| Eight
primary schools from the Newry and Armagh areas and their
partner schools from the midlands in the Republic are participating
in the cross-border initiative which involves writing with
and for each other, including writing online.
Mary Yarr, SELB Languages Adviser, said: “Developing
links with a partner school provides a natural focus for language
learning and cultural awareness in a very real way and in
an atmosphere of positive curiosity.
“Children become directly involved in creating learning
partnerships with opportunities to explore and share experiences
through ‘Writing Together’. It is enjoyable and
purposeful both linguistically and culturally and it serves
to foster positive attitudes towards others.”
Mandy Cumming is principal of Dromore Road Primary School,
Warrenpoint, which is one of the partner schools in the project.
Ms Cumming said: “The children have found the Writing
Together project very exciting. They have developed great
friendships with the children in Clonaghadoo, County Offaly,
and look forward to receiving the work from the other school.”
Ms Cumming said teachers taking part in the project have also
developed friendships and strong working relationships through
their involvement.
As a result of ‘Writing Together’, pupils from
Trumera Primary Scool, County Laois, have visited Kilbroney
Integrated Primary School in Rostrevor, said Trumera principal
Liam O’Neill.
Mr O’Neill said: “We were so enthused by the project
that we travelled to Kilbroney to meet the children. The link
is fostering friendship and understanding and, as the children
have now met those they are writing to, the visit gave meaning
to the writing.”
The eight primary schools from the Newry/Armagh area involved
in Writing Together are: Mount St Catherine’s, Armagh;
Saints and Scholars, Armagh; St Colman’s Abbey, Newry;
St Patrick’s, Crossmaglen; Windsor Hill, Newry,; Clea,
Keady; Dromore Road, Warrenpoint; Kilbroney, Rostrevor. The
partner schools from the Midlands are: Convent of Mercy Birr,
Clonaghadoo, Killenard, Killeigh, Scoil Mhuire Tullamore,
Roscrea, Trumera and Scoil Bhride Rathdowney. |
