About PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks - Shared Education Podcast Series
PEACEPLUS 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 Project. PEACEPLUS ASPIRE brings together educators, children, young people, parents and communities to foster good relations, promote peace, and empower the next generation to build a more cohesive and prosperous society. PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks offers stories, strategies, and inspiration to help all of us build better, more connected communities through education.
Rhona McKeever: Championing Pupil Voice in Post Primary Shared Education (Episode 15)
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.
8 Jun 2026
Tigernach Ní Chaisíde: Irish Medium and Shared Education (Episode 14)
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 (https://ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7)
25 May 2026
Aideen Bruen and Paul Gallagher: Strengthening Pupil Voice in School Life (Episode 13)
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 settings. Tune in for inspiring stories and proven strategies to enhance your educational practice.
27 Apr 2026
Norman Richardson: His Shared Education Journey & the Changing Landscape of Religious Education (episode 11)
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 future teachers in a divided society. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the enduring importance of cultural and religious understanding for effective citizenship.
13 Apr 2026
Peter Day: Forging Connections within Shared Education and Community Inclusion (Episode 10)
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.
30 Mar 2026
Vera Shanahan – Shared Education and Inclusive Schools (Episode 9)
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.
16 Mar 2026
Siobhán Fitzpatrick: Transforming early years through Shared Education (Episode 8)
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 passionate about child development and positive community change through Shared Education.
2 Mar 2026
Professor Tony Gallagher: Bridging Divides and the Power of Shared Education (Episode 7)
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 changing religious demographics, and highlights the global interest in Northern Ireland's approach. Tune in to discover the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering collaboration among settings, schools and communities.
8 Dec 2025
Roisin Reid and Julie Gorman: Embracing Outdoor Learning in Shared Education (Episode 6)
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.
Roisin and Julie share the story of how their collaboration began, the powerful impact it’s had on pupils and staff alike, and how learning in nature is helping to build stronger, more connected school communities. From muddy boots to meaningful moments, this episode explores how outdoor education is transforming the way children learn and grow—together.
24 Nov 2025
Joe Boyle & Howard Welch: How Shared Education in Raphoe, Co. Donegal, is Strengthening Connections and Inspiring Inclusion (Episode 5)
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 work, the benefits for students and staff, and why they believe every school should embrace collaborative working. Plus, hear about their exciting plans for the year ahead and how their partnership continues to evolve.
This episode is a celebration of community, connection, and the transformative power of working together.
10 Nov 2025
Evie Hunter: Building Digital Skills through Shared Education (Episode 4)
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 digital tools are transforming shared education activities. She also shares exciting plans for the year ahead and offers valuable insights into staff development and supporting educators in a digital-first learning environment.
27 Oct 2025
Malachaí Ó hAgáin: Magherafelt’s PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Schools Fostering Shared Education, Irish Language, and Community Inclusion (Episode 3)
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 reconciliation. Malachaí shares how the partnership has embraced the Irish language, navigated the complexities of a four-way collaboration, and created meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the school gates.
Tune in to hear how this inspiring initiative is planning to bring parents and the wider community into the fold this year—and why Magherafelt is becoming a model for inclusive, place-based education.
13 Oct 2025
Keith Williamson & Celeste McEvoy: How PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Ambassadors Lead Together in inspiring Shared Education through Creativity, Culture, and Community (Episode 2)
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 diversityworkshops, cultural celebration days, and the arts and music into their joint activities, creating meaningful connections across communities.
They also open up about the realities of managing a post-primary partnership, the challenges they’ve faced, and the creative ways they’ve overcome them. Plus, get a glimpse into their exciting plans for next year—including a collaborative art mural in Downpatrick that promises to leavea lasting legacy.
This episode is a celebration of leadership,creativity, and the power of partnership in education
29 Sept 2025
Clare Evans & Bernie Pentony: Collaboration, digital learning and the future of inclusive education (Episode 1)
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 inclusive learning, this conversation is full of insights, inspiration, and practical ideas.
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