Write a comment
Pupils from Bunscoil au Iúir in Newry had a stand at last weeks RDS Primary Science Fair, arguably the region’s largest STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) school exhibition since coming to Belfast in 2017. The stand asked the question 'Do different sources of water conduct electricity', and Primary 6 and 7 pupils were on hand to discuss their findings.
It was just one example of investigations undertaken by entire classes of primary school children, such as “Kids versus adults: Who has the quickest reflexes?” the event seeks to equip students with fundamental science skills in an exciting, creative and hands-on way.
Research shows that science and maths skills really benefit from involvement and it is anticipated it also will help encourage the uptake of STEM subjects throughout students’ education pathways and beyond.
Michael Duffy, Chief Executive of the Royal Dublin Society addressed a breakfast of STEM academics and business leaders: “One of the aims of the RDS Primary Science Fair is to improve science and maths of primary school students and we know from research that the Fair does this. We also aim to give primary school teachers greater confidence in the teaching of science and maths in creative and exciting ways. But it isn’t just about STEM skills. Questioning, resilience, teamwork and creative-thinking are all nourished through participation; and they are all life skills that will be required by the next generation for the rest of their lives.”
The RDS Primary Science Fair is already well-established in Dublin and Limerick and between the three venues will host a total of over 7,000 primary school students and their STEM projects in 2018. With an underlying ethos of encouragement through whole-class participation, all of the schools chosen to exhibit will be presented with trophies and individual certificates for students in recognition of their hard work. Constructive feedback from judges who work across science, education and STEM industries will also give students the opportunity to engage with STEM professionals.
For more information visit the RDS Primary Science Fair website: www.primarysciencefair.com
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin, welcomed local schools to Warrenpoint Town Hall for the Chairperson’s annual ‘Green Flag’ reception. The reception recognises the achievement of local schools which have obtained their Green Flags as part of the Eco-Schools Programme.
Cllr Murnin said, “The Green Flag award is internationally recognised and only obtained by schools which have reached the highest of environmental standards. I want to commend all the staff and pupils for their hard work and especially mention members of their school’s Eco Committees. By taking part in your school’s Committee you have taken the lead and shown that you care about the environment. I look forward to seeing the Green Flags flying proudly outside all your schools.”
This year saw four new schools participating, Saint Peter’s Primary School, Cloughreagh, Saint Mary’s Primary School, Mullaghbawn, Saint Patrick’s Primary School Hilltown and Castlewellan Primary School.
Cathy Gorman, Eco-Schools NI Officer, said, “We are very pleased to once again join Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in celebrating with local pupils and schools which have been awarded the prestigious international Green Flag award. Schools in the area are working on some fantastic projects and the support and encouragement from the Council undoubtedly has contributed to their success.”
Fourteen schools also renewed their Green flag status this academic year with Cumran Primary School, Clough, receiving their flag for an impressive eighth time. Downpatrick Nursery School, which was the first school in the world to receive a Green Flag award, repeated their record-breaking achievement for the tenth time.
Write a comment
Southern Regional College’s Business Support and Innovation Centre recently held a Higher Level Apprentice (HLA) Employer information session at the Newry campus. The event aimed to provide employers with further information and guidance on the HLA recruitment process and employing an HLA apprentice.
SRC currently has HLA programmes in areas such as Accountancy, Mechatronics, Computing Infrastructure and Applied Industrial Science- Chemical and Life Science pathways.
There are many benefits for employers who engage with the HLA programmes including addressing skills gaps, bringing new ideas to your business and the ability to train a new employee or upskill an existing employee, along with the academic support at SRC to meet the needs of your business.
If you would like more information about employing a Higher Level Apprentice please contact Michelle on Tel: 028 3025 9724.
Write a comment
Students from Our Lady’s Grammar School in Newry are celebrating a very successful year with superb results achieved in their A Level results.
Principal, Mrs Fiona McAlinden, expressed her congratulations to the class of 2018. ‘’Well done to the Our Lady’s A Level class of 2018. The students have achieved outstanding success and their hard work has been justly rewarded.
"I would like to take this opportunity to praise our dedicated teachers and to thank our parents for their support. I wish the girls all the best in their future careers as they move forward to this new and exciting chapter in their lives.’’
Next week it's the turn of GCSE students to receive their results.
Write a comment
Newry students starting university next month will have the opportunity to live in Queen’s Accommodation – even if they aren’t studying at Queen’s University.
Queen’s University Belfast Accommodation announced today that they are welcoming students from St Mary’s University College, Ulster University, Belfast Met and Stranmillis University College.
The news will delight local students keen to experience the much lauded accommodation.
And with Queen’s Accommodation opening two brand new city centre locations in Belfast, Northern Ireland students will have the chance to live in locations such as the leafy student community at Elms BT9 on the Malone Road to the sleek new city centre apartments in Elms BT1 (College Avenue) and Elms BT2 (McClintock Street).
