PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks - Shared Education Podcast Series

In this episode of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks, we speak with Rhona McKeever from St John the Baptist College about the shared education partnership with Killicomaine Junior High School. The conversation explores the power of pupil voice, the importance of inclusive spaces where every child can be heard, and practical ways schools can support participation, confidence and autonomy.

In this Irish-language episode, we explore pupil voice, inclusion and child-centred practice in Irish Medium and Shared Education.  A video of the podcast with the option of English subtitles can be found on PEACEPLUS ASPIRE website: https://ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7

In this episode Aideen Bruen and Paul Gallagher discuss Shared Education through the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE programme, exploring how children are given space to speak, be heard and influence decisions - helping shape inclusive school life through participation, leadership, and meaningful action.

Discover the benefits of shared education in early years as educators from Kidkare Creche, Tiny Tots, Holy Cross Pre-school Playgroup, and Wishing Well Family Centre Playgroup share practical insights from the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE programme. Learn how the Lundy Model empowers children’s voices and participation and take away actionable ideas for fostering partnership and engagement in preschool settin...

Join us for episode 11, as we explore Norman Richardson's inspiring path as an educator dedicated to fostering diversity, mutual understanding, and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. In this episode, Norman shares insights from his extensive experience in shared education and peacebuilding, discusses the evolving landscape of Religious Education, and offers practical advice for supporting fut...

In episode ten of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks, we sit down with Peter Day from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council to discuss how Shared Education fosters inclusion and strengthens community ties. He shares practical examples of successful partnerships supported by the CRC and offers insights into the enduring benefits of Shared Education, especially in regions marked by historical divides...

Tune in as Vera Shanahan shares her expertise on the child centred ethos of Educate Together schools and the Learn Together curriculum. Explore the opportunities and challenges of school partnerships, the importance of community involvement, and how equality-based education is shaping Ireland’s educational landscape for the next decade.

In this episode Siobhán Fitzpatrick, a leading voice in early years education, shares invaluable insights into how Shared Education can shape young lives, strengthen communities, and foster inclusion. Discover the positive legacy of programmes like Sharing From The Start and the global impact of Northern Ireland’s innovative approach to peacebuilding through education. A must-listen for anyone pas...

In this episode of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks, we hear from Professor Tony Gallagher, a renowned expert in education policy and research with a pivotal role in the development of Shared Education - who delves into its origins, impact, and what the future may hold for Shared Education.  Professor Gallagher unpacks the distinctions between Shared and Integrated Education, discusses the effects of changi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Roisin Reid from Ceara School and Julie Gorman from Carrick Primary School, two passionate educators leading the way in shared education in Lurgan. Through a unique partnership with St Francis’ Primary School, their schools have embraced outdoor learning as part of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE programme—bringing pupils together through immersive forest school experiences....

In this episode, we’re joined by Joe Boyle from Deele College and Howard Welch from The Royal and Prior School, two educators leading a powerful Shared Education partnership in Raphoe, Co. Donegal. Joe and Howard share how their collaboration has strengthened community connections, enriched pupil experiences, and fostered a culture of cooperation and inclusion. They reflect on the impact of their...

In this episode, we welcome Evie Hunter from Groggan Primary School to the studio. Groggan Primary School has been working in close partnership with Millquarter Primary School, with a shared education focus on building digital skills across classrooms and communities. Evie explains how both schools have embraced Adobe training through the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE professional learning programme, and how d...

In this episode, we’re joined by Malachaí Ó hAgáin from Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí, part of a dynamic PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership alongside Magherafelt Primary School, Spires Integrated Primary School, and Holy Family Primary School. Together, these four schools have been leading the way in shared education across Magherafelt, using the town itself as a living classroom to explore themes of peace and...

In this episode, we’re joined by Keith Williamson from Down High School and Celeste McEvoy from Lecale Trinity Grammar School, two educators driving innovation through their PEACEPLUS ASPIRE partnership. Together, their schools have developed PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Ambassadors—empowering students to become the next generation of Shared Education leaders. Keith and Celeste share how they’ve woven diversi...

Clare Evans from St Teresa's Nursery School , Belfast and Bernie Pentony from St John’s Nursery School, Louth ,share their experiences developing impactful programmes, reveal how they’re unlocking the potential of digital learning in preschool settings, and give us a sneak peek into their exciting plans for the year ahead. Whether you're aneducator, parent, or simply passionate about inclu...