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Bloomfield PS & St Malachy’s PS, Bangor
Young Plato in the making! As part of their ASPIRE programme, children from St Malachy’s PS and Bloomfield PS, Bangor, took part in ‘Philosophy for Children’ workshops with partners in Queen’s University Belfast. Throughout the programme, children took part in role play, group discussions and peer to peer mediation and as a result enhanced their thinking and communication skills through philosophical discussions on topics like understanding difference and respect for diversity. The programme also included trips to some of the children’s favourite places- Clandeboye Forest and W5!
Ballymagee PS, Killmaine PS & Towerview PS
Children from Ballymagee, Killmaine and Towerview primary schools met on a sunny Friday in May to take part in a joint ASPIRE sports day in Blaire Maine Activity Centre. Over 200 primary seven children from a diverse mix of community and economic backgrounds took part in team building and sports activities including football, yoga and tag. The children were also joined by academics from Queen’s University Belfast and Home - The Linking Network from England, who wanted to learn more about Shared Education and the ASPIRE programme.
Knocknagoney PS & St Patrick's PS
As part of their ASPIRE shared education programme, children from Knocknagoney and St Patrick’s primary school’s held a joint celebration day for their families in Glenmachan Church of God. The children had spent their APSIRE year taking part in STEM workshops to enhance their skills around science and technology, as well as exploring communities and identities across NI. They used their celebration event to showcase all their hard work to their families- including some fantastic rockets!
Holywood PS & Glencraig Integrated PS
Children from Holywood PS and Gelncraig Integrated PS held and ASPIRE celebration event to mark the end of their first year on the programme. The children worked with their teachers to plan and organise the day, which included a school disco, bouncy castles, and an ice-cream van! Throughout the school year, P3 and P4 pupils too part in STEM and PE activities to develop their problem solving and teamwork skills and spent time learning about one another’s schools and communities. The children also took part in a competition to design an ASPIRE school logo for each class, and you can check out the fantastic winning designs in the photo below!
St Paul’s PS & Fane St PS, Belfast
As part of their ASPIRE programme, primary 5 and primary 6 children from St Paul’s and Fane Street primary schools took part in play-based learning activities throughout the year that developed their understanding of culture, identity, and respect for difference. The children then collaborated on an arts project that explored their different community backgrounds, developing their thinking and communication skills and their ability to work together doing teamwork. As a result of all their hard work, the children created a Shared Education Art Exhibition which was displayed for a number of days in the Park Centre, West Belfast- attracting hundreds of visitors to view what the children had created and see the power of ASPIRE in action!
St Joseph's College, Erne Integrated College, and Devenish College
The event celebrated Year 8 and Year 9 pupils who have taken part in a programme that brought students together through sport, robotics, and first aid. These young ambassadors have not only developed new skills but have also become champions for collaboration and community spirit across their schools.
A highlight of the programme was a memorable trip to Stormont, where students engaged with local MLAs and even participated in a debate in the chamber—an inspiring experience that broadened their understanding of civic engagement.
Throughout the year, students embraced new challenges, from trying Gaelic football and tag rugby to mastering robotics. But perhaps most importantly, they built lasting friendships and broke down barriers between schools.
St Mary's PS Gortnaghey, Drumrane PS & St Canice's PS, Feeny
What a way to spend ‘International Day of Play’ on 11th June. Primary 1 and 2 had lots of fun playing in Gortnaghey Park during their teddy bears picnic. They cannot wait to see what fun things they will be doing next year! #Internationaldayofplay #ASPIRE #sharededucation
St Patrick's PS, Portrush Primary & Ballytober PS
Surf's Up in Portrush! What a wonderful day of surfing, sport and art for their final ASPIRE event of the year! Fantastic memories and freindships have been built this year that will continue to grow in the years to come.
Bready Jubilee PS, Artigarvan PS & St Mary's, Cloghcor
The boys and girls enjoyed fun filled days of dancing - Highland dancing, Irish dancing and Modern dance. They ended with a showcase event for parents and the local community.
Click on the links to view their wonderful dancing...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wcnX78xfKdRLbjKYzPHPinsT6uJp5Um3/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jIaMUlGsJLcTndb_Od7iUl4rQiXoPk5Q/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19N4x6crLjxeC4Nb07cQeVefyJkDHdWPm/view?usp=sharing
Limavady Central, St Matthew's PS & Roe Valley Integrated
Together with their new friends, the pupils have been enjoying circus skills and jive dancing classes in Limavady Leisure Centre. It was a brilliant day filled with fun, laughter and lots of smiles!
