Pupils from four partner schools in the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge UK Northern Ireland Final at W5 in Belfast on 25 March. The competition focused on ocean research. Students designed, built and programmed a robot over months. They met regularly and took roles like those in engineering teams with an industry mentor. The programme provided 30 hours of robotics-based STEM education over two terms.

In Bangor, pupils from Kilcooley Primary School and Clifton School joined physical development sessions with Active Youth NI, Sportstopia, Clayful Minds and Supreme Sports. Activities included team-building games, dance, mindfulness and sports.

At Banbridge Academy, students from three schools heard Professor Deirdre Heenan discuss reflecting on past conflict and building a peaceful future. Topics covered identity, politics, social cohesion and reconciliation. The session followed a visit by pupils to the Troubles and Beyond exhibition at the Ulster Museum.

Emma Foster from PEACEPLUS ASPIRE described the event with Professor Heenan as valuable, particularly after the museum visit.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE is led by the Education Authority with partners Léargas, Early Years, National Childhood Network and Fermanagh Trust. The project receives support from the PEACEPLUS programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. It offers direct contact between children and young people from all backgrounds.