Posted online: Mar 8th, 2007

Eight lucky pupils from a local primary school enjoyed a very special school trip last week thanks to a cross border partnership scheme.

The senior children from Holy Trinity National School in Dunfanaghy travelled to Newcastle-upon-Tyne for the two-day trip to meet pupils from Bailey Green Primary School in the city.

The two schools have been twinned as part of the East West Programme, aimed at encouraging friendship and understanding between young people in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The students, their two teachers and six mums travelled to the UK city after receiving school a grant of E3,000 from Leargas to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

There was no escape from schoolwork though, as the pupils spent a day in the Newcastle school and played an active part in the day’s lessons.

The highlight of the trip was a meeting with the Newcastle United and Irish goalkeeper, Shay Given at St. James’ Park. There was also a meeting with the local MP, Stephen Byers who was grilled on life in politics along with visits to Newcastle University and Hadrian’s Wall.

The school’s principal, Joan Sweeney says the trip was a great opportunity for the pupils to experience a very different school environment and culture.

“There are many contrasts between the school in Newcastle and our own in Dunfanaghy, not least the very different class numbers. At Bailey Green Primary School, there are 380 pupils whereas there are just 33 enrolled at Holy Trinity. They are also situated in a lively, metropolitan area compared to our rural seaside setting. “At the end of March, six children from Bailey Green along with three teachers will pay a visit to us in Holy Trinity to familiarise themselves with our surroundings. They will join us on our annual trip to Glenveagh and there will also be visits to Ards Forest Park and The Workhouse in Dunfanaghy as well as the chance to learn Irish dancing, Gaeilge and more about our culture here in Donegal.”