| The
latest refurbishment, funded by the Department of Education,
has resulted in a state-of-the-art suite of teaching and non-teaching
space to meet the special educational needs of pupils well
into the 21st Century.
A special commemorative tree planting and unveiling of a plaque
by Frank Mitchell marked the event attended by representatives
from the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB), the
Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) and Newry and
Mourne Health and Social Services Trust.
Speaking at the official opening, David Ryan, SELB Assistant
Advisory Officer for Special Education, said the project had
come about when the SELB and CCMS recognised that the longer
term needs of pupils could not be met in the original accommodation
at the school.
Mr Ryan said: “It was also recognised that the original
class was designed around a normal secondary classroom, whereas
a more appropriate solution may have been to provide a suite
of rooms designed specifically around the special educational
needs of the pupils.
“It was following consultation work that a bid was made
to the Department of Education for a new build.
“The ECPD consists of a base classroom that includes
spacious teaching areas, a bed parking area and kitchen facilities.
The centre of the room has a height adjustable island desk
system for computers, which are essential in a modern day
classroom. There is a therapy room, which is also used as
a dining and recreational area. Specialised toilet facilities
are available.”
Staffing consists of two full time teachers, three full-time
assistants and one part-time assistant. The ECPD has additional
input from Allied Health Professionals whose therapists visit
the centre on a regular basis to meet the physical needs of
the pupils.
Mrs Caroline Toman, head of the ECPD, said: “The advantage
of having the Education Centre in St Mark’s is that
the pupils are given the opportunity to integrate with their
peers on both an academic and social level.
“All pupils integrate socially and for some, their academic
needs are met within the Centre where a relevant curriculum
can be delivered at an appropriate level and pace. For pupils
whose academic needs are met in mainstream, assistance is
provided as appropriate and the pupils return to the Centre
where individual programmes designed to meet their physical/medical
need, are implemented. The school building has been modified
to give access to all pupils throughout the school.”
Mr Jim McCart, deputy chairman of the Board of Governors of
St Mark’s, expressed his appreciation to all those involved
in bringing about the refurbishment and said he was pleased
the Trustees and Board of Governors recognised the project’s
potential and its benefits for pupils.
Mr McCart thanked CCMS, the SELB, the Department of Education,
architects, parents, pupils, staff and the other professionals
associated with the St Mark’s Education Centre for pupils
with a Physical Disability.
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