What is Shared Education?

Schools from different sectors, providing opportunities for pupils, staff & the community to engage in collaborative & meaningful learning experiences.

For many years Blessed Patrick O'Loughran PS has collaborated with Walker Memorial PS, Castlecaulfield in community events as well as participating in Speedwell programmes at Parkanaur.

In 2025 Blessed Patrick O'Loughran PS, Walker Memorial PS and St. Joseph's PS Galbally collaborated in an application to be part of the PEACEPlus/ASPIRE project. A programme of joint activities has been planned for this school year.

The Speedwell Trust is a registered charity and it is their ambition to create a better world for children and young people by removing barriers through shared education programmes and family support work; and by equipping children and young people and their families with the skills needed to overcome adversity, be resilient and be able to deal with the challenges life can bring.

They have four key areas of focus which are:

Shared Education – helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society and to equip children and young people with the skills and knowledge to bring about positive and lasting change

Eco-education – educating children and young people about the natural world and equipping them with the skills and understanding on how they can play a role in safeguarding the world around them.

Wellbeing – using the forest they take a nature-based approach to deliver woodland wellbeing programmes to help children and young people understand how to look after their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Family Support – working with parents and carers to help them develop the skills, confidence and resilience to nurture and develop their children. This is aimed at families with primary school aged children.

What is PEACEPLUS ASPIRE?

The PEACEPLUS ASPIRE (Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education) Project is a multi-year, cross border & cross-sectoral Shared Education initiative.

The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and will receive €34.5m (£29m) in funding. It aims to provide direct and sustained contact between children and young people from all backgrounds.

Project Partners

The project is led by The Education Authority alongside Léargas, Early Years- the organisation for young children, the National Childhood Network and Fermanagh Trust.

The PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Project will provide contact between children and young people through collaboration between and within schools, pre-school and youth settings.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Project goals

The overall objective of the project will be to increase the number of children, educators and leaders engaged in sustained partnerships with those from different backgrounds. This will lead to both changes within educational settings and the wider community, building a more peaceful, prosperous and cohesive society.

Teambuilding at Parkanaur

P3 STEM Activities

Learning together

Relax Kids

Friendships

Being Creative

Having fun!

Problem Solving

Playing together!

Developing skills

Community Spirit