Write a comment
No less than six first-class honours and seven 2:1 classifications have been conferred on Students studying on the BA (Hons) Degree in English and History at Southern Regional College’s, Newry campus.
This is an outstanding accomplishment for the students who have come from different educational backgrounds prior to starting the degree programme at the College. To mark their achievement and celebrate their success, the College hosted a ‘Course Carnival’ on Thursday 26th May at the College’s Graduate Restaurant in Newry. The carnival saw attendance from SRC staff, both past and present, alongside students, their families, and friends. The graduands were invited to speak to others about their experience on the degree programme and there were lots of fun activities including quizzes, poetry, a book swap, and light refreshments.
The graduands will be officially conferred with their degrees at the College’s Higher Education Graduation Ceremony on 2 September and many hope to continue their educational journey by applying to Masters programmes within Northern Ireland and around the globe. Others hope to move into lecturing roles and other new employment opportunities.
Speaking at the event Dr Liz Finnigan, Course Director for the BA (Hons) English & History said “The final gradings conferred provide a reflection on the hard work, determination and effort that our students put into achieving their final marks. It’s a remarkable achievement for each individual student and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
The BA (Hons) English & History is taught at SRC and validated by Liverpool John Moores University. It allows students to undertake higher level study in a range of disciplines across English Literature and History as well as helping them acquire the related intellectual, professional, and transferable skills needed to secure employment or progress to Masters level study and onwards. Students are given the opportunity to engage in several enrichment activities including involvement in the delivery of an international academic conference and contributing to academic research projects.
To find out more information on this course please visit the Southern Regional College website www.src.ac.uk or call the College on 0300 123 1223.
Write a comment
Staff and pupils of St Malachy’s Primary School, Carnagat had a double celebration today, 13 June, when they were the recipients of two prestigious awards.
During the awards ceremony the school choir performed and pupils showcased many other initiatives the school has undertaken to promote self- esteem and managing feelings including Roots of Empathy, the Bolster ‘Friends for Life’ programme, ’The Little Sunflower’ programme and ‘Build to Express.’ The event ended with a wonderful rendition of Reach for the Stars, something these pupils will certainly do.
Guests from the Education Authority and Barnardo's were joined by Mickey Brady, MP and Liz Kimmins, MLA.
The Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark award for excellence in Nurture Provision was presented to the Nurture unit known as ‘The Happy Hub’ by Sean Irving (EA) Regional Manager for Nurture.
The SEL Worldwide Model School award, presented for exceptional delivery of the PATHS® Programme for Schools (NI Version) was presented by Mairead Ewart (Programme Manager Barnardo’s) and Mrs Martina Luiten (Programme co-ordinator Barnardo’s.)
The event marked the closing of a three day celebration of Nurture which included a whole school big breakfast, a cake sale and bake off, and a pre-loved book and toy sale.
School Principal Miss Mary Creegan commented that ‘since its formation The Happy Hub has catered for 44 pupils and has benefited many more of our older pupils who attended key stage 2 Nurture clubs. The PATHs programme has greatly enhanced our efforts in becoming a Nurturing school. There have been many measurable improvements in our pupils in terms of behaviour and greater confidence and self-esteem. All staff have embraced the language and principles of Nurture and the Happy hub has become the core of our entire school community.
Write a comment
After consultation with stakeholders in the Kilkeel Harbour area, Southern Regional College (SRC) has developed the Harbour Skills & Jobs project which aims to promote lifelong learning, growth, and job-based recovery in Kilkeel area. SRC has been very fortunate to have gained funding from SEAFLAG to run this project and deliver a new innovating job funding programme in the Kilkeel area.
The South East Area Fishers Local Action Group (SEAFLAG), launched in 2018 and was awarded £2.3m to deliver community-led local development in the Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavoige. The SEAFLAG Development Strategy has been developed to help sustain Northern Ireland fishing communities, invest in skills, create jobs, and enhance the environment.
SEAFLAG has been established to provide support for the sustainable development of the fisheries area. SEAFLAG seeks to address the social and economic issues in the fishing dependent communities through the development of community and private sector capacity to initiate deliver and manage sustainable projects.
This project will run in in partnership with Clanrye Training Group and collaborate with local businesses, Jobs and Benefits and other stakeholders. The motive behind this project is to address the gap in skills across many industries and attract local people to consider a change in career or possibly kickstart their career journey!
The project will consist of a 12-week paid training and placement programme for 16 lucky individuals in areas such as Business, ICT, Marine Engine & Engineering, Food Technology, Graphic Design and much more!!
One week one, individuals will attend SRC to receive the underpinning knowledge and skills to better equip them for their workplace and in doing so will gain an accredited training course.
SRC and Clanrye Group will work with each employer throughout the 12-week programme to ensure students are gaining invaluable skills and knowledge that are necessary to progress them into possible employment. Students may be afforded the opportunity to secure full time employment after the programme is completed.
