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Teachers in primary and second level schools throught our district, whose pupils take part in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are reminded that the closing date for receipt of entries this year is next Wednesday, 24th March next.
Last year over 160 pupils from schools in Co. Down submitted entries to the Competition.
Now in its 67th year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland.
Check out TEXACOCHILDRENSART.COM for more information.
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A partial return has commenced today at local Primary Schools with one MLA calling the arrangements where the school children are only back a matter of day before they have to return to home schooling 'madness'.
All Nursery, Primary One, Two and Three children return today but will be off again next Tuesday for the St Patrick's Day break.
They will then return to remote learning returning to school only after the Easter holidays.
Justin McNulty MLA has said the Minister of Education must review his plans for the phased reopening of schools.
Mr McNulty said, "The best place for children is in school, and I haven’t heard a parent, teacher or principal say anything to the contrary. I fully appreciate the need to return to school only when it is safe to do so.
"However I am completely puzzled at the Minister’s plan to have Nursery and Primary 1-3 return for two weeks, only to revert to remote learning for ten days before the Easter break. This is seemingly to allow year’s 12-14 return to Secondary Schools. This is madness and really doesn’t make sense.
"Parents and school leaders are united, they need clarity and they need to see a detailed plan for when children will return to school. Teachers want to get back to the classroom, and they know the best place for all children is back in the classroom. This proposed hokey-pokey system is fooling no one, its benefiting no one a no-one can understand the logic.
"The Executive must signal a clear plan for the return to schools. We need to know exactly when the rest of the school children will return to school and we must ensure that schools have the resources they need to support children and staff in the months ahead."
Students in years 12 to 14, who will be awarded qualifications this summer will return to full time face to face teaching from 22 March 2021.
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Southern Regional College is hosting a range of Digital Open Days from 8-11 March (4pm – 8:30pm) for students, parents and guardians to access to find out more about the variety of full and part-time further and higher education courses, apprenticeship and higher apprenticeship opportunities available for September 2021 entry.
Due to the ongoing global pandemic and the current restrictions, the College will be doing things a little differently this year as they are unable to open their campuses to host the usual Open Day style events which have been delivered in previous years.
However, the College’s Digital Open Day events promise to be very informative and engaging to ensure that both prospective students and their parents/guardians receive the expert and professional information directly from the College’s lecturers who deliver the courses. You will also find out information about the course content, entry requirements and progression pathways – all from the comfort of your home! All SRC Digital Open Day guests are invited to book their virtual place via WWW.SRC.AC.UK/OPENDAYS
Speaking of the upcoming Open Days Brian Doran, Southern Regional College Chief Executive said “Southern Regional College provides clear progression routes to higher education, training, and employment. By joining us at our Digital Open Day, this is a great way to find out more about the range of learning opportunities available and hear about the quality learning and support services. I would encourage all potential students to take the opportunity to book their place at our Digital Open Days taking place in March.”
High-quality technical and professional education and training is on offer for young people, adults and employers across the region. Southern Regional College is sure to have a course to suit you as they range from Level 2 courses and apprenticeships to A-Levels, Extended Diplomas, HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Higher Level Apprenticeships and Degrees.
Each of the College’s four faculties will be delivering a range of events by subject area and all you simply have to do is register for as many of the areas that you are interested in. All of the events will be hosted on MS Teams and after your complete your online registration, you will be sent out a link for you join on the date/time of the event.
Why not check out the SRC Digital Open Day section on their website where you will find more information about the range of student support services which include Careers Guidance, Learning Support, Student Finance, Students’ Union and so much more! It is advised that you browse this section at your leisure before the live events as many student support related questions will be answered here.
SRC provides positive progressive pathways for learners and focuses on improving the skills of our people, having a direct impact on social inclusion at a local and a regional level. The role of professional and technical education has never been more vital to the growth and prosperity of Northern Ireland's economy and colleges such as SRC play a key part in helping people to get a job, keep a job and find a better job.
Prospective students can also apply online for any full-time courses starting in September 2021 via WWW.SRC.AC.UK/FULL-TIME-COURSES from 1 March 2021.
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Schools will continue to provide remote learning until at least 5 March as part of Covid-19 restrictions. The announcement was made by Education Minister Peter Weir. This extends the previously announced reopening date by two weeks after the February half-term break.
