| Indeed, so successful has this venture proved – thanks to an extensive consultation process, positive commitment on all sides and attention to the delicate detail of new arrangements – the Southern Education and Library Board regards Orchard as a best practice model for future amalgamations.
With falling enrolments in rural areas, a programme of rationalisation with some closures and amalgamations is inevitable, but the Orchard experience suggests that change need not be viewed as a negative by the smaller schools set to be affected.
At Friday’s official opening of the school by SELB Chief Executive Mrs Helen McClenaghan, Orchard Primary principal Mrs Carole Lawson spoke of her pride at what had been achieved.
“It isn’t easy bringing two schools together but we’ve worked very hard to make the transition as painless as possible and are now reaping the rewards of that approach” she said.
“We’ve consulted with parents and pupils at every stage of the process to give them maximum ownership in relation to the new school which has been created – so they’ve had input into things like the name, uniform, badge and so forth.
“I’ve tried to encourage everyone to buy into the process of shaping the new school. It’s been an emotional time and anything which can be done to avoid adding to anyone’s annoyance or anxiety is well worth the effort.
“As a result, I’m very proud of what we have here and I think we’ve proved that this sort of arrangement can work – as long as there is plenty of enthusiasm and commitment and a positive approach.
“This time last year, the whole community had mixed emotions about the closure of our two schools. With well over 100 years of history attached to each, some sentimentality is inevitable.
“But, today, as we look around our bright and beautiful new school, everyone can take pride in what has been achieved to the extent that it’s hard to believe we’ve only been together for a single school year.
“We have brought many memories and resources from our old schools and no-one would want to forget what was achieved in them but we also realise the importance of going forward as one in our new surroundings.
“Orchard County Primary’s motto is ‘to treasure our past and invest in our future’ as we continue to pursue excellence in education. The traditions and ethos of Annaghmore and Tullyroan have been brought together successfully and will continue to be reflected in the amalgamated school.” Although new builds will not always prove practicable, it has helped in this case not only inasmuch as teachers and pupils alike appreciate the fantastic facilities but because it’s ‘neutral territory’ for those coming from both of the former schools.
Another important factor has been the inspirational part played by Mrs Lawson, who has enthusiastically embraced the new realities and played a pioneering role in ensuring that the amalgamation has been a success story.
By setting aside the emotive arguments and recognising reality, she has helped open up new opportunities for future generations in the area and, to her delight, Orchard County Primary is already attracting pupils from Portadown as well as its rural hinterland.
“This is a growth area with a very good infrastructure and there’s a lot more building projected for the area in the period ahead” she says.
“Our numbers are increasing at present and are expected to increase further so I think the future is very bright. We’re still offering the family environment traditionally associated with a rural school but also are big enough to provide a broad, high-quality educational experience.”
Given its aim to create strong, sustainable rural schools, the SELB is also delighted with the Orchard outcome as it tries to grapple with the difficult decisions being faced on an ongoing basis in light of falling rolls.
Speaking at the official opening, Chairman of the Board of Governors and new Mayor of Craigavon, Ken Twyble, an SELB member, paid tribute to the leadership of Mrs Lawson and her dynamic staff and the “persistence and energy” of Mrs McClenaghan. |
