Derry schools ‘Shaping Mindsets’ programme given Minister’s full support

PICTURED ABOVE: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for NI Fleur Anderson pictured on a visit to St. Joseph's Boys School last week to lend her support to the ‘Shaping Mindsets’ programme started in the school. Included is Mrs. Ciara Deane, Principal, and from left, Deputy Head Boy Eoghan McLaughlin Michael McGavigan Jake McCafferty, Ciaran Mullan, Head Boy, Ms. Fiona Harrigan-Stewart, Vice Principal, Mrs. Brenda Edwards, Senior Teacher, Mr. Tom Easom, SEN teacher and Koden Campbell (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

A new initiative launched at St. Joseph’s Boys School recently was given full support by none other than the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for NI Fleur Anderson last week when she paid a visit to the Creggan school to lend her support to the ‘Shaping Mindsets’ programme.

Brainchild of Senior Teacher Mrs. Brenda Edwards and SEN teacher, Mr. Tom Easom, the project is designed to empower their male students to openly discuss their identity; tackle perceived stereotypes and explore toxic masculinity as well as developing the thoughts, words and actions of students through philosophical inquiry and critical thinking.

Mrs. Edwards described the initiative as an essential project to help students develop the necessary tools to effectively navigate the complexity and conflict of today’s world and she said she was delighted to gain the support of the minister for the project.

The visit was arranged after the city and district’s Mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who being so impressed at the project launch, she brought it up in a recent meeting with the Minister who then promised the next time she was in the city she would put it into her itinerary.

IN PICTURES: Minister’s full support for ‘Shaping Mindsets’ Programme at St. Joseph’s Boys School

During Monday’s visit, the minister met with some of the students involved in the programme, watched a promotional video and then asked questions about how the programme was developing throughout the school and how impressed the students were with it.

The group discussion also included the school Principal Mrs. Ciara Deane and Vice Principal Ms. Fiona Harrigan-Stewart, the Head Boy Ciaran Mullan, Deputy Head Boy Eoghan McLaughlin and students Michael McGavigan, Koden Campbell and Jake McCafferty.

Mrs. Edwards explained to the Minister the aims of the programme, stating: “The staff at St Joseph’s Boys’ School recognise that we are shaping and building our city’s next generation of men - boys who will hopefully go on to become husbands, fathers and part of a workforce.

“Challenging pupils to think for themselves, and to challenge societal prejudice and stereotype is critical. Students must learn to question the information they are exposed to.

“Through our collaboration with Thinking Changes (Young Plato), students use philosophical inquiry to critically explore topical issues, learning the art of effective dialogue. We empower pupils to stand up for what they believe in and to stand up for those around them who may need support.

“We have incredibly high expectations of our boys at St. Joseph’s and promote the ethos of ‘know better, to do better’ – we are creating informed citizens who will play an active role in society.”

Also thanking the Minister for her visit, Mrs. Ciara Deane, Principal, said she was delighted Minister Anderson had taken time out of her busy schedule to come to the school and see for herself the fantastic work being undertaken in developing the ‘Shaping Mindsets’ programme.

She added: “This project is in its infancy and we are excited to see its development and it’s all down to the fantastic work of Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Easom.

“Moving forward, they have mapped out cross-community links with other schools in the area to enable opportunities for students to promote effective dialogue (facilitated by Thinking Changes). Part of the introduction of the programme also saw White Ribbon NI delivered workshops to almost 400 students since the start of the course and our collaboration will continue well into next year.”