We had our first shared session on Wednesday 19th November in Bananas (Brunswick Superbowl) with our new friends from Hilltop Academy. They are ourpartner school in the Peacplus Aspire 'Shared Education programme this year again. This is an exciting cross-border project which brings children from different backgrounds together to foster Peace and Reconciliation and inclusivity through shared education. We look forward to welcoming each other to each school and playing together during the coming year creating an inclusive learning experience for every child. We had lots of fun together today playing, climbing, running, jumping and of course laughing. We finished our day with a beautiful lunch together and look forward to our next planned session in the following weeks.

On Wednesday 26th November we completed our second session with a visit to each other's settings. Our Nursery children had a memorable shared education experience at Hilltop Academy in Buncrana. The day was not only enjoyable but also a valuable opportunity to nurture important aspects of their learning and development.
Skills
• Travelling by bus encouraged independence and self-care routines.
• Playing alongside new peers developed social and communication skills.
• Trying on RNLI life jackets and helmets supported fine and gross motor skills.
Knowledge
• Children gained awareness of different school environments and the Aistear curriculum.
• They learned about the RNLI, its role in keeping people safe at sea, and the equipment used.
• Observing differences between settings expanded their understanding of diversity in learning spaces.
Dispositions
• Curiosity was evident as children noticed and asked about differences between their preschool and Hilltop Academy.
• Resilience was fostered as they adapted to a new environment and routines.
• Playfulness and imagination thrived in shared activities with new friends.
Values
• Respect for others was shown through cooperative play and listening to RNLI volunteers.
• Community spirit was highlighted by meeting parents who volunteer with the RNLI.
• Sharing lunch together reinforced the value of friendship and hospitality.
Attitudes
• Positive attitudes towards difference and inclusion were nurtured.
• Confidence grew as children engaged with unfamiliar adults and peers.
• Joy and enthusiasm were evident throughout the day, reinforcing a love of learning.
Understanding
• Children began to understand that learning can look different in other schools and countries.
• They recognised the importance of safety at sea and the role of community helpers.
• They appreciated that shared experiences build connections across communities.
This visit was more than a fun day out — it was a rich learning opportunity that strengthened children’s skills, broadened their knowledge, and deepened their values and understanding of the wider world.