Managed by
Funded by
Programme Purpose The Sharing Education Programme (SEP) is funded by the International Fund for Ireland and the Atlantic Philanthropies and is managed by Queen’s University, Belfast. The purpose of SEP is to encourage schools to make cross-sectoral collaborations an integral part of school life, creating enhanced educational and personal development opportunities for everyone involved.
Our Partnership We have named our partnership ‘P.E.A.C.E. in South Armagh’ (Partnership for Education And Community Enrichment in South Armagh) and the title of our project is ‘A Chance For All’. There are 4 main Partner Schools:
St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook (Host School)
Newtownhamilton High School
Rathore School for Children with Special Educational Needs, Newry
Bessbrook Primary School
We have two additional partner primary schools in St Joseph’s Primary School, Bessbrook and St Joseph’s Primary School, Meigh who are working with Bessbrook Primary School on Music and Modern Languages collaborative initiatives.
Objectives
Activities
The P.E.A.C.E. in South Armagh partnership is committed to the following objectives:
The specific activities which will contribute greatly to reconciliation within our partnership include:
To promote and foster cultural appreciation and mutual understanding
1
To create a sense of inclusivity and celebrate diversity
To raise awareness of the need for collaboration and inclusivity irrespective of ability, religion or cultural backgrounds among all key stakeholders
To develop creativity and communication skills
To assist all schools with meeting the requirements of the Entitlement Framework through the provision of shared GCSE courses
To provide opportunities for students to attain a wider range of qualifications
To share expertise in a wide range of areas across all of the partner schools (Drama / IT / SEN / Modern Languages / Science / Moving Image Art)
To improve Learning and Teaching within the Area Learning Community (ALC) by sharing good practice, resources and provision of enrichment and extra curricular activities
To promote the health and well being of all students as outlined in the DENI documentation ‘Every School A Good School’ by developing an outdoor pursuits skills based programme
To establish a programme to develop and enhance sporting skills traditional to both communities
To develop mutual respect ,understanding and team spirit among pupils from both traditions playing as part of the one team
To promote good community relations and contribute to capacity building in our community
The formation of a Joint Rugby Team made up of pupils from both St Paul’s H.S. and Newtownhamilton H.S. to work together as one and compete in competitions against other schools. These pupils will develop a sense of unity and inclusion as well as the essential life skills of working with others, sharing opinions and respecting others. We recognise the necessity of developing such qualities in our young people before they enter the world of work.
2 The Learning for Life and Work Activities will all be based around the theme of reconciliation.
Students will take part in joint lessons and workshops on the theme of Cultural Diversity. They will plan and present a whole-school event which is designed to celebrate their cultural identity and promote inclusion of all. They will participate in various team building activities and trips throughout the programme.
3 Our Performing Arts Activities which involve all of our partner schools in the areas of music,
drama and dance will provide a vehicle to encourage a greater understanding of the value of inclusivity.
4
Team-building trips and events, including the outdoor pursuits programme will support and enhance the fostering of an ethos and climate of mutual understanding and respect.
5
Shared GCSE Courses will provide opportunities to work together for a common goal of educational equity for all young people and it will empower staff to establish lasting and enduring links that will continue to be meaningful and active beyond the 3 year cycle of the SEP.
Contact Details St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook
Rathore School for Children with Special Educational Needs, Newry
Principal:
Principal:
Mr O Mooney
Mr R Cassidy
Telephone: 028 3083 0309
Telephone: 028 3026 1617
Email: omooney868@cckni.net
Email: rcassidy687@c2kni.net
Newtownhamilton High School
Bessbrook Primary School
Principal:
Principal:
Mr G Mullen
Mr A Maguire
Telephone: 028 3087 8246
Telephone: 028 3083 8002
Email: gmullan521@c2kni.net
Email: rpark482@c2kni.net