Special schools and childcare / childminding will continue to remain open for staff and pupils and the current restrictions on youth service provision will also remain in place for this extended period.
The Minister said: “I have consistently stated that, no matter how good the quality of remote learning being provided, the removal of face-to-face learning will have a negative impact on children’s educational experience, with a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged groups and vulnerable children. Any interruption to normal schooling is only done with the greatest level of reluctance.
“My priority is to return to full-time face-to-face teaching for all as soon as possible. The aim would be to start face-to-face teaching in early March, but all actions on resumption will be dependent on the wider public health situation.”
An announcement on alternative awarding arrangements for key examination years is expected shortly.
Continuing, the Minister said: “It is important that those year groups engaged in learning for key qualifications must be prioritised in any consideration of plans for schools returning. They must have the maximum opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding required for progression to the next stage of education, employment or training.
“Given the disruption to our children’s education, educational recovery is critical to their future. I will be seeking resources to enable investment in catch up to allow children to make up for the loss of face-to-face teaching over these two academic years, and welcome the agreement in principle by the Executive to this. Core loss to the foundations of education, if missed now, could have a longer detrimental impact on children.”
In relation to school transport and Free School Meals the Minister said that the processes in place will continue.
He said: “Where children can use alternative means of travelling to school they should do so and the wearing of face coverings for post-primary pupils on school transport will continue to be mandatory.
“For children entitled to free school meals, payments in lieu of free school meals will continue to apply to any child entitled to free school meals who is learning remotely and cannot attend school as a result of the restrictions.”
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Level 3 SRC Art and Design student Christian Sloan has won top prize in the Animation Category at the prestigious annual Northern Ireland Colleges Media Awards. Supported by the Department for the Economy, these awards are now a focal point for celebrating excellence in creative media production across the Further and Higher Education sector in Northern Ireland. The Newry campus student lives in Banbridge.
Industry judges reviewed over 200 entries from all six colleges before choosing winners in Moving Image Fiction, Moving Image Factual, Animation, Photography and Music Video Production.
The judges were Mal McCann Irish News, Eavan King, British Film Institute, Vinny Cunningham, Northland Broadcast and Fionnuala Deane, Dog Ears animation company.
Fionnuala said “We saw some really excellent entries across all categories. Having been involved with the competition from the start I can say that every year the work is getting stronger and more diverse. This is a brilliant showcase of the talent which exists in media in Northern Ireland across many platforms from Animation to Factual. Congratulations to all who took part. For those who didn’t win this time, keep trying and for those who did, I know we will be hearing much more of you in the future.”
The awards, open to students at all six NI colleges, usually culminate in a gala event with a special guest speaker. On previous occasions students have heard from Damon Quinn, Producer of the Oscar nominated The Crush as well as Louise Gallagher and Shelly Love, Producer and Director of A Bump Along the Way. Unfortunately this year that was not possible but the winners will still get their trophies and prize money as well as adding the coveted NICMA winner accolade to their CV.
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Southern Regional College are hosting Northern Ireland’s biggest Christmas Panto tomorrow Thursday 10 December.
The full cast is made up of Level 3 Performing Arts students and all music used throughout the performance has been originally written and will be performed by Level 3 Music students, with live sound production and filming undertaken by students from the Level 5 HND Music course.
Thousands of school pupils from hundreds of schools across Northern Ireland have signed up to take part and ‘virtually attend’ as part of a timely and social distanced entertainment initiative led by Southern Regional College including Brackenagh West Primary School, Kilkeel; Cortamlet Primary School, Altnamackan and more.
With many traditional school Christmas plays paused this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a boldly creative team in performing arts, music, media, art, hair and beauty from Southern Regional College in Armagh have come together to present the College’s first ever online pantomime with an exciting new take on Beauty and the Beast.
The original cast is made up of more than 27 local students from Southern Regional College but video contributions from primary, secondary and special schools right across Northern Ireland are now being included in this special one-off production that will safely unite pupils, staff and parents in a festive online interactive extravaganza.