If you are interested in the project or would like to find our more, please contact the following individuals:
Jim Cunningham
T: 07711981732
E: cunninghamj@src.ac.uk Or
Lesley Hamilton
T: 07841 102846
E: hamiltonl@src.ac.uk
Write a comment
On Wednesday 25 May, Southern Regional College hosted the Celebration of Success Awards at Armagh City Hotel. This event aims to recognise the excellence of their further education and work-based learning students. Family, friends, students and staff all came together to help celebrate the students’ achievements.
Awards were presented to students who excelled academically within their faculty, achieved success through extracurricular activities and those who have worked hard and went the extra mile in terms of fundraising or demonstrating inclusivity. It was great to see a diverse range of individuals from all subject areas being presented with awards.
SRC’s Curriculum Director, Keith Kilpatrick, hosted this year’s event and speeches were given by our Head of Facilities as well as Matthew McKeown, a former Higher Level Apprenticeship student in Digital Marketing who shared his inspirational story and outlined how SRC has been a catalyst to his successful career. The event also included SRC performing arts students providing entertainment through song and dance.
An SRC Spokesperson said "Congratulations to all students both runners up and winners. It was great to see a diverse range of talent and skills recognised at Southern Regional College. Each and every one of you should be extremely proud of your achievements."
Write a comment
A new initiative by Southern Regional College to help address the skills shortage in the Software Sector has been launched.
The ‘NextGen Coders’ project based in its state-of-the-art Banbridge Campus aims to help address this imbalance by increasing the number of young people opting to undertake suitable programme of study at GCSE level through the degree level in computer science and software development.
A recent study conducted by Invest NI, has outlined the significant lack of skills in coding, so much so that the software industry will suffer from a undersupply of people with software skills to support the growth of the IT sector in Northern Ireland.
Stephen Rogan, Head of Faculty for Computing, Design & Academic Studies said at the launch “We aim to work with local schools to support the delivery of relevant software related curriculum at both GCSE and A Level. Working with the Further Education Sector IT Curriculum HUB, the outcomes of this pilot programme at Southern Regional College will be rolled out across the other five regional colleges”.
“Within the project, there are several strands aimed at tackling the lack of graduates with software coding skills. These include a series of coding and information workshops, the delivery of GCSE Digital Technology (programming route) and offering the AS/A-Level in Systems Software Development to local secondary schools within the four ‘Area Learning Communities’ in the Southern region”.
This initiative is being delivered jointly with the software sector who will be involved in several areas from hosting master workshops, supporting work placement, to providing information and guidance on career opportunities and progression opportunities in local Universities and Colleges.
The College will be offering the GCSE in Digital Technology to any young person entering key stage 4 next year. The GCSE is being offered free of charge in conjunction with the Area Learning Communities in Newry, Banbridge, Armagh and Portadown.
To find out more about NextGen Coders and register your interest please contact Stephen Rogan email: rogans@src.ac.uk
Write a comment
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced it is hosting a pilot careers inspiration event for over 700 Year 9 pupils on Thursday 9 June 2022 in Newry Leisure Centre.
The event, 4C UR Future LIVEwill be delivered by local social enterprise, 4C UR Future, an industry-led Community Interest Company founded by business leader Rose Mary Stalker. The company works collaboratively with a wide range of employers from key sectors in Northern Ireland to empower young people to make more informed education and career choices.
The 4C UR Future LIVEevent will be a fun, fast-paced, action-packed day of interactive skills games and work-based challenges. Each game will be co-created and delivered by local employers, providing Year 9 students with an insight into the future world of work, while helping them to identify their own strengths and talents.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason welcomed the delivery of the 4C UR Future Event saying, “There has been an overwhelming interest from local schools to participate in this interactive skills-based event, to engage students in career inspiring activities. We are delighted that over 700 year 9 students will be participating.”
Cllr Mason continued, “The event is open to all schools within our district and the support and engagement of our local employers in skills-based events like this will be key to developing our local and future talent. I would encourage any employers interested in getting involved to speak to a member of our Businesses Development team.”
To further support these LIVEevents, 4C UR Future are launching a new Careers Portal in September 2022 which will be available for all pupils and schools to use. This bespoke and employer-led digital platform will provide young people with a go-to resource for impartial and up-to-date careers information.
4C UR Future Managing Director, Rachel Doherty, said, “With the support ofNewry, Mourne and Down District Council, we are delighted to be holding a pilot 4C UR Future LIVEevent at Newry Leisure Centre in June. Over 50 employers are involved in delivering 4C UR Future LIVE2022 and we’re mobilising almost 300 ‘Career Heroes’ from our volunteer community to deliver and facilitate LIVEevents across the province. We welcome more local employers to reach out and get involved in these game-changing events.”
Ms. Doherty continued, “The world of work is changing rapidly with new jobs, and even entirely new sectors, emerging. This has resulted in a complex careers landscape that can make choosing GCSE subjects, further education pathways, and future career options overwhelming, confusing, and stressful for our young people.