St Brigid's PS, Ballymoney and Leaney PS, Ballymoney
Primary 7 have been enjoying some fun and exciting activities to help them with moving onto their new schools in September. They have been thinking about establishing a good routine, discussing their worries, learning to read timetables and most importantly, getting to know each other so they feel confident to stop and say 'Hello!' if they meet each other at the bus stop or after school.
St Mary's PS, Cushendall & Hazelbank PS
How lucky are the pupils at St Mary's and Hazelbank? They have travelled to the local beach where the children took part in scavenger hunts and beach art. They were very creative, designing boats, jellyfish, turtles, octapus and even an underwater volcano. Their day then ended with time at the local park and a game of football. It is fair to say with the smiling faces that everyone had a fantastic time. They have also been enjoying some fun activites in each others schools.
St Joseph's PS, Dunloy, Cloughmills PS & Lislagan PS
The Primary 6 and 7 pupils have been visiting the Joey Dunlop Centre to enagage in a variety of teambuilding activites - Zumba, netball, drama, story-telling, rugby, soccer, music and mindfulness!! This has allowed the pupils to get to know one another, to build friendships and to learn a little more about one another in a fun and creative way.
Strabane Academy & St Columba's, Stranorla
Click on each of the links to view what has been going on in this North/South partnership over the last few months. They have been busy having a fun time!
Killyman PS & Laghey PS
Pupils had a wonderful outdoor adventure with the Forest School staff in Dungannon Park. Surrounded by nature, we explored the woodland and learned about the different animals and birds that live there. They listened carefully to bird calls, spotted signs of wildlife, and discussed their habitats. The highlight of the day was building nests using natural materials, just like animals do. It was a fun and hands-on way to end their learning journey together!
St Clare's PS and Springhill PS, Belfast
The pupils in Springhill PS and St. Clare's PS have been enjoying lots of shared activity togther over the last few months. Have a look at a short video they produced to showcase all the fun they have been having!
Garvagh Primary and St Patrick's & St Joseph's Primary, Garvagh
Shared Education sessions have been in full flow in Garvagh. Primary 6 has a 'tree-mendous' session where the children investigated where they fit into the map of Garvagh as well as where the red squirrles like to visit. They explored the history of their local area and examinied artifact in Garvagh Museum along with the local history group. As if this was not enough, they met up to enjoy different sports with help from Coleraine Borough Council and enjoyed technology sessions creating circuts for their robotic cars.
Orritor Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School
Pupils and staff from Orritor Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School, Dunamore, came together this week at Cookstown Leisure Centre to celebrate a successful year of collaboration through the ASPIRE PEACEPLUS Shared Education initiative.
Throughout the academic year, the two schools have worked closely to foster friendships and promote mutual understanding through a variety of joint activities. These included curriculum-linked projects in STEM, Art, and PE, as well as shared learning experiences designed to build lasting connections between pupils.
Principals Ian Cheevers (Orritor PS) and Eileen Ward (St Mary’s PS) expressed their delight at the success of the programme. “It’s been a fantastic year of learning and friendship,” said Mr. Cheevers. “The pupils have really embraced the opportunity to work and play together.” Ms. Ward added, “We’re proud of how well the children have engaged with each other and look forward to continuing this partnership in the years ahead.”
The highlight for many pupils? “Making new friends and playing together,” they said with smiles.
The celebration event at Cookstown Leisure Centre marked not just the end of a school year, but the beginning of many new friendships and a commitment to Shared Education.
Click on the links to hear from the pupils and staff
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEN3DMUr1ckUo636Gfxok0r7V56LLEBv/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OU0S9NA65_nJ6RiBt6UoaLyP4CKPqbNH/view?usp=sharing
St Colman's Bann Primary School, Gilford Primary and Milltown Primary School
St Colman's Bann Primary School recently hosted a heartwarming parent evening reception to celebrate the collaborative achievements of pupils involved in the ASPIRE PEACEPLUS Shared Education Programme. This initiative brought together students from St Colman's Bann, Gilford, and Milltown Primary Schools.
