they would in any school. Dr. Griffith is a committed principal who works tirelessly for the school and is moving it in a positive direction. I hope that the school and staff do not feel pressured or forced into changing in any way as I firmly believe this school is on course to become one of the leading schools in this area.

Yours etc.,

IN SUPPORT

Downpatrick

(Name and Address supplied)