PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks: Learning Across Communities
Providers & membersPEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks is an inspiring podcast series, developed in collaboration with EATV, which shines a light on the transformative work happening across schools and pre-school settings through the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE programme.
With over 482 schools and pre-school settings and more than 24,000 children and young people already involved, this is a series about real change, told in the voices of those making it happen.
About the series
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE is led by the Education Authority alongside Léargas, Early Years - the organisation for young children, the National Childhood Network and the Fermanagh Trust. The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE brings together educators, children, young people and communities to foster good relations, promote peace and empower the next generation to build a more cohesive and prosperous society. Whether you are an educator, parent, policymaker or simply interested in positive change, PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks offers stories, strategies and inspiration to help all of us build better, more connected communities through education.
Video and audio versions are also available on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.
Series themes
Exploring the values, opportunities and lasting impact of shared education through five key themes.
Collaboration Across Communities
Showcasing how shared education breaks down barriers and fosters understanding between different communities.
Innovation in Learning
Exploring digital tools, outdoor education and creative approaches that transform teaching and learning experiences.
Leadership and Empowerment
Highlighting the role of educators and students as ambassadors for peace, inclusion and positive change.
Celebrating Diversity
Embracing cultural, linguistic and community diversity as strengths that enrich educational experiences.
Building a Legacy
Focusing on lasting impact and meaningful connections that extend far beyond the classroom.
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks
Series 1
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Watch the episode: Episode 1: St Teresa’s Nursery School (opens in a new tab)
Episode 1: St Teresa’s Nursery School
Clare Evans from St Teresa’s Nursery School, Belfast and Bernie Pentony from St John’s Nursery School, Louth share their experience of shared education and digital learning in early years settings.
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Watch the episode: Episode 2: Down High School and Lecale Trinity Grammar School (opens in a new tab)
Episode 2: Down High School and Lecale Trinity Grammar School
Keith Williamson and Celeste McEvoy on ASPIRE Ambassadors, diversity workshops, cultural celebration days and managing a post-primary partnership.
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Watch the episode: Episode 3: Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí (opens in a new tab)
Episode 3: Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí
Malachaí Ó hAgáin on a four-school partnership using Magherafelt as a living classroom to explore peace and reconciliation, and embracing the Irish language.
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Watch the episode: Episode 4: Groggan Primary School (opens in a new tab)
Episode 4: Groggan Primary School
Evie Hunter on a partnership with Millquarter Primary School focused on building digital skills, and Adobe training through the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE professional learning programme.
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Watch the episode: Episode 5: Deele College and The Royal and Prior School (opens in a new tab)
Episode 5: Deele College and The Royal and Prior School
Joe Boyle and Howard Welch on a Shared Education partnership in Raphoe, Co. Donegal that is strengthening communities and championing inclusion.
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Watch the episode: Episode 6: Ceara School and Carrick Primary School (opens in a new tab)
Episode 6: Ceara School and Carrick Primary School
Roisin Reid and Julie Gorman on bringing pupils together in Lurgan through outdoor learning and forest school experiences.
PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks
Series 2
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Watch the episode: Episode 1: Professor Tony Gallagher (opens in a new tab)
Episode 1: Professor Tony Gallagher
The origins, impact and future of Shared Education, and the distinctions between Shared and Integrated Education.
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Watch the episode: Episode 2: Siobhán Fitzpatrick (opens in a new tab)
Episode 2: Siobhán Fitzpatrick
Former Early Years Chief Executive Officer Siobhán Fitzpatrick on how Shared Education can shape young lives, and the legacy of programmes like Sharing from the Start.
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Watch the episode: Episode 3: Vera Shanahan (opens in a new tab)
Episode 3: Vera Shanahan
The child-centred ethos of Educate Together schools and the Learn Together curriculum, and the opportunities and challenges of school partnerships.
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Watch the episode: Episode 4: Peter Day (opens in a new tab)
Episode 4: Peter Day
Peter Day from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council on how Shared Education fosters inclusion and strengthens community ties.
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Watch the episode: Episode 5: Norman Richardson (opens in a new tab)
Episode 5: Norman Richardson
Insights from a career in shared education and peacebuilding, the evolving landscape of Religious Education, and supporting future teachers.
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Watch the episode: Episode 6: Kidkare Creche and Montessori, Holy Cross Pre-school Playgroup and Wishing Well Family Centre Playgroup (opens in a new tab)
Episode 6: Kidkare Creche and Montessori, Holy Cross Pre-school Playgroup and Wishing Well Family Centre Playgroup
Early years educators share practical insights from the programme and how the Lundy Model supports children’s voice and participation.
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Watch the episode: Episode 7: Aideen Bruen and Paul Gallagher (opens in a new tab)
Episode 7: Aideen Bruen and Paul Gallagher
How children are given space to speak, be heard and influence decisions, shaping inclusive school life.
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Watch the episode: Episode 8: Child-centred practice in Irish Medium (opens in a new tab)
Episode 8: Child-centred practice in Irish Medium
An Irish-language episode exploring pupil voice, inclusion and child-centred practice in Irish Medium and Shared Education.
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Watch the episode: Episode 9: Rhona McKeever (opens in a new tab)
Episode 9: Rhona McKeever
Rhona McKeever from St John the Baptist College on a partnership with Killicomaine Junior High School and the power of pupil voice.
Contact
Talk to the ASPIRE team
Have a question about taking part, supporting your partnership or finding programme information? Contact our pre-school ASPIRE team.