Errigal College embraces Drama for All: Embracing Diversity on Icelandic visit

Errigal College in Letterkenny is delighted to announce its participation in the Erasmus+ programme with the launch of the exciting project, Drama for All: Embracing Diversity, which included a visit to Iceland. 

The project, designed to promote inclusion, build friendships and develop empathy and understanding through drama and the arts, will see students and staff engaging in international exchanges to various European countries throughout the school year. 

Five of Errigal College’s staff members, Mr Danny Mc Fadden, Ms Caitriona Hasson, Mr Evan Gorrell, Ms Vicki Raine and Ms Rose Ann Boyle completed a successful job-shadowing mobility to Reykjavik, Iceland. 

Mr. Evan Gorrell, Ms. Vicki Raine, Mr. Danny McFadden, Ms. Caitriona Hasson, and Ms. Rose Ann Boyle in front of the Kerid Crater, Iceland

Over the four-day trip, the group immersed themselves in the Icelandic school environment observing classes in drama, art, music, global perspectives, STEM, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) in their host school, Landakotsskoli. 

Speaking about their job shadowing visit to Iceland, Ms Caitriona Hasson, Errigal College’s Erasmus + coordinator said: "It was an incredible opportunity to witness the Icelandic approach to education. We shared best practices, explored how their system supports creativity and inclusion, and discussed future collaborations."

Alongside their professional learning, the team was able to experience Icelandic culture. Highlights of their trip included witnessing the magical Northern Lights, visiting the popular Sky Lagoon, and taking part in the breathtaking Golden Circle volcano tour. The combination of professional development and cultural exploration made the trip an amazing experience for all involved.

Mr Gorrell, who oversees the budget for the project, expressed gratitude for the Erasmus+ funding provided through Leargas.

READ NEXT: Letterkenny woman's 'dream come true' sharing the stage with 'Queen of Country'

"Thanks to Leargas, this initiative allows students from all backgrounds to participate without financial barriers,” he said. “It ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can get involved in the project, travel abroad, develop new skills, and experience different cultures.”

Looking ahead, the next phase of the Drama for All project will see Errigal College staff and students travelling to Athens, Greece, in 2025. There, they will continue to expand their drama-based inclusion project with their Greek partner school. Throughout the year, experts in drama, music, and inclusive education from across Europe will also visit Errigal College to provide further guidance and support.

Errigal College’s principal, Mr Mc Fadden, emphasised the importance of the Erasmus+ project for the school’s students and staff. 

"This project provides fantastic opportunities for learning from different education systems,” he said. “ We are particularly excited about how Drama for All can bring our school community closer together and create an inclusive environment through the arts".

This Erasmus+ project is funded by the European Union.