Primate Dixon Primary School is located in an area of significant disadvantage. The current economic recession has had a profound impact here through increased unemployment. We are part of the Northern Ireland Extended Schools Initiative. We have been identified for funding for this on the basis of social and economic need in the area. A high proportion of our pupils are from social groups at risk from exclusion. We work to overcome this and to remove barriers to participation. We ensure pupils have access to the highest quality in all areas of school experience including teaching, learning and all activity. Approximately 45% of children receive Free School Meals. 86 pupils are from Irish Traveller families, the largest number in N. Ireland. We have increasing number of children from European migrant families- 75 children from mainly eastern European countries are enrolled. Our school has additional specialist provision for children with autism. We have a second specialist centre for children with Autism and other specific learning needs. A number of children have severe medical, physical or learning disabilities.

   We work positively on behalf of all our contributors. Our school celebrates integration and inclusion on all levels for children and adults. Comenius and other international activities are embedded in our School Development Plan. We are strongly committed to Rights recognition (we have applied for the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award) and giving all contributing partners a real voice in our school. The project will support ongoing initiatives in our school around democracy and respect for human rights. Over the last years we have devoted time and resources to our School Council in order to promote sharing decision making.
       Our role will be coordinator of overall strategic project development. This will include planning/coordinating project meetings. It will also include leading/developing monitoring and evaluation procedures and report writing. We will coordinate reporting to parents. We will organise our European School Council Assembly in Stormont in 2014.
       Our school philosophy based on inclusion, equality and quality for all is reflected in ongoing activities that are in place at this time.
Our Comenius and other international activity have been most rewarding and enriching experiences for our school.
Work associated with the project is embedded in our School Development Plan.