Up to 500 primary, secondary and special schools – with more than 20,000 students and staff - have already signed up to safely view the livestreamed production on Thursday 10 December from classrooms and homes across Northern Ireland.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and interest shown in this new first-time virtual production which we’re delighted to share with so many children in schools, hospitals, hospices and in care settings as part of a special Christmas treat which we hope everyone will enjoy” Teresa McBride, SRC Performing Arts Course Coordinator, said.
“Combining all our talent, skills and training in performing arts, music, media, art, hair and beauty into one dazzling digital production which can be safely shared and enjoyed across Northern Ireland and beyond is a real treat and we’re delighted to be including contributions from schools right across the region which we’ll be showcasing as part of this interactive spectacle.”
Rehearsals for the main elements of the show were carried out observing full safety guidelines at the new and spacious £35 million state-of-the-art Armagh campus which is home to theory and practical-based learning in a range of creative subjects including dance, music, performing arts and photography which are delivered in industry-leading facilities.
Facilitating the production was also a major technical feat which required comprehensive planning and logistics including the extensive use of separate rooms, spaces and timelines for filming to ensure everyone’s safety and full compliance with public health guidelines.
Looking forward to the incredible production Brian Doran, Chief Executive, Southern Regional College, said “The determination and innovation shown by students and staff in bringing this production to fruition in such challenging times is an incredible achievement. This has been a real team effort using the talents of students and staff from across so many areas of the curriculum including performing arts, hair and beauty, music, art and media. I am so proud of them all in bringing some joy and festive fun to so many students across Northern Ireland and beyond.”
“Everyone can expect magic surprises, great laughs and a cast and audience of thousands who can safely enjoy the experience. Everyone’s enthusiasm for this important project and the support of all our collaborators gave us the confidence and determination to find a way to make it possible – I cannot wait to enjoy the show. Given the challenges of this year for everyone, I also can’t think of a more appropriate way to kick off the festive season.”
Southern Regional College is the largest Further and Higher Education College outside of Belfast in Northern Ireland, with six campuses located across the counties of Armagh and Down in Newry, Armagh, Banbridge, Kilkeel, Lurgan and Portadown.
An award-winning college and a centre of excellence for teaching, learning and business support, it employs more than 900 staff and caters for more than 30,000 students annually across a range of further and higher education courses and apprenticeships. Since 2015, Southern Regional College has invested more than £50 million creating new world class educational campuses in Armagh and Banbridge.
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Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty MLA has welcomed a proposal by Ulster GAA and the IFA for a new three year Schools Sports Programme which is based on the hugely successful Curriculum Sports Programme.
Mr McNulty explained, "This week the Education Committee heard of a proposal from Ulster GAA and IFA which is currently with Minister Peter Weir for consideration and approval. The programme would be delivered over three years in primary schools and it would seek to build on the hugely successful Curriculum Sports Programme which was previously cut due to lack of funds.
"Now more than ever before we need to invest in the physical and emotional wellbeing of our young people who have been impacted so much by the Coronavirus Health Pandemic. We need to encourage young people to look after and maintain their health and well being and this programme is about encouraging children to maintain a fit, healthy and active lifestyle."
"All the evidence shows that taking part in sport and maintaining an active lifestyle from an early age doesn’t just benefit a child’s physical wellbeing, it positively influences their mental health, as well as their emotional and character development.”
The Newry and Armagh representative added "I cannot overstate the value of this programme to our young people and the vital role the high calibre coaches play in not only embedding a culture of physical activity and teamwork, but also their role in delivering important life lessons through the medium of sport.
"This week’s presentation to the Education Committee was timely and I hope that the Education Minister will be able to sign off on a funding package in the region of £2.5million which would see the programme delivered over three years."
Pupils aged 7-11
The Sports Programme, focusing on pupils aged 7 to 11, promotes the benefits of participating in sport and physical activity and encourages pupils to develop a lifelong interest in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. It also helps students increase their emotional resilience and has a particular focus on boosting sporting participation among girls.
The programme has also been praised by Education Minister, Peter Weir who said " “Children’s wellbeing is fundamentally important and central to all I do. The link between physical health and the wellbeing of young people is well-known. It is pleasing to see at first hand how this initiative helps pupils learn about mental health and wellbeing, including resilience and self-esteem.
“I recognise the contribution sport makes, not only in terms of its physical benefits, but also in raising the confidence of young people. That is why my Department has invested significantly in sports coaching provided by the IFA and Ulster GAA to support PE in primary schools.”
