Two Belfast schools combine Shared Education with community involvement

The two schools are situated on opposite sides of a historic interface, bringing together pupils from the Short Strand and Albertbridge Road communities.

In their current partnership, as part of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project, Nettlefield PS and St Matthew’s PS have been the most ambitious to date. Pupils are now working together across a range of learning experiences—including coding, physical education, and the arts—building confidence, forging connections, and nurturing a shared sense of purpose.

A pupil from Nettlefield PS, Belfast, said: 

“It’s good get to meet new people and work on the computers together and play football during snack together.”

A pupil from St Matthew’s PS, Belfast, said:

“I sometimes feel nervous talking to new people, but I am learning how to build new friendships!”

The PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project is led by the Education Authority in partnership with Léargas, Early Years – the organisation for young children, the National Childhood Network, and the Fermanagh Trust. The project is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).