27 Nov 2006 - Donaghadee Pupils Return from Tipperary.

Twelve pupils with moderate learning difficulties from Donaghadee High School (Hannah McCloy, Russell Wiltshire, Richard Lindsay, Lyndsay Russell, Annalise Ritchie, Allistar Davies, Robyn Titmus, Phillip Lismore, James Truesdale, Joshua Smith, Kenny Odendaal and Ryan Crawford) have just returned from a four day residential exchange in Gairmscoil Mhuire Tipperary where they had a fantastic time. Together the pupils from these two schools socialised and completed many workshops together. As a result they have decided to complete a project based on a conflict between themselves and the Department of Education. The pupils from Donaghadee High School are concerned about the future of small schools and with the Department of Educations? apparent view that small schools are not in the best interests of pupils. Donaghadee pupil?s intend to research and illustrate to Board members that small schools are viable, especially for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties. Our partner school too are a small school and have very few facilities (no canteen, assembly hall or gym). They cannot get these facilities until they have greater numbers but cannot encourage other young people to choose their school until they have better facilities. Pupils from both schools shall now investigate these issues and meet for a second exchange in the Donaghadee area in March.