The evening featured a stunning art gallery exhibition, showcasing the pupils’ creative work developed throughout the project, guided and inspired by local artist Sinéad McDermott. The Shared Education programme explored the theme of health and wellbeing, focusing on the importance of keeping both mind and body healthy.
The event was a celebration of learning, creativity, and connection. One pupil, Annie, captured the spirit of the programme perfectly, saying:
“I like going to different schools and seeing what they're like. I also enjoy meeting new people.”
The ASPIRE Shared Education Programme has not only encouraged artistic expression and personal growth but also fostered new friendships and a sense of community among the participating schools.
Pupils and staff are already looking forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration next year
Jones Memorial Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary School
The project, titled "Enniskillen Together: Hearts, Minds and Heritage," brought pupils from both schools together to explore the rich history, folklore, and architecture of Enniskillen. Through a series of engaging workshops and activities, students deepened their understanding of their shared community while building lasting friendships.
The exhibition featured an impressive array of student work, including:
Minecraft recreations of Enniskillen’s iconic landmarks
Original short stories inspired by local heritage
Clay sculptures and visual artwork reflecting the town’s culture
An original song, written and performed by the pupils, celebrating the spirit of Enniskillen
Parents, governors, and staff were invited to experience the students’ journey and achievements firsthand. The event was a joyful celebration of creativity, unity, and the power of shared learning.
To round off the day, pupils took part in a colour run on the school pitch, filling the air with laughter and vibrant colour. Each child received a medal to celebrate their hard work and participation in this memorable project.
This inspiring initiative not only highlighted the talents of the young participants but also reinforced the value of community, collaboration, and cultural appreciation.
Click on the link to watch the pupils song, celebrating the spirit of Enniskillen.
St Patrick's, Portrush, Portrush Primary and Ballytober PS
The pupils had a fun session held in St Patrick's PS, they were split into groups and had the opportunity to carousel acorss various different activities throughout the day. There were team games, visiting the Portrush Countryside centre where they got to meet lots of sea creatures and find out about what life lives in their local sea and the groups finsihed the day off with a litter pick around the costal paths.
St Joseph’s College, Enniskillen, Devenish College and Erne Integrated College
A Day in Stormount - The Aspire Ambassadors in Year 8 and 9 from St Joseph’s College, Enniskillen visited Stormont today as part of the PEACEPLUS Shared Education programme with Devenish College and Erne Integrated College. Meet by constituent MLAs, Jemma Dolan and Deborah Erskine, pupils learnt of the historical significance of the building and were able to ask questions about pressing local issues. Pupils also got an opportunity to perform in an assembly debate with Oisin Cox becoming the Speaker of the House!
Thank you to Stormont and our local MLAs for a fantastic day inspiring our pupils!
Carrick Primary School, St Francis’ Primary School, Lurgan, and Ceara School
Carrick Primary School, St Francis’ Primary School, Lurgan, and Ceara School came together today to celebrate the success of their ASPIRE Shared Education partnership—a vibrant initiative supported by PEACEPLUS funding that has brought pupils and staff closer through creativity, collaboration, and community.
Throughout the academic year, pupils across the three schools have engaged in a variety of enriching projects. Year 6 students explored the world of enterprise and trade, developing teamwork and business skills through hands-on learning. Year 5 pupils from St Francis’ PS and Ceara School embraced the outdoors with a Forest School programme, discovering the joys of nature and outdoor learning. Meanwhile, Year 3 children from St Francis’ PS and Carrick PS presented their heartwarming project, “A Moment in Time,” during a special assembly attended by parents. The event featured time capsules, singing, and a showcase of the many friendship-building activities the pupils enjoyed together.
The partnership has not only enriched the pupils’ educational experiences but also fostered new connections among staff and school leaders. The schools are excited to expand the programme in the coming year, welcoming even more pupils into this inspiring journey of shared learning.
Gorran Primary School & St Columba's Primary School, Garvagh
KS2 pupils from both schools have been learning about and taking part in each other's sports. They had a fun morning in Ballerin Sarfields GAC learning Cricket, this was followed by Gaelic sessions, Football and Rugby. They finished off the year with a joint cricket team playing in a local tournament.
The focus for KS1 was outdoor activities. Both schools shared their great outdoor areas to carry out lots of fun activities like bug hunting, making musical instruments, conducting science experiments with Mini Professors and planting seeds. They had a great celebration day at Rosepark farm.
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