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2020 marks the tenth year of Flahavan’s partnership with Athletics NI, which has seen the Primary School Cross-Country League grow into a much-anticipated annual event. Over 200 schools across County Down, Southern Area, Causeway Coast, County Tyrone/Fermanagh Area, County Antrim, and North West, are expected to take part in the league this year.
Over the past 10 years a total of 43,380 children from 391 schools have taken part in the league with a 60% increase from 2010 – 2020
This year, Irish Senior Bronze Medallist, Katie Kirk, the first Flahavan’s Athletics NI league ambassador from 2010, will return for this year’s anniversary celebration. Katie will join Paralympic Gold Medallist Michael McKillop to support this year’s league.
Catherine Ashford, Events and Commercial Manager, Athletics Northern Ireland, explains how this year will work “Athletics NI is delighted to announce the 10th anniversary sponsorship with Flahavan’s Porridge for the 2020/21 season of our Primary School Cross Country League. Over the last ten years Flahavan’s has invested considerable resources in cross country at grassroots, taking the league to the next level. The brand’s support has led to a steep increase in participation of primary school children across Northern Ireland.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have postponed the Flahavan’s Cross Country League from our original start date in October, to the end of January. Subject to Executive restrictions and Sport NI guidance, round one will start on 29th January 2021, with round two kicking off on the 5th March 2021.”
Brand Marketing Manager for Flahavan’s Porridge, Alice Quirke, added “We are delighted to mark the tenth year of the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League. We in Flahavan’s are proud to have partnered with such a highly esteemed organisation to support young aspiring athletes for a full decade!
“To be able to celebrate our ten years of support for Athletics NI, whilst adhering to the regulations and restrictions is very important to us. The events may look slightly different this year, but I trust the kids and the staff will all create a memorable and exciting event regardless.
“Good luck to all of the competitors taking part this year – we are confident this will be the beginning of a very exciting sporting journey for many of them.”
“I am delighted to return as ambassador once again for Flahavan’s and Athletics NI’s ten-year Anniversary,” explained 800m Irish Senior Bronze Medallist Katie Kirk.
“I love seeing the enthusiasm and passion for athletics amongst the participants and their potential to become athletes in the future. It’s very satisfying to be given the chance to share my knowledge, and to help them to achieve their goals in any way I can!”
Michael McKillop, Paralympic Gold Medallist, added “As a para-athlete, I am extremely passionate about inspiring young people of all abilities to get involved in sport. Through my role as one of this year’s Flahavan’s ambassadors, I will share my top training tips and encourage a healthy and balanced diet. This could be the start of an exciting career for our sporting stars of the future, so I encourage all schools across Northern Ireland to get involved!”
The 2020/21 Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League will get underway in January 2021, for further information on taking part in the League, please contact the Athletics NI office on info@athleticsni.org or 028 9060 2707.
To learn more about Flahavan’s full range of products, and how you can fuel your run with tasty recipes, follow @FlahavansIRL on Twitter, or @Flahavans on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has presented to students at the Abbey CBS in Newry as part of its educational engagement.
NIHRC spoke to Learning for Life and Work (LLW) pupils about its role in promoting and protecting the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland, with the topic forming part of their Citizenship module.
Speaking on the presentation Abbey CBS Head of LLW Mr Gerald Morgan said “The students found the NIHRC presentation on Human Rights very worthwhile and insightful. It was great for them to hear directly from those who are at the forefront of working to protect everyone’s human rights in our society. The students were fully engaged throughout the presentation and benefitted greatly from the experience. We look forward to working with Jason and Zara again.”
The virtual presentation focused on the importance of the human rights that everyone in society has. Year 11 students examined which human rights they were entitled to, how some rights are absolute, and which rights can be limited in certain circumstances.
The GCSE pupils also were also shown the NIHRC’s latest short film ‘It Seems’, which focuses on climate and human rights and features Belfast poet Niamh McNally.
NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby, commented:“The Commission is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to discuss its work with LLW pupils at the Abbey CBS. It is an important function of the Commission that we engage in raising awareness of our work and that includes making students aware of what human rights they are entitled to. We thank the Abbey for inviting us to present, and wish the students every success with the rest of their Citizenship module.”
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