Through 4C UR Future LIVEevents and our first-generation Careers Portal, which is launching in September, we aim to keep young people informed about the wide range of opportunities available to them, to help them navigate the complex careers landscape, and inspire them to achieve their ambitions and become the best version of themselves.”
1 Comment
Jordan Mark, a former SRC student from Rathfriland has returned to SRC and commenced employment as a full-time joinery lecturer, at Greenbank Campus.
Jordan first attended SRC as part of school partnership programme (SPP) while he was studying at Rathfriland High School.
As part of the SPP programme, Jordan studied Joinery and Tiling but within a few weeks of the course, he knew Joinery was the perfect fit. At the end of the two years, Jordan was awarded ‘Best in School’ and ‘Best in Subject’ at the SPP awards due to the magnificent talent and skills he displayed throughout the course. Following his success, he continued his education at SRC and enrolled for the NVQ Level 2 certificate in Joinery. He continued to be an excelling student and added to his trophy collection by successfully qualifying in the Regional and National WorldSkills finals.
Since then, Jordan has spent time working in London and has been employed by companies such as Annett and Ingram Construction and 3 Interiors. Jordan is returning to SRC with a wealth of experience and knowledge from the industry and hopes to share the knowledge, skills and experience that he has developed to current and future students and in turn help them experience the same success that he has.
Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive at Southern Regional College said “I am delighted to welcome Jordan Mark back to Southern Regional College as a member of our lecturing team. Jordan’s enthusiasm and passion for carpentry and joinery was evident from his time as an apprentice and when he competed at WorldSkills UK. I have no doubt that Jordan will inspire our students to follow his path to success. I wish Jordan all the best in his new role within the College”.
Write a comment
Dromintee student Patrick Roe is one of three Ulster University students who have received scholarships from Choice Housing, one of the largest independent housing associations in Northern Ireland. The ‘Choice Scholarship’, in partnership with Ulster University, provides much needed support to those who face financial, social, and logistical barriers to furthering their education.
Speaking about the opportunities the scholarship has created Roe, BSc Hons Computer Science, said “This scholarship has allowed me to invest more into my education as I was able to purchase IT equipment to assist with my studies. Having this will benefit me massively, and the Choice Scholarship has made that possible which means the world to me.
"I am thoroughly enjoying computer science as it has helped me further develop my problem-solving skills, my favourite aspect being programming as it is the most rewarding for me. In the future, I hope to work in a tech firm within the programming department.
"I have always been interested in new and emerging technologies and with our world becoming more and more digitised, a career in tech will bring benefits in the advancement of society.”
Since its launch in 2019, 12 students have received support by the scheme, which will support up to fifteen students over a five-year period. The partnership is aimed at encouraging those who are less likely to progress to higher education and will also contribute towards creating a fairer society and supporting economic growth.
This year, three First Year Students have been selected to receive the Choice Scholarship. The undergraduate students who met widening access and participation criteria established by Ulster University were each awarded prizes of £1,000.
Speaking about the ‘Choice Scholarships’, Michael McDonnell, Group CEO at Choice said “We are delighted to be continuing this important partnership with Ulster University at this crucial time for young people in higher education. As part of our commitment to local communities, we are investing in and developing thriving communities, using housing as a foundation for transforming people’s lives. This commitment goes beyond the provision of housing, identifying the wider need of people and the positive impact they can have in their local communities.
“We hope that through these awards, Choice can help the individual recipients to succeed in the future and empower them on their journey through higher education during incredibly challenging times.”
Karen Delgado, Head of Corporate Engagement at Ulster University said “For many, the biggest barrier to accessing Higher Education is a financial one. Not everyone has the same opportunities in life and the COVID pandemic has further heightened this disparity in personal circumstances often meaning that no matter how able someone is, or how much they want to learn and develop, they simply aren’t able to access or undertake a degree qualification. Without scholarship support their talent, insight and potential as a future employee, problem solver, leader and employer may never be realised and this inequality of progression to Higher Education will impact the diversity of Northern Ireland’s future workforce.
“We are very grateful for Choice’s continued support which has made a life changing impact on many students, supporting them to complete a degree at Ulster University, learn new things, meet new people and kick start their career. “
Write a comment
Staff and students from he Southern Regional College have congratulated student Katrina Magee who took part in the 2022 Ulster Special Olympics Advancement Equestrian back in March.
Katrina was awarded 2nd place in English Equestrian and 3rd place in Equestrian walking trials.
Katrina is currently studying Level 2 Vocational Studies in Hospitality and enjoys increasing her knowledge and skills. She holds a strong passion for sport and is a member of the special Olympic, Ulster golf and swimming teams.
Katrina is an asset to SRC and a great role model. Her determination, hard work and motivation is inspiring. We would like to congratulate Katrina and wish her all the best in future competitions. We look forward to continuing to hear of Katrina’s success.
 |
 |
 |