Sinead Magennis, Accommodation Manager at Queen’s Accommodation, said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome students from across Northern Ireland. So whether you’re studying in Belfast Met or another local institution you’re more than welcome to apply for Queen’s Accommodation.
“At Queen’s Accommodation we offer free off-peak membership of Queen’s Sport, flexible contract options, all-inclusive fees, a 24 hour reception, security staff every night and access to an action-packed residential life programme of over 350 events.
“We also offer free high-speed wired and Wi-Fi internet, contents insurance and full maintenance support 7 days a week,” Sinead added.
Queen’s students can apply today at www.qub.ac.uk
Non-Queen’s students can apply today at www.questback.com
Write a comment
The final presentation of the Newry Prince’s Trust Team was held recently at Southern Regional College. The students spoke positively about how the programme has impacted upon their lives and helped them to decide on their future.
The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a free 12 week course which helps unemployed young people, aged 16-24, to develop new skills, increase their confidence and gain a qualification.
The next Prince's Trust Team programme is due to commence on 17th September 2018, if you or someone you know is interested in taking part please contact Fiona Ferris at SRC on 078 9459 4777 or email ferrisf@src.ac.uk
Write a comment
St Paul's High School, Bessbrook held their Senior prize night on Thursday making presentations to GCSE and A Level students who completed their exams in 2018. Principal Jarlath Burns acknowledged the achievements of all those present. Guest Speaker on the night was past pupil Dr Caitlin Malone who made the journey from Derry.
Write a comment
Ulster University in conjunction with Southern Regional College are offering a part time Diploma in the Irish Language at their Newry Campus. The diploma is proving very popular with only a few places left.
The course offers the opportunity to study the Irish language from a totally fresh beginning. It aims to bring students to a high level of competence in spoken and writen Irish by the end of the 2 years. Mature students are particularly welcome.
The diploma will run for 30 weeks per year over two years. Year 1: 6.30pm - 9.30pm Monday and Wednesday.
Students much normally have attained 5 passes (including English Language) at Grade C or above and should be at least 18 years of age.
Students will be in a position to gain employment in organisations wher spoken and written Irish is a requirement. You could also progress to study a BA Degree in Irish.
Furthur information from John McCaul at mccaulj@src.ac.uk or 0300 1231223
Write a comment
Seventeen Southern Regional College students are preparing to compete at the National Finals of the WorldSkills UK Competitions at the NEC in Birmingham in November.
The17 skilled young apprentices and students from SRC will compete in front of over 70,000 visitors at WorldSkills UK LIVE from 15 – 17 November.
WorldSkills UK LIVE is the country’s largest experiential skills, apprenticeships and careers event. WorldSkills UK Competitions are run in over 60 skill areas and are proven to help people go further, faster in their training and chosen career.
Dr Neil Bentley, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Our competitions equip apprentices and learners with the lifelong, world-class skills that will drive up training standards to the highest level to help boost UK productivity and competitiveness.”
The successful students from SRC will spend from now until November training for the WorldSkills UK Competitions, supported by their lecturers in the various skills areas. If successful in the National Finals they could be invited to join the WorldSkills UK training programme for the International WorldSkills Competition to be held in Shanghai, China in 2021.
Southern Regional College students who will be competing at the WorldSkills UK Finals are Shannon Mallon from Armagh, Kathryn Grant from Tandragee and Kirsty Frazer from Newtownhamilton, who were selected to compete in Beauty Therapy.
Saulius Repecka from Armagh will be competing in the Butchery category. In the Health and Social Care category, Sorcha Downey from Mayobridge has been selected.
Three students have been selected to compete in the Forensic Science Category; Nathan Cowan from Portadown, Joshua McKee from Tandragee and Elizabeth McAleavey from Laurencetown.
The Wall and Floor Tiling category also has three competitors from Southern Regional College; Odhran Connolly from Gilford, Sean McLoughlin from Newry and Cathal Murphy from Newry.
In Plastering and Drywall Systems, Glenn McArdle from Bessbrook will be competing. For Plumbing, Shane Murray from Keady has been selected and Benjamin Martin from Armagh has been selected for Electrical Installation.
Three of our Level 1 students have also got through to Inclusive Skills section of the competition for the first time. Bronagh Boothman from Dundalk and Thomas Neagle from Newry have been selected for the Catering category and Dalton McCoy from Portadown will compete in the Restaurant Service category.
Mr. Brian Doran, Chief Executive at Southern Regional College commented: “We are absolutely delighted that 17 of our students have been selected to participate at the WorldSkills UK competition, an event which showcases the very best talent from across the UK. Southern Regional College has the largest number of participants selected to compete from any college in Northern Ireland and this is a testament not only to the skill level of our participants but also to the support and professionalism of their lecturers. I wish each of our participants every success as they compete in Birmingham in November.”
 |
 |
 |