PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Latest News

Children seated at long tables in a school gym, proudly holding colorful paper masks they created during an art activity.

Shared Education Chinese New Year Celebration

26 February 2026

Primary three and four pupils from Ballykelly PS and Fuaghanvale PS came together for a vibrant Shared Education activity day inspired by Chinese New Year as part of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership.

Two children operate a professional video camera on a tripod in a classroom or studio setting with peers in the background.

Four Derry - Londonderry Schools Join Forces for Creative Arts Programme

26 February 2026

A burst of colour, rhythm and imagination swept through the community as Ashlea PS, Chapel Road PS, Culmore PS and Oakgrove IPS recently embarked on an exciting creative arts programme designed to spark confidence, collaboration and creativity in pupils, co-delivered by Greater Shantallow Community Arts and Studio2.

Two men in suits stand in front of a presentation screen titled 'Shared Education Supporting School Improvement' in a warmly lit conference room.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE delivers Leadership Professional Learning sessions

25 February 2026

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE recently held two sessions on ‘Leading a highly effective shared education partnership’ one in in Newry and one in Antrim.

Children playing drums - Group of children sitting on chairs in a large circle in school hall with some adults. The are holding and playing percussion instruments and singing.

Downpatrick partnership played musical instruments together

20 February 2026

On a wet and windy morning in early February, pupils from Killyleagh IPS and St Mary’s PS Killyleagh shook off the cobwebs with a lively and uplifting session led by The Gathering Drum.

two boys standing together wearing protective goggles and holding a bird box they created.

Co. Tyrone Primary School Partnership build bird boxes with Men’s Shed

20 February 2026

Donemana PS and St Michael’s PS, Dunnamanagh, both based in Strabane, recently brought their primary five and six pupils together for an innovative outdoor learning experience with the local Men’s Shed.

large group of children in an indoor facility standing together wearing coloured t-shirts

A Bangor Shared Ed Partnership enjoyed team building activities

20 February 2026

Last month, more than 200 Primary 4 pupils from Ballyholme PS, Bangor Central IPS and Rathmore PS, all located in Bangor, came together at Blair Mayne Leisure Centre in Newtownards for a large‑scale collaborative learning event as part of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership.

children sitting in a classroom being taught by a teacher pointing to projected screen.

Ag Ceangal Seomraí Ranga: Comhpháirtíocht Nua i Rang 6

19 February 2026

I mbliana, tá daltaí Rang 6 ó Springfield Primary School agus Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh ag obair i gcomhpháirtíocht nua spreagúil trí chlár PEACEPLUS Aspire.

Large group pf pupils and several teachers and minister/priest standing or sitting together in a church posing for photograph

Primary four pupils tour variety of churches

18 February 2026

Primary four pupils from Damhead PS, St Eoghan’s PS and Macosquin PS visited Ballyrashane Presbyterian and Ballyclabber Reformed Presbyterian Churches as part of their ongoing PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Shared Education partnership.

children standing in large circle in playground. An adult is in the middle holding a ball.

Co. Derry-Londonderry pupils learn coding and Gaelic games

18 February 2026

Pupils from St Canice’s PS, St Mary’s PS and Drumrane PS, in County Derry-Londonderry, came together for a vibrant day of learning, creativity, and connection.

several pupils standing in a school hall, 2 are holding bow and arrow to practice archery.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership gains skills in sport, programming and Lego engineering

17 February 2026

Three County Antrim schools, St Joseph’s PS, Dunloy, Cloughmills PS and Lislagan PS, recently came together for an exciting carousel of activities, providing pupils with the chance to explore sport, Micro:bit programming, and LEGO engineering.

three adults surrounded by large group school pupils pose for photograph in a room.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE meet with North South Ministerial council

5 February 2026

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE took part in the most recent North South Ministerial Council Education Sectoral, highlighting the projects impactful work in shared education and cross-border collaboration.

Group of children sheltering from rain in Forest School

Knocknagor PS & Queen Elizabeth II PS enjoy Forest School

4 February 2026

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Partnership Queen Elizabeth II Primary School and Knocknagor Primary School kicked off their Forest School experience by braving the rain and diving straight into some energetic team games.

2 students are crouching, two are standing around a small robotic device. Screen beside students reads FTC starter bot

Students from 4 Belfast Schools unite for Decode Robotics Challenge at W5

9 January 2026

Students from Methodist College, Malone Integrated College, Coláiste Feirste, and St Mary’s Christian Brothers Grammar School, all based in Belfast, have come together to prepare for the First Tech Challenge, as part of their post primary PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership.

children sitting on floor in library looking at woman, who is seated holding a book up and reading out loud.

St Catherine’s PS and Strabane PS pupils unite for creative Shared Education library visit

9 January 2026

Primary 3 pupils from St Catherine’s PS and Strabane PS recently came together for a fun PEACEPLUS ASPIRE shared education session in Strabane Library.

children sitting on assembly hall in two lines. There are also girls standing up working a projector. A screen is against the wall.

Annalong and St.Colman’s PS build friendships using digital resources

9 January 2026

Annalong and St.Colman’s Primary Schools, based in Kilkeel, Co. South Down, have been using online activities to build friendships and good relations as part of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership.

primary pupils sitting around table colouring is pages with the words be kind written on them

Killard House and Donaghadee PS create friendships in the classroom and playground

8 January 2025

Pupils from Killard House and Donaghdee Primary School embarked on their first PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership session of the year, which included activities such as Dodge Ball with Cushions (also known as Japanese Pillow Fighting), building Lego together, sharing a story centred on kindness, and building friendships in the playground.

Group of people in a hall standing in a circle facing each other.

Creative and Mindful Professional learning session was held for staff in a PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership

8 January 2026

Last month, Galbally Community Centre played host to an inspiring professional learning session for staff from Walker Memorial Primary School, Blessed Patrick O'Loughran Primary School, and St Joseph's Primary School Galbally.

2 children cutting out shapes at a table

Orangefield and Bethlehem creating new connections through PEACEPLUS ASPIRE

6 January 2026

For the leaders at Orangefield Nursery Unit and Bethlehem Nursery School, PEACEPLUS ASPIRE offers a valuable opportunity for their children to make deeper connections and friendships with children they may not otherwise meet.

Group of children in room holding books and singing. Backs of some spectators shown at front of image.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Choir Spreads Festive Cheer at Connect Fermanagh

16 December 2025

The spirit of Christmas was in full swing as pupils from St Aidan’s High School, Derrylin and Fairgreen National School, Belturbet, joined forces as part of their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership to create a choir performance for volunteers and service users of Connect Fermanagh at Fermanagh House.

Pupils have fun and make friends on the Volleyball courts

15 December 2025

St Colum’s Primary School and Portstewart Primary School came together at Ulster University, Coleraine, for an exciting day of sport and friendship.