CRIS Shared Education Programmes

CRIS's "Knowing Me, Knowing You" programme helps Key Stage 2 pupils develop strong cross-community relationships through an engaging inter-school buddying system. With a laser-sharp focus on reconciliation, it guides pupils to explore diversity, identity, teamwork, and cultural expression, promoting mutual respect and greater self-awareness.

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Programme Cost: £4,780 (2 school partnership)
Programme Cost: £6,830 (3 school partnership)

What’s included:

• 2 planning meetings with school staff and ongoing support throughout programme sessional delivery

• Resources to support inter-school buddying of pupils

• 4 individual class-based sessions per school (*specific programme structure can be negotiated with schools to include a further contact session and reduce the number of class-based sessions if preferred). Class based sessions enable pupils to explore more sensitive topics on an intra-school basis and aids capacity and confidence building of teaching staff to work with sensitive topics.

• 3 shared contact sessions (4 – 4.5 hours each) for a total of up to 14 hours of contact time. Flexibility to increase contact hours by adding a further contact session.

• Facilitated by highly skilled CRIS staff with specialised expertise in program delivery

• Pupil Booklets and Teacher Resource Packs

• Additional session materials

• Support throughout programme including guidance on shared digital sessions, evaluation and partnership development

Key Session Themes:

• Group Contracting and Relationship Building – Developing trust and connection

• Teamwork – Working together across school communities

• Identity & Self-Awareness – Understanding who we are

• Community – Recognising shared spaces and values

• Culture – Exploring traditions, language and expression

• Conflict – Learning how to manage differences constructively

• Flags and Symbols – Understanding meaning and impact

Extending Contact Time:

• The programme structure provides 14 hours of direct contact time. CRIS can provide guidance to extend contact time through teacher-led shared digital sessions between workshops. Our team can guide schools in designing these additional sessions to suit their capacity and goals.

• Participants collaborate on a shared social action project that strengthens community connections and deepens the programme’s real-world impact. School can consider aligning shared social action projects to the interests of the children and/ or with shared events or themed weeks such as World Book Day or Anti-Bullying Week.

• Organising informal shared playtimes or joint classroom work.

• Hosting celebration events for children and parents/carers further extends contact time and deepens the impact of the work supporting the Community Connections pillar of Shared Education.

Programme Outcomes:

By participating in the Knowing Me, Knowing You programme, pupils will:

• Build Positive Relationships - Develop trust, empathy, and communication skills through sustained peer interaction.

• Enhance Teamwork and Collaboration - Learn to work cooperatively with peers from other schools to achieve shared goals.

• Increase Self-Awareness - Reflect on their own identity, strengths, and values, and recognise how this shape their interactions with others.

• Understand Community Dynamics - Identify the similarities and differences between their own and others’ communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

• Explore and Celebrate Cultural Diversity - Gain awareness of cultural practices, traditions, and expressions through inclusive and respectful dialogue.

• Recognise and Manage Conflict Constructively - Develop strategies to handle disagreements peacefully, including active listening and respectful negotiation.

• Understand Symbols and Their Impact - Explore the meaning of flags and symbols in different contexts, encouraging critical thinking about representation and identity.

• Promote Inclusion and Respect - Show respect for others’ beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences in shared educational spaces.

• Develop Critical Thinking and Reflective Skills - Engage in thoughtful conversations about difference, fairness, and belonging.

• Strengthen Emotional Literacy

Early booking is advisable for 2025-26. If you would like to book CRIS to support your Shared Education partnership, please email: devin.drake@crisni.org or phone 07921851601